We had an awesome opportunity to be a host family this weekend at Barren Heights Retreat Center. Barren Heights is a "camp" like retreat facility for families with special need children. The retreat is totally free to the guest families. It allows the families time to relax, enjoy and play with their children, have some personal time for the moms and dads, and gives host families a chance to serve guest families and express the love of Christ.
Barren Heights was an inspired dream of a couple that have worked, prayed and sacrificed in order to provide a mini-vacation to families who might not otherwise be able to escape. Families with special need children are faced with obstacles in order to do anything. I have been witness to the beginning of their dream and seen it come to a reality. It truly is an amazing place and we were so honored to be a part.
There were times that I really had to focus in order to not get emotionally upset. These families who love their children, just like I love mine, who see their children suffering everyday. Whether physically or mentally, they just want the best for their children. They have problems like every other family, but they are compounded by other issues their children are facing. That made me sad. But then, to see the courage and determination of the parents and to hear the dreams of the children, I was inspired.
I enjoyed every single second of my time and loved watching my boys interacting and helping. Jacob had sweeping duties on the basketball and tennis courts and Carter was the garbage man of the pavilion. They did their jobs, sometime having to be reminded, but they did them. They didn't complain and they were able to experience first hand how good it feels to help others. Plus, helping others isn't a chore...they had a blast! They enjoyed all the kids there. Carter actually told me that it was the best weekend he had ever had.
In the future, I hope that we will be able to host again. It was a weekend I will not soon forget.
www.barrenheights.com Reminded of my blessings and sending love to my Anna.
