Gifts.

At the end of every week at ESP Camp (extraspecialpeople.com) I remind my 30 staff to reflect and write a "Gift." At ESP, the term "gift" is very different than what society has coined the term to mean... it is not a good, a physical exchange or money. At ESP a "gift" is a transfer of something intrinsic, something unseen to the naked eye but felt, heard and understood. During the 7 weeks of laborious hours at ESP: diaper changing, slobber wiping, meal missing, tantrum controlling... there are small moments of magic that occur in the form of love... they are gifts.

"........(She has autism but) I felt like somehow I got through to her for the first time in that moment, and sharing a laugh with someone is the most raw, real and fun moment you could ever share. This past week I felt like I got through to her..if only for a minute...but that minute meant the world to me."

"....Watching these kids soar in activities brought tears to my eyes and made me realize how capable they are to do anything, it just means they can accomplish it in a different way. I feel so blessed to witness these miracles that others would not consider amazing, but it truly is incredible. This week was so eye opening and such a great experience for my heart and I can't wait for next summer"

"...The gifts from campers this week piled one on top of the other. 'J' learned sign language so she could communicate with 'A'. 'H' constantly singing and saying, "I'm happy." 'E' walking around the cabin in the buff carrying on perfectly legitimate conversations. 'K' hiding a slew of balloons in the closet so she could surprise her mom at pick up. 'B' telling me happy birthday...even when it was the day after my birthday. Not to mention, my birthday in and of itself was a gift. All the kids and staff made me feel loved and adored"

I could go on with heartfelt narratives from college students who have sacrificed their summers to serve children with disabilities... yet find themselves getting much more than they gave.

It is a calling for me (and for us all?) to cherish the "small" moments... with our family, our children, our friends, our community. I am going to work to notice (and note) those moments even when I am not at ESP. I guess the saying is true: the best gifts come in the smallest packages.

E.S.P.

The first week of camp flew by without kink or fail. It was so exciting to have the kids back, and as they walked through the doors with beaming faces, it was as if the had never left.

Joe and I were honored to be able to share about ESP during communion today at church, tying servitude and sacrifice to Jesus and the cross. Even if it was not meaningful to anyone listening, it was so special to me. God has taught me the most invaluable lessons through ESP. I feel honored and so lucky to work in such a magical place: a place where dreams become realities, where kids with disabilities are treated for who they are (instead of who they are not) and a place where young counselors find a joy that only comes through giving of themselves.

When I read about Jesus touching the blind man, the leper, the lame and healing them- I can't help but think that ESP is one of the first places Jesus will arrive when he comes back. I can't wait to see my kids running, speaking in full sentences and living without chronic pain. Until then, I'll keep working to heal them on the inside.. and as I do, they will heal me even more.

www.extraspecialpeople.com


*Special thanks to Olivia M. for the beautiful photography!

Treasures.

Money- can't live with it, or without it.

Thus far we have seen many physical gains in only 3 weeks of J's treatment, the drug (made from living cells) is extremely powerful for a very powerful disease. It is also extremely expensive. Initially, we were encouraged that the insurance company was going to pay almost all of the treatment....but this past week told they were switching us to another pharmacy so we have to cover a lot more of the costs.

In J's mind, he will no longer be treated if we have to pay ___ a month for the treatment... in my mind that is not an option, but what are our options? We are working to apply for other aid.... God has always provided.

Regardless... I feel the knock at my door to again cycle through discouragement, worry... and ultimately a desire to control the situation. And then I am brought back to the truth.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

What we treasure:

Owen.





A marriage, grounded by Him.








Family





Close, deep friendships that call us higher..





The ability to touch lives...


















And most importantly, a Father who has given unconditional love, forgiveness, grace, and the ability to be our best selves...


While many others travel the world (still hope to), dress their children in designer clothing and drive luxurious cars... J and I will probably always be faced with medical bills. However, I have begun to see this as a blessing for us.... it will be a constant reminder build up treasures in heaven. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"

The virtual facelift.

"A blog is a type of website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video."

Key term:regular entries. What is regular in my life? Not much at this point... other than many family members and friends maintaing their locations throughout the eastern side of the country. So, I decided to start anew- facelift my blog.. and begin blogging for anyone and everyone who would like to read. Life has it's many adventures.. and God continues to lead us through.

For anyone who is behind....
Cliff Notes: Joseph and I married in December of 2006, young (well, I was;-) 7 years difference between us) and in love. A short 9 months later.. we received news that we were pregnant with the beloved Owen (aka miracle child) and 9 months after that... our lives drastically changed, again. In the last 2 years we have had a child, worked on school (Joseph back in school for accounting and me graduate in special education), I am the director of a local non-profit for children with developmental disabilities (see the "support" tab) and Joseph working at Starbucks (sbux) while finishing school. In midst of our crazy 7a-11p schedules.. Joseph was diagnosed with progressive Rheumatoid Arthritis, an autoimmune disease that breaks down the joints, muscle etc. God has lead us to an amazing doctor who was willing to fight insurances for us to receive the best (and most expensive) treatment... and thus, we are on week 2.... so far, so good.

That's pretty much it. Most of the blog will consume stories, pictures and videos of our wonderful little toe-head (blonde.. it's not an insult) two-year-old. But, just as other blogs many times inspire me to be the best me- I hope that our love for each other, love for life, and love for our father will too inspire you.

Hebrews 10:24 "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works."