A Grace-Filled First
How one summer camp field trip reminded me that with the right village—and a whole lot of God—anything is possible.
Yesterday, something beautiful happened.
Ella Grace—my sunshine girl, my youngest, my minimally verbal, autistic wonder—went on her very first summer camp field trip. That might sound ordinary to some, but for me, it was nothing short of miraculous.
She was surrounded by mostly neurotypical peers at World Changers Church Houston’s summer camp, a space where she’s the only camper with a profound special need… or as I like to call it, an invisible one—until it’s not.
And y’all, yesterday? It wasn’t.
The Power of a Yes
When I signed her up for camp this year, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I was deeply grateful that our pastors not only accepted her into the program but made space for her needs—including allowing her to attend field trips with modifications.
That kind of “yes” is powerful. It says:
- We see your child.
- She belongs here.
- We’re committed to doing this together.
And it takes a village to back up a yes like that.
Her Village Showed Up
Her teacher’s assistant this summer? Jasmine—one of my beloved church nieces. And one of Ella’s besties at camp? Jasmine’s little sister, Journey—also another one of my “nieces.” The camp director? Avery, my pastor’s daughter. Every single one of them showed Ella love, support, and patience.
They made her feel safe.
They made me feel seen.
She Did That!
The pictures I received afterward made my heart leap. Because guess what? Ella participated. In activities I hadn’t yet felt confident enough to try with her on my own. But with the right supports in place—she thrived.
I cried tears I didn’t even know I’d been holding in.
I saw God in every smile. In every small step. In every effort made by her village to help her soar.
Scripture Takeaway
“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me…” — Mark 9:37 (NIV)
Reflecting Forward
Ella’s field trip wasn’t just a win for her—it was a win for all of us. A confirmation that with faith, the right village, and a whole lot of God, mountains can be moved… even the invisible ones.
To every parent navigating neurodiversity, inclusion, or special needs, I see you. You’re not alone. Sometimes the smallest moments become the biggest victories.
Stay encouraged, fam. Grace is always moving—even on a field trip.
© 2025, Lela Fagan. All rights reserved.
