When we were looking for a place to move something just stuck out about Moore. More than the tornadoes!!! Within the first few days that we moved here we met another couple that just moved here. I never really knew what to expect when making friend, but he was a pastor and that was almost enough to shut it down for us. I won't go in to details as to why, it just is what it is. But we persisted in getting to know them, and even started going to their church. It was definitely God pushing us to do all of this. Showing us this town had a spot for us to fit into and that we would both benefit.
It's a small church, which is probably what got us in the door in the first place. We have ran away from many places with stares of disgust and unneeded comments, so to make friends fast in a new place I decided to dive right in. The girls went straight to nursery and B went to the sermon with me. Some people would probably have preferred a quieter attendee than him, but again I am sure we both benefited. He needed to sit and learn about all the things church is about and I needed patience. But we aren't the only ones who won something. Those around us got to see autism. And hopefully they benefited as well.
They became like family and got to see some of our autism lows, and lots of our highs. And I know we all benefited from this.
Over time, we have been there almost a year and a half, they have definitely all become aware of autism. Whether they wanted to or not (I feel like the winking emoticon needs to go here). So what comes next?
Now the church wants to find a way for others to benefit. They decided to partner with a new school in our area and host ABA playgroups for kids on the spectrum. They have decided that parents of kids with special needs are important and have organized a parents' night out for these parents to get a break AND for the siblings to get some one on one time with an adult while this happens. This.... This is what happens after awareness. It's called acceptance. And it feels miraculous. To find somewhere in the world that you fit into no matter what is something amazing, but when the people also accept and embrace your child no matter what... there just aren't words.
This is the true definition of church. And it is what I want in my family. And all of these people who have opened their minds and hearts for us will forever have a special place in our family, and in my heart. And I know we will all benefit greatly from this experience.
It's a small church, which is probably what got us in the door in the first place. We have ran away from many places with stares of disgust and unneeded comments, so to make friends fast in a new place I decided to dive right in. The girls went straight to nursery and B went to the sermon with me. Some people would probably have preferred a quieter attendee than him, but again I am sure we both benefited. He needed to sit and learn about all the things church is about and I needed patience. But we aren't the only ones who won something. Those around us got to see autism. And hopefully they benefited as well.
They became like family and got to see some of our autism lows, and lots of our highs. And I know we all benefited from this.
Over time, we have been there almost a year and a half, they have definitely all become aware of autism. Whether they wanted to or not (I feel like the winking emoticon needs to go here). So what comes next?
Now the church wants to find a way for others to benefit. They decided to partner with a new school in our area and host ABA playgroups for kids on the spectrum. They have decided that parents of kids with special needs are important and have organized a parents' night out for these parents to get a break AND for the siblings to get some one on one time with an adult while this happens. This.... This is what happens after awareness. It's called acceptance. And it feels miraculous. To find somewhere in the world that you fit into no matter what is something amazing, but when the people also accept and embrace your child no matter what... there just aren't words.
This is the true definition of church. And it is what I want in my family. And all of these people who have opened their minds and hearts for us will forever have a special place in our family, and in my heart. And I know we will all benefit greatly from this experience.
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