His dad calls him “Buddy,” and from the look on Joshua’s face, it is evident the sentiment is returned.
Bob and Ann Wescott of Toccoa were told their baby boy wouldn’t live two days over 30 years ago. Every day, Joshua defies what should and shouldn’t be, surrounded by the tremendous love of his family.
Recently, Joshua and his parents were able to attend a retreat for those with disabilities and their families. Joni & Friends was founded by Joni Eareckson Tada who became a quadriplegic at 17 when she dove into shallow water. Today, her ministry reaches people all over the world.
This Family Retreat is located in the small town of Rutledge, Georgia, at Camp Twin Lakes. It is a chance for fun, rejuvenation, and encouragement. The families are cared for by volunteers from all over the United States.
The facility offers swimming, boating, horseback riding, rock climbing, fishing, evenings under the stars, and time in God’s Word. Every person attending and their family are met right where they are, as they are, and given the time to make memories.
Retreat to recharge
Ann heard about the retreat through a friend who was going out of state to volunteer at Joni & Friends. Now, the organization has a camp in Georgia. They had been looking for something like this but there was nothing close by. Driving distances is difficult for Joshua.
“Each family got their own cabin. It was like going to church camp again and Joshua never got to go to church camp, so it was really exciting for us,” Ann described. “Our girls always got to go with one of us and the other would stay at home with Joshua. So, at 30 years old, he finally got to go.”
When asked about his favorite activity, Joshua’s face brightened with the biggest smile. He loves going fishing. As he nodded his head in excitement, Bob talked about the memories he and Joshua made looking at turtles and catching bluegills and bass.
The beautiful part of Joshua is his love for Jesus. When Ann and Bob talked about worshipping or scripture, Joshua would shout out with sounds of glee. His passion filled the space in the room and gave those nearby a chill that only can be felt when one knows the love of the Lord. Jesus glows in his cheeks and eyes and resonates from him in the most beautiful way.
Lifetime friends are made at the retreat. Being with people who understand what life is like – the struggles, the joy, the fear, the hope – comforted the Wescotts. “We were able to talk, laugh, cry, and just be there for one another,” Ann said.
A spiritual experience
Bob and Ann talked about the spiritual aspect of the time they spent at Joni & Friends.
“The Praise and Worship was something we just loved. It was nice to not have to worry about Joshua screaming out. Some of the campers couldn’t stay in their seats, but everyone was loving and caring and made it all feel accepted,” Bob said. There was also time for reflection and Bible study for Ann and Bob.
The volunteers at the camp give their all to the people who are there. “We were served and loved and made to feel so valued,” Ann added.
She described a teenager who was a volunteer and his one job was to keep a particular camper safe and happy. The camper could not sit still for long and had so much energy. Bob said this teenager never left the disabled adult’s side. He even remembers the two holding hands.
“To see a young man being so devoted to another was a huge blessing,” Bob continued.
Joshua loved the petting zoo at the camp. He attended a barn dance and a talent show for the campers.
“I was amazed by the talented people there,” Ann said. “Stereotypes are created that indicate people with disabilities cannot do anything. I was in awe of the talent of so many of the campers.”
Angels among us
When the Wescotts arrived, they were welcomed by 50 or 60 people cheering and holding signs. Joshua loved being recognized and made to feel so special. His caregiver, Ms. Kristy, was from Oklahoma. Joshua loved being with her and treasures the cowbell she made for him. Ann and Bob valued the trust they had in her with Joshua so that they could have time to recharge.
There are many ways that people can help with Joni & Friends. You can sponsor a family to go. The cost is around $1200 for a family of 3. There are also avenues to volunteer your talents and strengths to help parents rest and be revived. You can contact Tifanie Slaymaker, the organizer at (678) 807-9949 or email her [email protected]
Scriptures tell us angels are among us – encamped around us. Sometimes they do things that cannot be explained in any other terms but spiritual, but for the most part, they live among us, pointing us to Christ.
Joshua exemplifies such an angel.
