Barren Heights

We were blessed this summer. I mean really blessed. And it all started with a chance encounter during a really hard afternoon.

B had an unfortunate accident in his britches while at church. The only place to change a child of his size without everyone seeing him just happened to be the nurses office. Fast forward to the Nurse's mom just happened to be there and saw that I was really struggling. She slipped me a piece of paper and gave me a hug and told me that we just *had* to go to this camp for families with special needs kids. I tucked it away excited and couldn't wait to look it up once we got home. Fast forward to the beginning of April when regsitration began and we were told that we could attend the first week of June.

I was a bit anxious. I have a child that likes to run, and doesn't want to do any activity that is highly structured. We weren't going to know anyone there, they might think I'm an overbearing parent..a helicopter mom. So we started the 2 hr journey toward Barren River Lake, excited and nervous. But all that melted away the second that the car stopped and we popped out. Ben took off like a lightning bolt toward the playground. He was quickly surrounded by several kids varying in age from about 9-19. They happily pushed my little guy on the swing and showed him all there was to do while we got settled. Toward evening 2 other families arrived along with the 3 host families that were already there.

And then something magical happened: we had a normal experience. I know that sounds weird to say that normal equals magical, but in our world every typical experience is something that we treasure.

The next morning was filled with a devotional time for the Moms and the Dads separately. I got to know two other women that had the same fears, hurts and fight that we had in our own lives. Sometimes knowing you're not going through it alone is what you need. Next came time for our trip to the pontoon boat with our host family. Now I have to tell you, I have a child that hates anything that is a ride. He refuses to ride the little horses/firetrucks at the store that other parents can't pry their kids off of. He hated Disneyland with a passion. But this was his shining moment. I told Dan there was no way that he would get on the raft being pulled by the pontoon. NO WAY. But wouldn't you know he made a liar out of me. As soon as the first group got done riding, he was feverishly trying to get on. He rode twice and had one of the biggest smiles you've ever seen.

I think that I learned the biggest lesson that day. I learned I CANNOT underestimate what my child wants to do. I need to learn to relax the rope a little bit and let him make his own choices. Yes, he has special needs, but he's still an individual. Capable of making his own choices and having his own desires. He is an amazing little man.

I have never experienced the kind of joy we had this weekend. By the end of our time there we'd flown a kite, launched water balloons at a barn, roasted marshmallows, gone for a walk, pulled B on endless trips in a wagon and connected with people on a really incredible, genuine level.

There is nothing barren at Barren Heights. God lives there. He breathes new life into those that need it. He gives respite and joy to hurting hearts through this place.

If you live in Kentucky, or nearby, and you know a family with children with any special needs please check this place out! www.barrenheights.com
You will have the experience of a lifetime!