"Prior to leaving for 2023 Special Touch Summer Get Away, I was struggling, emotionally. I had just put in a large proposal to the school district to make a position for me. Unfortunately, it was declined leaving me feeling quite dejected and lost. A few other things had taken place along with this, further leading me to doubt my abilities.
So, going to Summer Get Away was a great thing for me. Anyone who does not see the value in people with special needs should spend time where I just was. I would argue that perhaps people with special needs are more valuable to our society than any of us realize (and I am not just saying that because I fall into that category). The love, kindness, compassion, and devotion to God that I have witnessed, during just a few days at Get Away, far exceeds anything I normally experience.
At Summer Get Away there were no barriers, nothing holding anyone back. No limitations. We were all equals in a world that NEVER gives us that opportunity.
Rather than being told 'you can't do that.' They think, 'How can we make that happen?' Of course, they can't make me suddenly see, but they can have someone sitting next to me describing things as they happen so I feel part of the group. Or, bring in a game that has audio so it is inclusive for me.
With a slight adaptation and a little creativity, we can change a situation. I wouldn't want my sight back. I know that sounds strange, but it has made me who I am. There are so many wonderful things about not having sight. For example, I don't take little things for granted.
We went for a hayride one night at camp and at one point I could see one bright star. There were people commenting on the big dipper, but me, I was just content seeing that one star. Hadn't seen one in ages, but that night, I saw one! If there is one thing I learned this Summer, it is to 'Live by Faith and not by sight!'
I am really proud to say, this year I grew a lot emotionally. I feel like I was a lot more able to be myself. I was more outgoing and met more people. I definitely made more friends. I believe a lot of the friendships I made will be long-lasting, quality friendships, which really means a lot to me. If you can walk away from a place with good, quality, friendships you are BLESSED beyond words! I am praying that through the busyness of life we keep in touch and continue to build those friendships, because that is one gift from God we all received.
Perhaps the greatest gift I got from Summer Get Away, was learning that I was put on this Earth to be ME! God has a plan no matter how weird the road may be. There is a plan for every one of us. Each opportunity to worship filled me with boundless love and gratitude for what God has done for me and for all that I have been given. I am still struggling to find my exact niche, I pray that God continues to guide my path in whatever direction He feels is best for me. I am just so happy that I am loved by God no matter what my abilities, my struggles, my emotional battles.... he made me in HIS image!
A HUGE THANK YOU to all the Special Touch staff that made me feel so very loved in so many different ways. The love I felt this year went far beyond your jobs and that truly speaks to EACH of you as people! Thank you for making these few days so memorable and for treating us with such dignity and kindness. The love and care you show each and every guest does not go unseen and you, dear friends, are living God's word and teaching us all how to be the arms and legs of God. BE BLESSED this year, but COME BACK NEXT YEAR! BIG HUGS and MUCH LOVE!!!"
