A Place to Belong: Celebrating Community at Resident Retreat

When you drive into Camp Twin Lakes, you’re immediately transported. I don’t know if it’s the sound of the car tires slowly crunching the gravel or if it’s the quiet breeze and country air whispering, but something is telling you, “Your time here is about to be unforgettable.”

Every year, Developmental Disabilities Ministries Inc. brings its residents and staff to participate in three days of activities, all made accessible to each of our residents in the inclusive space and grounds provided by Camp Twin Lakes.

“We absolutely could not do this without you!” remarked our President/CEO and fearless leader, Ryan Whitmire. The “you” he’s referring to is… you, dear friend! Without your years of continued support through prayers, hitting the “like” button on Facebook, or even making generous charitable gifts, we would not be able to send our residents and staff on this incredible retreat.

This year, we gathered at a little over 100 residents, staff, and even family members of staff and residents to say “Aloha!” From the moment our residents and staff pulled into Camp Twin Lakes, they were greeted by members of our incredible DDM team, such as Alice, both Christinas, Debra, Kim, Diamond, Michael, Jameka, and many more!

You could feel the mix of excitement and tranquility in the air! Upon arriving, I was able to ask residents how they felt about camp this year. Aaron, our good friend from our Old Lantern Home who was generously sponsored this year, only had one thing to say: “so good!”

Necie, our Resident Council Chaplain and longtime resident at our Stokes Home was quick to tell me, “I remember last year… I was just getting out of rehab from my surgery, and I couldn’t make it to camp, and I told Ryan that I would be here next year… well here I am!”

This retreat is truly anticipated by all, and with good reason! Our residents have the opportunity to enjoy a wide array of activates, such as horseback riding, fishing, archery, biking, arts and crafts, woodburning, bingo, and much more. They also get to do one of their favorite things… relax in some rocking chairs on the porch, chatting with their friends.

You see, our residents live in various homes, scattered across the state. Many of them only get to see each other in person a few times a year. While the distance is real, their connections to each other are so strong!

Take Tiffany and Jessica – both ladies live in different homes, not too far from each other, but only see each other occasionally. Tiffany was great enough to tell me a little bit about her friendship with Jessica. “She’s not actually my friend; she’s really my sister. That’s why I call her ‘sissy,’ I just love her.”

She and Jessica have an incredible sisterhood and love serving on DDM’s Resident Council together, talking about friends, family, and their relationships, as both ladies are newly engaged!

Speaking of engagement, we at DDM love love and any opportunity to celebrate it. Two of our residents, Angie and John, have been in a serious relationship for many years. At camp this year, in front of all their best friends, decided to celebrate their commitment to each other. Our President, Ryan, was the master of ceremony and spoke fondly of their relationship, warmly citing everyone's favorite, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8: “love is patient, love is kind.” It was an honor to witness this incredible display of their love for each other and I have to say, it was incredible to see the support our staff and friends gave to them! The moment they shared their hug and kiss, Angie and John were immediately surrounded by their friends and staff for hugs and congratulations.

I’m telling you, there is nothing but the true example of Christ’s love for us here at DDM and camp is just one super special place where it is exemplified.

Friends, we cannot wait to share more about this year’s Resident Retreat with you. Keep an eye out for several more stories, photos, and videos capturing our special days with everyone at camp!