Spa welcomes courageous caregivers
Women who are caregivers for disabled children or adults are invited to "Spa for the Courageous," to be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3 and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Oct. 4 at the First Baptist Church of Geneva, 3435 Keslinger Road in Geneva.
It is sponsored by the Church Network Disability Ministry which reaches out to individuals and families affected by disability.
The retreat will offer a special guest speaker, support, pampering such as massages and manicures, as well as a special message, said event chair Amy Clark, of Batavia
"We want mothers and other family members who have sacrificed their life to care for another individual to know that they are special," Clark said. She is the mother of two disabled sons who are 11 and 6, and has a daughter who is 8. "They need encouragement, a sense of belonging and support."
Clark said she has attended other gatherings for caregivers which tended to be negative and a forum for complaints.
She added that she has had "conversations with the Lord" regarding her own care of her two disabled sons. She began to take a look at her life and she came to believe that the Lord had prepared her to make the necessary sacrifices.
"This spa will focus on the blessings of this work, and how unique caregivers are," Clark said. "I believe that caregivers are part of God's purpose, their lives are planned by God. He has given us the life experience and the tools we need to handle the situation."
Author Pamela Rosewell Moore will tell participants how to look for peace and joy in their lives. Moore was a caregiver for the late Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch Christian who was incarcerated by the Nazis during World War II.
The event will also offer free hair cuts, massages, manicures, facials, pedicures and hand treatments.
Clark said she is still looking for volunteers to offer these treats.
"We want to renew, refresh and restore," Clark said. "Typically, these caregivers don't get connected. They can meet others in the same situation on a positive note."
The cost is $10. Sponsorships are available for those who may find the cost a barrier.
Register online at www.churchnetworkministry.org.
Lecture:
Temple B'nai Israel, 400 N. Edgelawn Drive in Aurora is hosting a lecture on "American Declaration of Independence and the Ten Commandments" at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept 14. The speaker is Dr. Zohar Raviv, an internationally known scholar and educator. A continental breakfast will be served.
For information, call the temple office at (630) 892-2450.