Family Retreat

In July, we hosted a wonderful Family Retreat, which included 22 families affected by disabilities. Also, we had seminars for 60 adults with disabilities. Here are some photos to give you a glimpse.

In the morning, the children spent time outdoors. This photo captures one of the four small groups.

The parachute activity has always been one of the favorite retreat activities.

This little girl with Down's Syndrome won everyone's heart. She was always eager for a hug. She attends our Heart to Heart English classes on Saturday mornings. Her English needs a lot of improvement, but her smiles speak volumes.

These girls are six-year-old twins. Cindy has a physical disability; Sara is typical. They are attend the English classes. In fact, the two volunteers standing behind them are also a part of the English classes. Amy translated for Dayna and me this summer in the adult class. Vivian is one of the adult students. An exciting component of this year's family retreat is that we had three volunteers who are affected by disabilities. We want to serve with and not just for people with special needs.

The hotel grounds were beautiful.

The kids also had free time to play games with their volunteer buddies. Here, Teddy and others are playing Chinese Chess and Go.

Many advocates for people with disabilities say that their greatest need is friendship. We are so glad the Family Retreat provides many friendship opportunities.

These adults were a part of the Fly Higher Adult Seminars. The lady in purple is Snowy, who helped us invite several families to the retreat.

There were many teaching moments during the day.

I was privileged to work with Samuel. He was one of three translators who helped me during the retreat.

Here is a photo of the whole group. More than 50 volunteers assisted this year.

I had the privilege of holding the microphone for Dr. Zhang. His story is similar to Joni Eareckson Tada's. He is responsible for the Chinese translation of Joni.

We enjoyed hearing from the Shenyang Blind Association Choir. A few of the members attend our Saturday English classes.

We were so glad Teddy could come.

This girl with Cerebral palsy can only say a few words like "mama," but she was deeply moved by the song the children sang about each person's value.

Leo and his mother were singing in appreciation of the decorative bags that were given to the children by Texas kids. Leo attends our English classes on Saturdays.

This is the North House where some of our seminars were held.

We enjoyed getting to know many new families. This boy (who we named Jerry) is also a part of our Saturday morning English classes.

Thank you for your support!

~Kevin