Joni and Friends Family Retreat Welcomes Everyone with Love
“Joni and Friends helps me give myself grace.” – Beckey
Meet Beckey and her husband, Nathan, who drive nine hours to get to Family Retreat. That’s how important this weeklong slice of heaven is to them and their five children. As Beckey says:
“Outside of Joni and Friends, people don’t think to reach out to typical siblings. But at Family Retreat, everyone is celebrated. Our three older children—Jeremiah (19), Josiah (16), and Naomi (13)—love serving here.
They get a new perspective at Family Retreat. They go through volunteer buddy training, and then when we’re home, they ask me if I need help with their younger siblings!”
The older siblings’ help is much appreciated by Beckey and Nathan; their two youngest children, Caleb (12) and Lydia (9), both have Down syndrome, and require a lot of care.
Family Retreat Is an Answer to Prayer
“A lot of my time and energy goes into my youngest two. The other kids don’t always get the attention they need. I was praying, ‘God, I need help! I need something!’ And he answered through Family Retreat.
While Caleb is more content and relaxed, Lydia has a big personality. She loves people, and in everyday life, I never know how others will react to her. At home, I don’t always have the energy to keep Lydia reined in. But I don’t need to worry about it here! Both Caleb and Lydia—and our whole family—are fully embraced.
I really appreciate being able to connect with other moms who get it. It’s so hard to find those connections outside of Family Retreat. And here, Nathan and I get time together as a couple without interruptions. We just love the vision of Joni and Friends!”
Beckey
Find Your People and a Place to Belong
No wonder Nathan and Beckey are willing to travel so far to attend Family Retreat. In fact, they have been critical in developing our new Family Retreat in Idaho!
“Families in our state need this!” says Beckey.
When thinking about other families struggling with disability, Beckey says:
“Come to Family Retreat! You’ll find a home here. You’ll find your people and a place to belong…
On my hard days I listen to Joni on the radio. I know she’s going through hard things, too, but she keeps pointing me—and pointing our hearts—to Jesus. Joni teaches me to take all my pain and surrender it to God.”
Like Beckey and Nathan’s family, many people navigating disability are searching for “their people” and a place to belong.
That’s why Joni and Friends seeks out these families, welcomes them with love, and invites them to find their place—now and forever—in the house and family of God!
Support Joni and Friends
Your generous gift will provide respite, belonging, and hope to families living with disability. Learn more about Joni and Friends.
