So, I beleive I mentioned having gone on a mission trip? (If not, I am saying it now.)
Here is a video of our trip. We were at Camp ASCCA, which is a camp in Lake Martin Alabama designed specially for those with special needs. ....dont ask me what "A.S.C.C.A" stands for, because I do not know. :) So, JAF Jackson (Joni and Friends) is our local Joni and Friends headquarters, and they ran the camp itself. (See JoniAndFriends.org for more about Joni Eareckson Tada) .....
Anyway. So our camp was in Alabama and it was our job as STMs (Short term missionaries) to give these (amazing) parents and siblings a break by watching/hanging out with their kids so that they could relax and have some personal time.
You can see a bit of what we did in the video.
I have never felt so much joy as I did last week. I use the term "joy" for a reason. You see, the original definition of "joy" is as follows: A feeling or emotion of satifaction or pleasure in the midst of a hardship. (Being happy/satisfied even when it's hard). I can tell you first hand. That was one of the hardest things I have ever done. It was Physically taxing to keep an eye on someone at all times. It was physically draining to have to walk with that person at all times of the day and making sure that they had what they needed before seeing to my own needs. It was mentally taxing to have to really truly strive to understand what was trying to be communicated, seeing as how the girl I was with has a very difficult time enunciating her words because she is deaf. (She taught me a LOT of sign language, though, which was so much fun) It was hard to make her understand what I was trying to say as well.
But we had fun.
Another thing that I can say with no shadow of a doubt is that I'd have not made it without leaning on Christ for every ounce of strength I had to have. About half way through the second day, I realized that there was absolutely no possible way for me to make it through the end of the week without constantly asking God for his strength, humility, and patience. I am NOT a patient person. (I may not be quick tempered, but I am CERTAINLY not patient.) If you have ever spent more than a few minutes with someone who has a disability, then you know it takes patience to work with them. I learned that through and through this last week.
So, having read this, please watch the video, and I would highly recommend looking into attending a JAF Family Retreat. It is so worth it.
Okay, well, sorry about this, but it seems that I can't post the video directly on my blog since it's unlisted... but Here's the link! :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-FzCs5xuIM&feature=youtu.be
I can assure you that you will be blessed by it. :)
I hope you have a blessed day!
In Christ's Love,
Savannah
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