So today all went well health wise and we made it to church. I'd never been to a baptist church before so this was a totally new experience for me.
The church was HUGE. Certainly nothing like Copperfield Bible Church, small & quaint. the kids were in two different buildings Spencer & Mila in one and Trey in another. Trey was in the JOY building. They call the ministry for children with special needs the JOY ministry. THe purpose is to find JOY in disability. I'm all about emphasising the positives in Trey.
After about 20 minutes of signing kids in and getting them situated, I finally got to sit in on the Joyful Journey bible study. It was myself, a couple and the facilitator. Later another couple joined us. I try my best to keep a positive outlook and focus on Trey's plusses, like he's very talented with numbers an music. I was a little depressed in the bible study because we didn't study the bible and we didn't talk aobut the positives of the kids. The other couple is very emotional about their son's diagnoses, (usually Autism or PDD is related with other diagnoses such as epilepsy and MR for Trey). They seemed to have this woa-is-me-because-I-have-a- disabled-child attitude. The husband even started crying. Not my cup of tea. Everybody was trying to associate with me, (like I know Suzy Q who is about to get a divorce, maybe you can talk to her about being single or my grandson in Wisconsin is Autistic too), it was too much. I did pray for a place that I could fit in. It was cool, I saw one of the helpers taking Trey for a tour around the campus of the church in a wagon. Its nice to be able to drop Trey off and let people know that he is Autistic and not get a raised brow, not get a negative reaction but he is embraced with open arms and knowledgable people.
I went to the service also. This was a new experience. The choir was full fledged with electric and acoustic guitars, an army of singers, power point show and all. They said that they usually bring the children of JOY over to sing with the congregation. I think Trey will freak out. We'll just take it one day at a time. The pastor was very funny, but hardly filling my spiritual cup this week. It took more time to sing all the songs than it did to read from the bible. He read Genesis chapters 3 &4 and followed with his story/sermon. I am used to the slower pace of a bible church where you actually STUDY the bible and apply the word to your life.
In conclusion, I was overwhelmed. I think this may be a good place for the kids, but not necessarily for me. I underline the word may because Spencer & Mila are pretty easy going and adjust fairly well to new situations. Trey is a little more challenging to caregivers, including mommy at times. I try my best not to limit Trey and associate him with only special needs kids, but other groups don't understand that he has special needs and get really frustrated with him. The size of the church was pretty intimidating too. I have not scratched this option off my list completely yet. I may consider just going for bible study. At least I know that the option is there.
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4 comments:
Don't give up on it yet. Try it a few more times ya might find it good or at least given a good direction to go from there.
I do like the comfort of knowing that I can go there and be welcomed. It is very difficult for people to understand that Trey is just wired a little different than most of us. sensory overload is a different for all of us, for him it is way more acute. Even in my own family I hear that I just don't know how to control my kids, or I just need to spank them a little harder, so on & so forth. Finally, getting some of the diagnoses in black & white and 4 years of physical, occupational and speech therapy somthing is starting to sink in. Anyhow, trey is absolutely darling, he takes after me...:) he he and if you look at him, there is nothing wrong, if you sit with him for about an hour and notice that he is reciting an entire movie or infomercial verbatim (remember the movie Rainman - that's Trey) then you realize that something isn't right. He talks, but doesn't communicate. He just learned about a month ago to say, I need help or I want a drink. He's been able to say the words but not able to put tehm together to convey his ideas or desires.
ok, all that to say, thanks Tom!
I agree with Tom. Having patience is so difficult now a days. And so many people think waiting is a bad thing. But in the realm of Christ, waiting is expected and we are to do it with Joy. "My Brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete lacking nothing." Sometime I love to hate this verse. But it is so true.
I'm so glad you're church hunting, first of all. That's the first step to finding a really spiritual, vibrant church that is fit for you.
And, just because you don't ADORE it the first time, doesn't mean that you won't in the future.
A very telling thing is that you were comfortable in the church right away!
If you don't like your class, why not try another? If it is as big as you say, there has to be other options....
Anyways, don't worry girlie. Just enjoy the ride.;)
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