Love, Support, and True Belonging at Joni and Friends

Music fills the room at the opening worship service at a Joni and Friends International Family Retreat in Brazil. Larissa watches as her five-year-old daughter Luiza climbs onto the platform, exploring the drum set and microphone cables. Anxious questions flood Larissa’s mind…  

How will people react? Will they be frustrated with Luiza? 

Luiza, who lives with ADHD and autism, rarely stays put for more than a few seconds. She doesn’t speak, but communicates volumes with her eyes. 

Curious and energetic, Luiza loves to dance, play with bubbles, and paint. She also needs frequent redirection, patience, and gentleness from her caregivers. Loud noises, like the growl of a motorbike, and especially the sound of arguing voices, irritate and upset her. 

Struggling to Find Acceptance 

“When we received the diagnosis, we were devastated. We were afraid and anxious about how she would be treated by people.”

-Fabio, Luiza’s father 

Luiza’s mother Larissa, herself on the autism spectrum, says they often experience judgment and lack of inclusion from people who don’t understand autism. Because of this, taking Luiza out in public places can be difficult. 

People don’t like spending time around Luiza—and their negative reactions range from discouraging to outright terrifying. As Larissa says: 

“She is never invited to birthday parties, and people become angry with her in public places. We went through a situation where a man pushed Luiza just because she was running in front of him.” 

A Place of Belonging 

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”

Psalm 34:8

With the sting of rejection and discrimination so vivid and fresh for Luiza’s family, entering into the Joni and Friends community and the local church has provided refuge, and a much-needed taste of the Lord’s goodness. 

At Family Retreat, hosted by the São José dos Campos City Church, Luiza and her family experienced true belonging in the body of Christ.  

“It transformed our lives. We had love and looks of affection. Luiza and her mother felt welcomed by everyone who was there,”

-Fabio

The family was especially blessed by their new friend Lilly, who was paired with Luiza throughout the retreat. 

Lilly, a graduate of Shepherds College in Wisconsin (a school focused on educating people with intellectual disabilities) has ADHD like Luiza. And as Luiza moved from place to place, Lilly joyfully stayed by her side. Larissa watched with a full heart as Lilly played games with Luiza—a real first.  

“We wish she could move in with us!”

– Larissa

Finding Friendship and Lasting Support 

Kimi, Lilly, and Luiza emerged as a familiar trio, often busy playing together on the floor. Kimi soon picked up signals that Luiza trusted her. 

“She gave me a couple indications that we were friends as the time progressed, by reaching for me, inviting me to play with her. Encouraging her parents was another one of my goals, because the raising of a child like Luiza can be hard. They are loving her well.”  

-Kimi

Fabio and Larissa want everyone to know that through the challenges, they love Luiza very much. The family attends City Church each Sunday. Fabio has joined a men’s support group, and Larissa attends a similar group for women. 

Leaving Family Retreat after four days was a difficult, emotional experience. But the joy and encouragement of belonging in the body of Christ remain with Luiza’s family. 

“We are just amazed at what has happened here!” Larissa said, and shaking her head in wonder as tears rolled down her cheeks.