MY DREAM FOR MARTINWOOD

A Dream for Martinwood would mean a dream for me. Most my adult life I have worked to help people better themselves in some way.  I have often times struggled with my own life, but found comfort in reaching out to help others.  Today, I look at Martinwood  – with hope for tomorrow not only for the people we serve, but for myself.  I believe God has prepared me over my lifetime with a set of skills that are needed to make Martinwood successful.  I believe Martinwood is destined to be much bigger than a project in my backyard.  I believe it is a “revival” a new trend, a way of creating a new atmosphere for individuals with a chronic illness and their loved ones.

I personally have been a caregiver.  I raised children, helped with my autistic grandson and his mother who has cirrhosis of the liver and is legally blind. I was the 24/7 caregiver for my mother who died of cancer and for my ex-husband who died in 2014 from severe gastrointestinal issues related to prescription drugs.  I have supported family members who are alcoholics, drug addicts and a host of other issues.  I understand the challenges one faces as they watch someone they love lose control of their life to an illness or disability.

For 25 years I have worked with caregivers and watched the devastation it can bring to their health, their mental well-being and to the family unit.  I am passionate about reaching out to them with the tools and resources to elevate some of their burdens and help them to thrive not just survive.

In 2009 I was blessed to purchase a home in the Loess Hills area of Council Bluffs, IA.  The house sits on 2 acres of land in a country like setting.  I saw the property as a place to hold trainings, have meetings and entertain friends.  Unfortunately, my dream was quickly shattered as many circumstances came into play over the next few years that lead to my dream home turning into a nightmare.  All I wanted to do was sell it and run away.

In 2015 my life was a wreck, a car accident had left me with vision problems, and I was struggling to get myself back in the game.  I felt overwhelmed, helpless and began to question my life and even my faith in God.  While working on a project with a dear friend, he encouraged me to go to a counselor and referred someone he had confidence in.  I scheduled an appointment and my life began to turn around as I started to see things in the proper perspective.

There were no magic answers, but I slowly began to pull myself out of the darkness and realize what so many people face.  It’s up to me to change my life…no one can do it for me. I was letting my circumstances define who I was rather than viewing them as just an event in my life that needed to be dealt with.  I became more proactive with my vision issues, I started accepting my limitations and most importantly, I stopped questioning God.

On June 18, 2016 while at a friend’s wedding in the Dominican Republic, this same friend texted and our friendship began taking a different focus. As had always been the case, we were able to talk about our personal lives, our struggles and even our blessings.  During the summer, we would text long conversations, laugh about life, pray for each other, and take walks to talk and support each other in the difficult things we were both dealing with.

In late June, my son in law, who is a contractor, asked if he could do a project at my house to practice with a new landscaping material he wanted to introduce to the area.  Of course, I said yes and suggested a 6 foot wall I had always wanted built on the side of my house.

I came home one afternoon to find a bobcat scooping dirt out of my backyard and a 20’ wall being created with an enormous patio! I panicked, but was careful to keep my mouth shut, knowing anything would be an improvement to the property.  As I talked to my friend, Mike, about the wall he laughed and we joked about ideas for what one might do with this new masterpiece that was taking over my yard.  As the conversation continued Mike said “Why don’t you create a retreat center for caregivers?” My heart leaped and I once again felt the excitement I had originally known when I purchased the house.

Martinwood was born.

We began talking and dreaming about what a retreat center might look like or even include.  We came up with all sorts of ideas, and decided May 23, 2017 would be the perfect day to hold the first retreat.

God had other plans.

As the weeks past and the conversations continued it became more and more apparent that this idea was divinely inspired.  Things began happening, people began asking questions, we began dreaming and for me, I once again felt like I had a purpose and that maybe, just maybe, this house that I had grown to hate may once again become the inspiration it was created to be.

Fall was approaching and it seemed like a good time to test out the property.  We decided to host a Halloween Party for families of children with a disability.  The event was a huge success, 30 people attended, including 9 children with a disability, there brothers and sisters, parents, 1 grandfather with Alzheimer’s and an 80 year old grandmother. Everyone had an amazing time. We knew we had fulfilled our goal of creating an event for children who are often times excluded from the parties other kids attend. As Mike and I sat around the campfire talking about the day it became clear that what we were doing was important and that many people of all ages could be richly blessed by this idea of a retreat center.

Other events were held over the next few months and as people heard about Martinwood they became excited and interested and wanted to be a part of this new and innovative way of socialization for those who may not fit into the typical places society offers.

Back in July of 2016 my dream was to have a few caregivers over for an evening around the campfire, maybe a glass of wine or a hot dog.  Today, my dream is to create a revival around the Miracle of Martinwood and how it can bring people dealing with chronic illness hope for tomorrow.

My dream is for an army of volunteers to provide love and support to whomever comes to Martinwood. Mike and I will use the training and skills God has given us to be the leaders of a revolution.  Martinwood, the 2 acres in my backyard, will be the developing and testing area of what works and what doesn’t.  As we document the activities and outcomes we will create a manual that can be duplicated by anyone, any place who wishes to create a Martinwood of their own.

Martinwood will expand and grow beyond the 2 acres on Martinwood Drive and will allow people from all over the area to find a safe, encouraging place to spend an enjoyable few hours. What the next location will look like is up to God, will it be a separate location or a larger home with more property? I can’t answer that right now, but whatever it is, it will be filled with love and people who come there will be blessed and know that they can take a deep breath and let go of their worries for a little while.

Martinwood will consist of:

• A judgment free zone that is safe for any person to relax and enjoy the current activity
• an atmosphere of fun and networking among caregivers and individuals with a chronic illness
• a safe place for children who may not fit in at other parties a place to feel “normal” and accepted
• a place to laugh and share with others who understand
• a fun place to meet new friends and reconnect with old ones

Financially, Martinwood will operate on donations with an occasional charge for activities requiring supplies or materials.  Once a 501C3 is obtained grants and larger donations will be sought after.  Martinwood will never be dependent on government funding or the strings attached.  It is our desire that Martinwood will be a holistic; Christ centered community where people are free to pray for one another, free to talk about their Lord and free to ask questions relating to anything they are facing. It is my belief that if we are doing God’s work and serving His children in the way he intends the money will be made available as we need it and that blessings will abound in ways we cannot imagine.  We will create a budget and we will be good stewards of our resources. However, we will not put limitations on God and His ability to provide.

Spiritually, it is my unwavering belief that people move away from God because of something that has happened in their life.  It may be their upbringing, an experience with a Christian, or something that happened that caused them to think God was not there.  My hope is to offer nonthreatening views of Christ through the love people are shown and the example they see in those who are a part of Martinwood.  Our goal is not to preach to people, but rather to be living examples of the great commandment to love others.

10 Minute Ministries will be an important part of Martinwood as people seek prayer for themselves and loved ones, have questions, or need Biblical encouragement. Through 10 Minute Ministries, people will be able to participate in:

• communion
• attend special services
• be part of an online prayer / support group

Education will be provided in several ways:

• Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes
• Workshops and classes
• Webinars
• support groups
• Bible studies
• Online training

Socialization Once a family is confronted with a chronic illness their life is forever changed.  A once active couple now finds themselves sitting at home.  Parents watch as their friends children grow up and experience all the things they had dreamed of for their own child.  Often times, the caregiver becomes as isolated as the person with the illness.  This can lead to depression, resentment and even burnout. At Martinwood we hope to elevate some of this isolation by creating an atmosphere where everyone is welcomed regardless of their limitations. Some of the activities planned include things such as:

• Formal dinner parties
• Cookouts
• Music and entertainment
• Art related activities
• Movie Nights
• Theme related events
• Tea Parties

For me, the most important component of Martinwood is to bring the joy and laughter back into people’s lives even if for only a few hours.  It is the creation of a place to make new memories and garner strength and hope in knowing you are not alone.