As I sat outside behind the table helping register campers for the week ahead, he came and joined the back of the line. Standing beside him was a beautiful woman, dressed nicely, hair pinned back, of all serious nature. This was his mother. It didn't take long before everyone knew Ben was here. Impatiently jumping to the front of the line, he begged to be checked in first. No, said Kristy. You have to wait just like everyone else. Aww....but come on, he said. You know I'm your favorite. Laughing, Kristy directed to him to the back of the line once more. Loudly he waited, making his presence very known. He was sooo excited to be at camp. He wanted to get started as soon as possible. Finally Ben got checked in and then proceeded to sit beside Kristy and me at the registration table. I'm going to help, he told us.
Ben is develop mentally disabled, just like every other camper at Inspiration Center last week. How does this affect him? Ben cannot talk. And he has limited use of his right hand.
Now wait a minute, you might be saying. You just told me that he said things to you, how could he not be able to talk? Well, its kind of crazy really. Although Ben's mouth is not capable of forming words, he is more than able to communicate just as well as you and me. Ben uses his arms and hands extravagantly. He is also amazing at communicating through facial expressions. On top of this, he is able to make the beginning sounds of some words if you just aren't getting it. It only took me about one day to figure out how Ben communicates. It's quite breathtaking, really.
Ben is 22 years old. He might seem "slow" or "handicapped." But those words do not define him. He is just a 22 year old guy, interested in the same things as you and me. He loves to give hugs, be the center of attention, and isn't afraid to speak up if he thinks something isn't right.
Ben sat at my table for the week, and we were really able to get to know each other. Can you get me a soda, he would as me by motioning as if he was drinking and making the 'd' noise, meaning "diet." No, Ben, I would say. You already had a soda today. Only one per day. He would then turn to me with the saddest eyes, put a pathetic frown on his face and fold his hands under his chin, as if he was begging. With all of that he spoke one word. "Please."
Ben is not "slow." I did not have to speak to him as if he was a child. I did not have talk slowly or repeat things over and over for him to get them. He is actually a very clever guy. He thought it was funny to call me crazy and a loser. You should be careful, Ben. I'm the one who gets you your drinks and cuts up your food. If you keep being mean to me you might not get to eat. Pondering this at the next meal, he asked the other counselor at our table to cut his food for him and get him his drink. Now I can still make fun of you, he jeered at me.
One afternoon while the campers were supposed to be resting in their rooms and I was doing dishes, Ben came up to me in his bathing suit, holding a towel. He was ready to swim. Ben! I said. You are supposed to be in your room resting. He told me he wasn't tired. So we hung out for a little while. He wandered around and messed with some of the other staff. And eventually, he got to swim. He's just a fun guy to be with.
I went into last week expecting to have a good time. I was excited for the opportunity to help people and serve God. In some ways, I was kind of expecting to be a babysitter, taking care of these adults who couldn't take care of themselves. God really revealed himself to me last week. Look at these people, he told me. You are not any better than them. I died for THEM too. Look at these beautiful humans. Look at the way I gave Laurel the gift of dancing. Look at Deb, how passionately she prays. Jenny sees only the good in people. She loves to compliment you and make you feel good about yourself. And look at Ben. This beautiful boy. This marvelous communicator. My creation.
The last thing I expected to do last week was make friends.
God had different plans.
