ASD, autism, Christianity, Faith and Spirtuality, mental health, Parenting, photography

Orientation!

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Orientation, “to acquaint with the existing situation or environment,” Merriam-Webster

This academic year for my “baby” begins not just with a move to the next school but rather the next state.

Now, towering over six feet tall, the time has come where he stands alone.

Our week-long orientation begins today as he acquaints himself with his new academic environment. However, new school, new home and new people present plenty of opportunity for anxiety, especially so for anyone on the spectrum. Lan confessed to just a few while I’m praying hard not to fuel my own!

I choose to remember God got us this far by grace. Something more is in store. I could not envision this day just four years ago when he began high school. Lan and I have come a long way and if you’re living in the land of ASD you can too. Here are my words of advice for anyone raising special needs kids:

Enjoy the journey. I regret not doing this more. Don’t obsess over academic standards. Faith is more productive than fear. Fear of failure doesn’t encourage a child nearly as much as faith for growth yet unseen.

Laugh. I didn’t do that enough either. Don’t make the same mistake.

“A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.” Proverbs 17:22

Try something new. Karate, piano and band were gateways for growth. If something doesn’t work you can always quit. This is a great way to uncover hidden talents!

Go with your gut! There was one teacher I didn’t care for but I allowed Lan to stay in the class. Big mistake. When we fall backward, God can catch us up, but learn to heed your God/gut instincts so you won’t have to.

Call in the reserves! People will help you if you ask. You can’t receive the relief you need if you brave it alone. Many people are affected by autism and other disorders as parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends. People can be kind and caring. They will help you. An hour of “free time” can equip you to manage your challenges. Take it!

Believe God for the impossible! Never stop searching for solutions. Resources you need are often hidden like treasure; but trust God and they will find you.

Don’t give up! Life can wear you down. Just keep it moving! The fastest person doesn’t always win, rather the one who doesn’t give up.
Run your race.

We can’t always outsmart ASD. Setbacks will knock us down. Still, there are times when we recognize the God/good in life that can leave us amazed!

As I become “oriented” to my new role of long-distance mom, my last prayer for parents is that you fight when necessary and rest when you can.

I’ve learned life’s hardest challenges can produce the greatest miracles.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11 [Full Chapter]

13 thoughts on “Orientation!”

  3. Lilka, I am always blessed to read how the Lord has led you and Lan. I agree that “life’s hardest challenges can produce the greatest miracles” as a witness to HIs grace and power through us, and all for HIs glory. We are lifting you and Lan to the throne of grace for these next years, and look forward to reading how He continues to be with you both, even in two different states. Blessings for you both, and for all your family ~ to His praise and glory.

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    1. Thank you so much Mrs. Frances. I will admit I’m feeling “some kinda way” right now but I know God is all over it and there is more for us to learn. I couldn’t have even imagined this just a year ago.
      To God ALL the Glory for answered prayers and His faithfulness along the way. What God didn’t change, He changed how I looked at it.
      I will pray for you as well. You are doing a different kind of work for the Lord right now. Sometimes the greatest works we can do for the Father are right at home. Thank you for your prayers and kindness. We will see what the next chapter holds… 🙂

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    1. Thanks Debbie! It has been a journey and taken a village but Lan has worked really hard to get to this point. The main reason I started this blog was to encourage others not to lose hope. At one point I did feel rather hopeless and alone in my attempts to do the best I possible could for Lan. But, God!! God has done some amazing things for us and worked out solutions before I could recognize the problems.
      Sometimes when we glimpse someone else’s path it helps us to put things in perspective. Thanks so much for taking time to stop by and comment. 🙂

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