The Love and Joy Found in the Family of God Has Eternal Value

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.”  

Proverbs 17:22

For parents Wendy and Earl, and their daughters, 22-year-old Bailey and 19-year-old Dara, living with disability as a family sometimes saps their strength. Bailey has a genetic disorder that makes her unable to speak, limits walking, and causes difficulties with feeding.  

But the challenges that come with Bailey’s disability can’t steal her smile. And with Bailey’s joyful temperament—and God’s provision of belonging through the Joni and Friends community—her family has a healthy dose of cheerfulness! 

Why does Bailey enjoy Family Retreat? 

Bailey loves to be active. She especially enjoys swimming and anything in the arts and crafts department. What Bailey does NOT enjoy is being left out and just sitting and watching others do something.

She wants to participate! And at Family Retreat, all the activities she loves are made accessible. 

At Family Retreat, Bailey has been paired with two volunteers—one old enough to cover her physical needs, and another lively enough to keep up with her high energy! In the morning, Bailey needs assistance getting ready for the day. But once she’s ready with her hair pulled back out of her way, she is off to the races!  

Between her two volunteers and a medical stroller to allow for breaks from walking, Bailey can take part in all the fun: worship, the petting zoo, dance parties, the talent show, and relaxing moments with friends. 

A Place to Connect and Belong 

While Bailey is non-verbal, she uses an augmented speech device to communicate. But since her mind works faster than the device, this process can get frustrating. And since her fingers have limited dexterity, Bailey can’t use sign language. Still, Bailey longs to connect and savors time with family and friends who will tune in to connect with her.

And with a smile worth more than a thousand words, Bailey has plenty to say—and plenty of joy to share. 

Beyond Family Retreat, Bailey’s family has found respite, connection, and enduring community through Joni and Friends. Last year, Wendy and Earl attended the Ohio Marriage Getaway while Bailey participated in the first-ever Joni and Friends Ohio Overnight Respite.  

Bailey, along with nine other young adults with disabilities, enjoyed a wonderful weekend of fun and activities while their parents or caregivers enjoyed respite. This represented a monumental step not only for Bailey, but for her parents as well. Preparing for the weekend, Wendy asked us to pray that she and Earl could relax at Marriage Getaway, entrusting Bailey into the hands of the caring and skilled Joni and Friends team at Overnight Respite. And God answered our prayers… 

A Lasting Difference 

During Marriage Getaway, Wendy and Earl relaxed and reconnected with one another. At the same time, Bailey had a blast at Overnight Respite! After the respite event, both staff and volunteers commented on how much they enjoyed getting to spend dedicated time with the young adults and to discover how gifted, talented, and fun they were!  

And the God-glorifying effects of both events continued to multiply after the weekend was over…

Bailey was overjoyed when Joni and Friends staff and volunteers were invited to speak at their church, further equipping the body of Christ to love, disciple, and serve families living with disability.  

With every Joni and Friends event—from Family Retreat to Marriage Getaway to Overnight Respite—people with disabilities find new hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. And while disability can be hard, the love and joy found in the family of God brings an immediate and eternal source of cheerfulness, peace, and joyful praise. 

“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy.”

Psalm 5:1