I am truly at a loss for words, and those that know me would tell you that rarely happens. I probably had one of the very best weeks of my entire life. It was exhausting, rewarding, terrifying, incredible and emotional all at the same time!
I have not had much experience with anyone that is special needs, so when I signed up in January to spend a week of my summer working at a retreat for special needs I had no idea what I was truly getting myself into. I was interviewed at one point and asked if I would like to work with a typical sib (which is pretty much just what you would think a typical sibling would be, meaning a child that does not have any disabilities.) I have 4 children, 6 grandchildren and have spent countless hours through the years working with children, this sounded like a great plan and an area where I would be “comfortable”. You can imagine when I received my camper assignment and it was definitely not a typical sib, as a matter of fact, I may have very well had one of the top 3 most severely special needs at the retreat. After my additional moment of sheer panic, major anxiety and a brief thought of running I quickly pulled myself together. For a few seconds, the whole room seemed silent and I had a pounding in my heart that I felt sure all around me could hear. What was God thinking? They said they prayed over each assignment, I was wondering who prayed. What was their level of expertise in intercessory prayer for goodness sake! Within a few seconds, I remembered the words I wrote to you the very week before, that I was anticipating blessing. I was feeling this could be a little more like a train wreck than a wrecking of the holy spirit.
I began to hear God tell me that the only thing I had to do all week was to love. I did not have to do anything else. I thought I can do that! I started feeling like Rocky when he was running up the steps in the Rocky Movie and The Eye Of The Tiger was playing! My rival was the devil and he wanted me to feel defeated. I started praying for God to just help me know what to say, and how to say it. I think I failed to mention that my camper was non-verbal. I continued to pray all day the next day prior to our campers arriving. I watched the team, everyone excited to meet “their” family. In a few moments I had by myself I again was reminded that all I needed to do all week was love, that was it. I didn’t need to pull a Robyn and make it something harder or bigger than it actually was. The other thing I heard loud and clear was that I was here as much for the Aunt who was accompanying my camper as the camper herself. At that moment I let God know I had this and was not going to give 100 % but I would give beyond that and that neither of them would be able to leave not feeling loved.
Due to time and the fact, this is a blog and not a book I will just say this. Last week changed my life forever. In all my life I have never been surrounded by such unconditional love. This was felt by all, campers, families, retreat staff, leadership and the stm’s (short term missionaries) that is what I was. I paid money and gave a week of my life for something far greater than I could have ever imagined! I will love more, I will criticize less and I will reach out even when it can be uncomfortable. My camper and her aunt stole my heart, they weren’t the only ones, though, every camper stole my heart. This retreat takes place once a year and you can rest assured I will be one of the first ones registered for 2017! I really saw loving like Jesus in the most realistic way! As you can see I was most definitely wrecked by God and without a doubt even more than I planned. The blessing was far greater than what I anticipated! The theme verse for the week was Nehemiah 8:10b “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” The joy of the Lord really was my strength and he filled me with overflowing joy! If you know someone with special needs of any age or you yourself would like to be an “stm” next year check out http://www.joniandfriends.org
Until Next Time…
robynstroup 
The Lord sometimes stretches us in ways that are uncomfortable but it helps grow us in ways we never thought we could.
Prior to becoming a parent of a special needs child, I had no idea or experience with special needs. It has been difficult but also has been rewarding. You struggle more than most parents in trying to help your child in ways that other typical kids are able to do naturally. You also appreciate all of the milestones and progress they make. It’s that much sweeter and you take nothing for granted. Many of the special needs kids have such a pure, unfiltered love and are very caring. You also learn patience, compassion, persistence, and are more understanding of others – especially those who also have kids who have special needs. You are less likely to judge as someone may have a child that looks normal but might be autistic.
I worked with disabled students in a college setting for many years. We served everyone from those who were blind, cerebral palsy, deaf, and autistic. It took time for me to feel comfortable knowing how I should help or how I should relate to them. I found that even though they might have special needs, they are indeed just people inside of a body that has limitations. It has been exciting to watch them graduate and be successful. In fact, my former boss is completely blind.
My brother-in-law is deaf. He is not only a Dean in the Catholic Church but also has a Master’s Degree and teaches Deaf students at a college.
I think everyone should have an opportunity to meet and work with special needs as it will open up your world. Also remember that family members can use understanding and support.
LikeLike
I wanted to add one more thing…Those who are developmentally delayed or are autistic have a different set of challenges than those who have physical challenges. Some of these kids (mine included) may not become as “successful” as far as others career wise but they do impact and touch those around them and make the world a better place. God has a special plan for each of the kids who have special needs. We need to be in tune to God’s guidance in helping our children be the best they can be. God loves and cares for them as much as we do. We need to see them through God’s eyes.
LikeLike
Thank you Linda. I was able to work with many ends of the special needs spectrum. I learned so much. I loved everything about this time and feel so blessed I had this opportunity. I cannot wait til next year to go back! 😊
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike