[4alabama] Please share the success of E E R

Wanda Scroggins wareaglewanda at gmail.com
Fri Oct 11 02:52:16 UTC 2013


{Volunteers and blind campers experience fishing at Blue Lake}

 

A personal story of one person's experience by attending Extreme Experience
Retreat


(Judy Letford)   "Mrs. Letford, you are no longer a legal driver since you
are legally blind." I didn't hear a word the doctor said after that
statement. It was March 9, 2009. "Oh, wow," was all my husband could say.
All I could think of was what I would never be able to do again, such as
picking up my grandsons from school or taking my 83-year-old mom to the
grocery store or helping my husband in his law practice. I was afraid of
letting down not only my husband but my entire family. Despite offers of
help, I was just wallowing in self pity and wanted to prove to everyone that
I didn't need anyone or any help. 

A friend from church practically twisted my arm to go to the first Extreme
Experience Retreat at Blue Lake Camp. Why would I want to go to a camp for
three days with a bunch of other blind people? I certainly didn't want to
leave my family and home, aka my "safety zone." By the time of our arrival,
I felt physically sick. I just wanted somebody to show me to my room and
leave me alone. I was in total denial.  

Over the next couple of days, I merely went through the motions. These crazy
camp people had us blind folks going on nature walks, doing water aerobics,
golfing, canoeing, swimming in the lake, fishing, and making crafts. We also
learned independent living skills, orientation and mobility, and assistive
technology.  

On the last day, it hit me. I did NOT want to go home. I looked around the
room at the people I had met and cried. I had a new "safety zone." I
realized that this small group of people felt like family.  

What did I learn at Extreme Experience Retreat that first year? The answer
is grace-and how to receive it gracefully. I've also learned to bait my own
fishing hook, the difference between a hook and a slice in golf, the thrill
of riding a motorcycle, and the joy of being around other people just like
me. 


Extreme Experience Retreat is a partnership of
<http://email.brtapp.com/wf/click?upn=Ud1XUaJ0LVJaxM2iCy5Oo-2BnRrkL7fGq8QCln
40qjmqog9Zakq7VnTIgHVGXYtdBE_slvNX9JotVBy3ERtjCRNWDEWNXGyq-2FzzbRAl59mNFODx5
qxsgcAc0siLipTRoObKdZUE4SufS99xPxnhhVwjE5scf5Vi8fFgAnfxsmwtyLwJ3awbr45xzWSXN
fvD6d7j-2FZZvjdI6TBkMKVQ0vEBTh-2FWN7-2B-2BEgAsOtb1ZN6HQFGllG-2Ff2SrZKnQ0C47U
Z1GanUDmF2I8TwLdZ4ekDCLHOeJWEPUk-2BWQrVZMJr5S8RQ-2F2Lm-2F-2FdsuvRos8FgMvMNQA
m6u4vW0oAYFYCnIe9QGTxaXZa4C8x0NoSbA7NLNuX91XrSsVfzAVukuluMLELDLz6> Blue Lake
Assembly and the Covington County Blind and Low Vision Outreach. The goal of
the retreat is to create community, build independent living skills, provide
recreation opportunities and grateful worship experiences. The Extreme
Experience Retreat is open to all persons over 18 and from all areas of the
US. For more information contact  Wanda Scroggins (334) 428-3335  Email:
<mailto:wareaglewanda at gmail.com> wareaglewanda at gmail.com  or  Dirk Price
(334) 469-2016  Covington County Blind & Low Vision Outreach Group.  

The Covington County Blind & Low Vision Outreach meet every First and Third
Thursday of each month 1-3 pm at the Andalusia Public Library, Dixon Room.  

.







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