A Kayaking First I Will Never Forget
God had such a sweet gift—a generous “first”—for me when my husband Ken and I were at our Joni and Friends New England Family Retreat a few years back. Family Retreats are always filled with firsts for kids or adults with disabilities, as well as their family members. But when you’ve been in a wheelchair as long as I have, every time I can get out and try something new is pretty significant.
We were on the shores of Otter Lake, beautiful and pristine. I was enjoying the calls of the loons and watching as accessible recreation experts, Waypoint Adventure, helped campers in and out kayaks. One of the volunteers approached Ken and suggested that I could get into one of the kayaks.
“Joni?!” Ken said with a surprised look.
My husband knows how old and frail my quadriplegic bones are. Ken is very careful in transferring me in and out of my wheelchair because it wouldn’t take much for me to break a bone.
But when Ken saw the great care in the design of this kayak for safety and comfort, he began to scratch his chin and smile.
“But you’ll have to ask Joni,” he said.
When they passed the idea by me, I jumped at the chance.
If Ken thought it would be safe, I knew it would be! So, I wheeled down by the lake, got my chair in position next to this red, two-seater kayak, and was carefully lifted into it.
For the next hour, Ken and I paddled out onto the lake amidst the cool and quiet. It was so peaceful; all we could hear was the lapping of the oars.
We drifted in the middle of the lake, overwhelmed and awestruck at God’s generosity… at this sweet gift.
It was an experience we’ll never forget.
I didn’t know it then, but while I was enjoying the peaceful quiet, there was a whole crew of Joni and Friends staff and volunteers on the shore, celebrating this special first.
I know similar celebrations happen time and again as families experience more fun, more adventure, than they ever thought possible at a Family Retreat.
Ken and I always come to Family Retreat praying we will be able to bless others. And then? We come away hugely blessed ourselves. Isn’t that just like our great God?! And it gives me so much joy to see people with disabilities like me explore all kinds of new things while at Family Retreat—but Family Retreats are about so much more!
It’s not just fun, but allows for fellowship and respite for families with disabilities.
So, visit our Joni and Friends New England events pages to learn more. There, God fulfills long-time dreams, gives unforgettable first-time experiences, and demonstrates his love and power in such personal ways.
–Joni Eareckson Tada
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We envision a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Locally we do this by reaching people where they live, caring for them where they are, and connecting those with disabilities where God wants them to be – knowing him personally in a local Christ-honoring church.
