Camp New Hope 2010

Last week, we went back to Camp New Hope. This was our forth year going there and the first time we have been in the Fall. It was the first time going without Macayla. It was beautiful and difficult at the same time. The camp has a Garden of Hope, which is under construction, and it has a stone bench in it dedicated to Macayla.

It is hard to know how to feel about some things. Sometimes it is hard to identify the feelings you have. But Macayla loved that mountain and we are so glad she got to be on it so often. As hard as the week was, we found time to laugh, remember and make new memories.

Part of those memories include a family we met there. Sadie and her family spent the week there and we were fortunate to share time with them. Sadie has been diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome. It prevented her from developing on many levels but she was very aware of what was happening around her. She loves the sound of the zipper on her feeding pump's backpack. She would laugh so hard she couldn't breathe! She loved spinning in an office chair and riding on the Kubota rough-terrain vehicle. Jennifer and I got to hold her and it was good therapy for us. Sadie blessed us.

Jacob made friends with Sadie's brother, Sam, and they had fun playing games and fishing. Lily met her twin at the camp, a dog named Moe. We kept getting the two of them confused and had to make sure we were bringing home the correct dog!

As for Camp New Hope, they are feeling the economic pinch like many people and need financial support. The cabin needs some renovations to make the bathroom and kitchen accessible for wheelchairs and special-needs equipment. The renovation they have planned will cost around $60,000. The ongoing cost of hosting a family for a week is approximately $600. Donations of any size are tax deductible. What a unique Christmas gift to give! Your donation will contribute to helping over 40 families a year have a unique and amazing experience they could not have otherwise. Check out their site and donations can be done online.