Last night I took 5 teenage special needs kids to a Young Life Capernaum club. It was a trip. One boy laughed all the way to the club. He was dancing in his seat and just having a great time. Another girl was heart broken after club because a leader didn't love her. He was funny and she decided she loved him. So she left all sad and broken hearted and told me so. She quickly recovered. It is so fun watching the kids just be teenagers. But teenagers with an honesty and freedom that is not like the other kids. When they are sad - they let you know. And if they get the opportunity to dance they will dance! It was uncomfortable because I did not know them but great because they really didn't care if I did or not. The kids knew each other.
They played games and had a lot of fun. I think for the kids it is a place that they have to learn to trust. Crazy games where people are laughing with them and not at them is different than high school. The kids will spend the weekend with family and most likely not friends. Their freedom is in the mind only- they will not be as free as the other kids. They see themselves as teenagers but the world can't see beyond their uniqueness. So I was blessed to be their transportation to a place where they were free to be themselves. I know God delights in the kids and their club each time they meet. So beautiful and simple and I am blessed to know people in the city that went all out for about 20 people with special needs. Capernaum leaders rock!
Thank you for being willing to be uncomfortable! Every kid deserves the opportunity to hear about the gospel. You are so right. "These teenagers have an honesty and freedom that is not like the other kids."
ReplyDeleteFor Capernaum friends helping with transportation is such a huge help for them and for their leaders. Many times it is the small acts that have a huge impact.
My wife and I serve on the Mission Wide Capernaum Committee. On behalf of the other committee members thank you supporting Capernaum in your area and for loving special needs kids well.
Steve Anderson
"Capernaum leaders rock!"
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, definitely. Props to anyone who works with special needs people.
Thank you for posting this great blog update! It was passed along to me from Steve, who posted above. I am on staff with Young Life and my job is to specifically work with staff who are apart of or doing Capernaum. I'd love to connect with you further! My email address is: scwilliams@comcast.net
ReplyDeleteThanks-
Suzanne