Joni and Friends retreat was a blessed experience for me that changed my view of the disabled and how I should act in my life to serve.

The volunteers were assigned to age groups and families that they were to stay with and help out. An interesting moment for me was when I finished tying the shoes of a little boy that had downs syndrome (it was something that I never would have done elsewhere) and we began to pray. The person in charge of the age group was praying that Jesus is always with us and He is by our side even now. For me it meant that Jesus was that little boy sitting next to me that I just helped. I was thinking of a verse in Matthew, "if you help the least of these, then you've helped Me," and to me that was extremely rewarding.

On the last day of the retreat, two people came up to sing Amazing Grace. The two both had trouble walking, and also slight trouble in speech. But they had so much unwavering faith as they were so exuberant for the Lord. What is amazing is that although these people are disabled, they still are joyous and happy and constantly praising God. They knew that they would meet each other in heaven with glorified bodies, and after ten thousand years, they'd still be singing praises to God.

Before, I at times have looked down upon the disabled or had pity for them, but not compassion or love for them the way Christ would have. Throughout the retreat I told myself I would change that and have more humility. Now back home, I doubt myself of what I said as the retreat wears off and I begin feeling complacent, but I can only hope I will get out of my comfort zone and put what I experienced into action.