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A Kayaking First!

  • By: Joni Eareckson Tada
  • June 13, 2012
  • 23 Comments
  • Joni's Posts

joni and ken in a kayak

Family Retreats are always filled with “firsts” for kids or adults with disabilities, as well as parents. And sometimes even Ken and I experience a wonderful “first.” Yesterday they got me into a two-seater kayak and Ken and I had the BEST time. He paddled me out onto the pristine lake amidst the cool and quiet – all I could hear was the lapping of his oars. We drifted in the middle of the lake, overwhelmed and awestruck at God's generosity… at this sweet gift. We always come to Family Retreat praying we will be able to bless others. And then? We come away hugely blessed ourselves. Isn’t that just like our great God?! And today on Wednesday? I’m just ready to head out and lead a concert of prayer for the families – oh, may the Spirit of Jesus visit us in a tender and special way!

 
 

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23 Comments

 
Happy 63rd Birthday ... glad you got to go in the kayak... loved the picture I listen to you on BBN God Bless
  • Oct. 15, 2012
  • 2:37 p.m.
  • Frances Bearekman
you both look like your having a great time. Yes 3 years ago I went to whistler B.C to visit my son and we went on a sipline, to experience the beauty all around so awesome.
  • June 22, 2012
  • 5:25 p.m.
  • barbkennedy
You will never know how far reaching your messages are for me and so many others. When I read how God gave you such a wonderful blessing on your recent Family Retreat, I was struck by the meaning of "real" blessings. Looking at the picture of you and Ken on the Kayak, it is evident that you are being blessed with fun and laughter and best of all contentment (rest) and peace. God is so good!
  • June 22, 2012
  • 9:13 a.m.
  • Patricia Mahoney
You both look like you are having a great time. Just a blessing to "watch" you. Hope to see you whenever you visit at McLean Bible again. Grateful for you.
  • June 22, 2012
  • 8:53 a.m.
  • Kathey
It was a great time for me and for my camper who were at Joni and Friends Retreat, in Greenfield, NH, both for the first time. It was exciting for us, as we both went kayaking for the first time, to be at the lake when Joni and Ken also went kayaking for the first time. Dan and Adam from Waypoint were so patient and encouraging to us. It was a lot of fun!! Is it OK to mention that I heard Ken say to Joni, "OK Joni, it's 1982, will you marry me?" You see, a short while before going to the lake, Joni had talked with the women at the retreat and told us that she and Ken would very soon be celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary!! And one more thing--I read the post from Sharon, and I want to say I met Nancy there. She is a wonderful lady! I even got to go for a walk with Simon while Nancy and my camper were at choir practice and Simon had a few minutes of being "off duty". He found a frisbee to play with--it was fun!!
  • June 22, 2012
  • 8:32 a.m.
  • Cindy
PTL! My husband and I are in our 60's and we just got back from Maine where we kayaked on Frenchman's Bay. To see Ken & Joni enjoying it so much blesses my heart. God is so good! By the way our kayak is red too!
  • June 22, 2012
  • 6:29 a.m.
  • Linda Demusz
Joni- What a beautiful picture to see you and Ken in a kayak and having such a great time. We continue to pray for you during this busy time of year. Bremen and Debbie Trail
  • June 22, 2012
  • 4:47 a.m.
  • Debbie Zimmerman Trail
Joni I am so happy for you. That must have been a wonderful experience for you.
  • June 21, 2012
  • 4:41 p.m.
  • peppy
I love the shear joy on your faces! What an incredible opportunity for these families to experience kayaking! That's what Family Retreats are all about! I'm just trying to envision the loading and unloading process, that must take some talent! How many fork lifts were involved??? You two will know what I mean by that (hehe)! Great picture of the two of you. Love you much, Kara
  • June 21, 2012
  • 1:27 p.m.
  • Kara
You and Ken look like you're having an awesome time. Kayaking is very popular here in NC. The rivers becon the brave young men and women. I've never been but I would like to try it sometime......maybe on a lake like you and Ken did.
  • June 21, 2012
  • 10:37 a.m.
  • Ellen Vuillier
 
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