Joni and Friends www.joniandfriends.org saves me from loneliness and fear. I used to think that no one understood how it felt to have seizures and be nonverbal. Then, i went to my first JAF Family Retreat in 1998. I met others who cared about me, and met others like me. It was so freeing to be accepted just as I am.
Here is a poem i wrote after my first retreat:
Pleasant Memories of Camp
Family Camp is neat,
The kids are sweet.
Great friends have fun,
Getting time to jump and run.
Reaching out to care,
Beautiful Darlene came to share.
Voicing her love by her deeds,
Darlene saves me from fear.
Camp is a retreat;
The songs and games can’t be beat.
Hearing Joni share and sing,
Gave me hope that I can bring
My songs before our King.
Dreams of camp float through my mind,
Peaceful thoughts so good and fine.
Lasting memories to keep,
Rush through my mind as I sleep.
By Kimberly R. Dixon
July 1998
i have now been to 14 out of 16 Family Retreats held at Camp Allen in Texas. I hope I can go back forever. There are so many things i love about family retreat. We get to have a break from mom and dad, have fun with our STM volunteers, eat delicious food, swim, dance, and party. My favorite part of retreat is the talent show. I get to share my poetry, art, and songs plus get to watch others share their talents. It is a taste of heaven to worship God together in our own special ways.
Thank you, Joni Eareckson Tada, for giving your time and energy to serve and bless families with disabilities all these years. I so want you to awe us with your and Ken's presence at my next retreat.
Here is a poem i wrote after my first retreat:
Pleasant Memories of Camp
Family Camp is neat,
The kids are sweet.
Great friends have fun,
Getting time to jump and run.
Reaching out to care,
Beautiful Darlene came to share.
Voicing her love by her deeds,
Darlene saves me from fear.
Camp is a retreat;
The songs and games can’t be beat.
Hearing Joni share and sing,
Gave me hope that I can bring
My songs before our King.
Dreams of camp float through my mind,
Peaceful thoughts so good and fine.
Lasting memories to keep,
Rush through my mind as I sleep.
By Kimberly R. Dixon
July 1998
i have now been to 14 out of 16 Family Retreats held at Camp Allen in Texas. I hope I can go back forever. There are so many things i love about family retreat. We get to have a break from mom and dad, have fun with our STM volunteers, eat delicious food, swim, dance, and party. My favorite part of retreat is the talent show. I get to share my poetry, art, and songs plus get to watch others share their talents. It is a taste of heaven to worship God together in our own special ways.
Thank you, Joni Eareckson Tada, for giving your time and energy to serve and bless families with disabilities all these years. I so want you to awe us with your and Ken's presence at my next retreat.