Rainbow Express

Five years ago, when we found our current church, God knew exactly what we would need from this amazing place after we brought Katie home. You see, our church has an amazing disability ministry. They don't just talk about it - they live it. When we built a new building, it was complete with disability classrooms. There are Sunday school classes for kids with disabilities. For some kids, they can go to regular Sunday school classes with a volunteer helper - like Katie does - so the parents can worship without distraction. It has been a true blessing for us 

Their biggest commitment, however, comes the first week in August, when they host Rainbow Express, a VBS for kids with disabilities. It takes 100 people to put on the program for 28 kids. It takes months of planning. It takes patience beyond measure. It returns the investment 1000 fold for Jesus. 

Katie got to go to Rainbow Express this year - and she had a blast! They do what a typical VBS does - crafts, story time, worship and even Friday water day! At the end of the day today, they brought everyone together for a program. Some of the kids got up in front to show the "moves" - Katie loved it and was one of the first to volunteer. She's got the moves going on....

 I loved watching her with the other kids - being just a normal kid

 However, look who had to get in on the action....(the small little one in the purple shirt!) 

Rainbow Express was a great experience for Katie, here with her counselor Erica. Rainbow Express is the 8th grade service project - and those kids are amazing. They dedicate a week of their summer to these kids - and give 1000%. 

One of the most difficult things about being a parent of a kid with disabilities is the desire  - often unfulfilled - for your child to experience the normal milestones of being a kid. There are some things that Katie may never be able to do..but VBS is not one of them!