Finding Their Place: One Family’s Journey to Belonging
An Unexpected Beginning…
As a single mom caring for a young daughter with multiple disabilities, Candice didn’t see her big life change coming. But when she met Charlie and discovered shared beliefs, interests, and values, God began a new season—and a new family.
When Charlie and Candice married, he adopted then-seven-year-old Huntleigh as his own daughter. And soon, the family grew with the births of Henley and Haelyn within the same year.
Now thirteen years old, Huntleigh loves using her beautiful voice to sing at church. Henley, now seven, dreams of becoming a marine biologist or engineer. And six-year-old Haelyn loves catching lizards and frogs.
Becoming Part of God’s Household
For Charlie, Candice, Huntleigh, Henley, and Haelyn, discovering Joni and Friends brought a new dimension of belonging and purpose into their lives. And Family Retreat in particular brings a bright spot of joy to their summer!
From the moment they arrive, each member of the family sees and experiences the love of Christ in tangible ways.
At one Family Retreat, Huntleigh met a volunteer with a disability similar to her own. Sharing about their common struggles and triumphs deeply touched Huntleigh and provided a sense of connection and perspective like never before. She has also loved making new friends, both at Family Retreat and other Joni and Friends events.
Fresh Kingdom Purpose
Family Retreat and other experiences with the Joni and Friends community have nurtured the servant hearts of Charlie, Candice, and their children, teaching them to see others as Christ does.
“Any event you attend, volunteers and staff are selflessly serving families. This ministry challenged me to look beyond myself and my family and serve others in my community.”
Candice
While attending a Church Engagement workshop at Family Retreat, Candice sensed a new call on her life. As her eyes opened to the challenges of starting and maintaining a disability ministry within a church, Candice felt nudged to explore launching a disability ministry at her family’s church.
Through our church training resources and one-on-one mentoring, Joni and Friends came alongside Candice and other church members as they met with staff, planned curriculum, and provided training for volunteers—all of which led to the establishment of the Grace Crossing Access Ministry!
A Message of Encouragement
“You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.”
Ephesians 2:19
This year marks Candice, Charlie, and their children’s third year of Family Retreat. And each member of the family has their favorite moments.
Whether it’s singing “Happy Birthday” to Charlie, exploring with buddies, or enjoying the slower pace of life, they cherish the time spent together. They all love being known—having found their place, they feel accepted and embraced just as they are.
Now, as they serve other families living with disability through their church, Candice and her family understand that opening up to new beginnings can feel daunting. Isolation and status-quo often feel safer. That’s why they extend an invitation to others—to attend a Family Retreat, open up to new friendships, and step into community through the body of Christ, becoming part of his household.
Support Joni and Friends Mississippi
When you give to Joni and Friends, you make it possible for families to find belonging, not only at our Retreats & Getaways but year-round through inclusive local churches! Learn more about Joni and Friends Mississippi.
