This Family Found Powerful Encouragement at Family Retreat
When Disability Becomes Personal
Andrea grew up knowing about Joni Eareckson Tada. But disability always seemed like something distant, not something she knew firsthand. Nick and Andrea had a daughter, Cosette, then decided to adopt a second little girl. When Evangeline (Eva) came to complete their family of four, disability soon became personal.
Throughout Eva’s first several years, Andrea and Nick got to know the world of therapies, evaluations, advocacy, invisible disability, future guardianship, and respite. In short, disability hit home. Eva eventually received a diagnosis: Burnside-Butler syndrome, apraxia, and autistic characteristics.
When Eva was six years old, friends encouraged Andrea and Nick to come to Family Retreat. Even though Nick couldn’t get off work to attend, Andrea decided to bring her girls. Within the Joni and Friends community, the family found powerful encouragement. For the first time in years, they didn’t feel alone in their experience living with disability.
A Place for Everyone at Family Retreat
Andrea shared the best part of Family Retreat for each of her family members:
Cosette: “I think at first our oldest daughter Cosette benefited most. As the ‘typical sibling’ she realized for the first time that she wasn’t alone. The Lord met her through lasting friendships and understanding, while showing her that he would provide the grace needed to carry on when life is hard. Cosette loves her sister, and through their relationship plus the ministry of Joni and Friends, she now has a sensitive and compassionate heart for those living with disabilities.”
Eva: “Eva enjoyed Family Retreat with all its activities, but what I especially noticed was my little girl having freedom to be herself. No one required Eva to play a game if she couldn’t understand the rules. If a room was too overwhelming, she was allowed to sit in a wagon in the back, getting pulled around by her volunteer. When she rolled on the floor at lunch instead of politely asking to be excused, no one batted an eye. That kind of acceptance isn’t usually found in public.”
Andrea: “While my children were with their groups, I found myself at a table being cared for by the dearest ladies in women’s ministry. The hands of Jesus reached out through these ladies, holding my fragile heart tenderly. In that space, the tension was released, and the healing began. While sharing at our table, another mom and I discovered that her daughter, who rarely reached out to invite anyone to play, had asked Eva, who rarely gets invited to play, to be princesses together. As the other mom began to cry, I knew that something so simple spoke volumes to mothers like us. We had a shared understanding found in few other places.”
Nick: “A couple years ago, a virtual men’s group emerged, and I encouraged Nick, to attend. Knowing he hadn’t had the chance to be at Family Retreat, I wanted him to experience support. His greatest take away from those meetings has been learning from men who have gone before him in this journey. My husband is looking forward to finally gathering in person this year at Family Retreat!”
Family Retreat… Just the Beginning
For Andrea and Nick’s family, coming to Family Retreat was just the beginning. She shared what happened next.
“Nick is one of the pastors at our church. From research and our own experience, he developed a heart for disability ministry. He reached out to Sib at Joni and Friends, and she graciously traveled to speak to our congregation… I watched her advocate for families like mine, emphasizing that our life is harder than that of typical families, but not worse. She offered examples of how the church can help, and even suggested trainings available through Joni and Friends.
While Sib spoke, Eva sat coloring. When she was done, Eva showed me her creation. It was a drawing of Spruce Lake, where the Pennsylvania Family Retreat is held. That alone spoke more than words to me about the impact Joni and Friends Pennsylvania has had on my family.
So, did I predict my involvement in Joni Eareckson Tada’s ministry? No, but now I have personally benefited from her story, and I am thankful that God directs our steps to give us just what we need.”
Andrea
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