In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we have a heartwarming story to share from one our “regulars” at Real Talk Connect on Tuesday afternoons. Friends know Barb Schneider as “Joy.” Her nickname is so fitting as she regularly finds ways to encourage others. Joy knows neurodiversity in her family and is an experienced mom of three adult men, one who lives at home with her.

Earlier this fall, Joy took her enthusiasm and hope on the road. She had been prayerfully considering ways to find new adventure in life and was driven by her heart to build connections. Recognizing she’s been developing deep affection for the people she has met online in WRIM’s peer support group, she considered ways she might meet some in person and be of support.

So Joy reached out to virtual friends and began planning her route. We think you’ll have fun seeing what terrific experiences and relationships God created through Joy’s time away. We might even dub it WRIM’s first ever “Real Talk Road Trip!” as it is already inspiring others to consider where their own ventures might take them. Many can be blessed by trips that grow friendships rather than just adding stickers to a passport.

I love to travel and meet new people. Our family took many trips until my husband died nearly six years ago. Determined to “get back on the horse,” I reserved time after Labor Day this year to visit family, old haunts, and friends of Walk Right In Ministries in Kansas City.

Starting in Minneapolis, I headed down I-35, then detoured from Des Moines to Omaha to visit with our youngest son, Scott, from noon into the balmy evening. What a treat to talk about his life, marriage, church, job and anything else that came up. My Mama’s heart was so blessed.

Pictured: Joy enjoying time with two of her sons back in 2023.

The next day, I headed South on I-29, through ripe corn and bean fields to stop at our former business in the small farming community of Rock Port, Missouri. We owned and operated a KOA Kampground there for seven years when our three boys were in junior high and high school. These were years when our sons spread their wings on our 10 acres of woods and prairie, while Mike and I tried hard to grow our new business. This is when I realized that I was a city girl married to a country guy; our boys, now men, still call Rock Port their hometown.

Returning to Southbound I-29, I headed for my destination: the Kansas City Metro town of Lenexa, and a young adult social evening with SOAR Disability Ministries.

A visual burst of colorful creativity is the first thing I saw when I arrived. Against a bright green background on the plate glass windows, the word “SOAR” is written whimsically large, along with welcoming greetings. I knew this was going to be fun, and it was.

I was greeted warmly by WRIM Board Chair Steve “Doc” Hunsley, who is the founder and president of SOAR. Doc is a retired pediatrician and dad to son Mark who had Dravet Syndrome and autism before graduating to Heaven in 2010 at age five.

Doc is a bundle of playful energy who doesn’t slow down except to talk and give hugs to participants. Friendly staff members and volunteers mingled and engaged with the participants. The karaoke machine was broken that evening tempting some of the participants toward intermittent scrolling or listening on their phones.

Pictured: Steve “Doc” Hunsley and Stephen.

When we gathered for dinner, phones were put away. Doc directed everyone to form a circle and take turns calling out the names of their favorite NFL teams. This was an enthusiastic way to call us to order, even among the groans when unfavored team names were shared. Doc prayed the blessing over the food, then directed: “Women first, form a line.” Great Kansas City pizza!

A large framed art canvas and colorful paint jars were on a table in a side room, where a few at a time came in to add their artistic flair. The result was a lovely compilation of various colors, shapes and imaginations.

Staff and volunteers interacted with participants seamlessly throughout the evening, offering conversation, hugs, and encouragement. I spoke with staff member Amy, a mom of four teens and World Jiu Jitsu champion. She told me she loves her job and the people she meets at SOAR.

I also met Ada, a friendly girl who was there for the first time. At 21, she is a high school senior planning to attend college. She wants to work with law enforcement to catch cyber criminals. Another participant, Stephen, who is blind, was impressive with his range of humor. He works at a pizza store assembling boxes.

I left the SOAR event thinking how wonderful was this opportunity for young adults to get together where it feels safe, and they can have fun building relationships.

Doc met me for lunch a few days later. He shared with me the realities of keeping this vital ministry going. His persistent attempts to form a coalition of local disability non-profits and churches in order to leverage funding sources has been met with closed doors. Leaders are afraid if they try to work together their own funding will dry up. His frustration was palpable.

For someone who has already faced so much disappointment and hardship — empowered by God — this is yet another hill to climb. The needs are great. Those who know Doc, and see him in action, have no doubt God is using him in a big way through SOAR.

Pictured: SOAR Adult Social Club guest holding “Bubba” the bear. The cuddly friend is named in memory of Doc’s son Mark Hunsley who had Dravet Syndrome and autism before graduating to Heaven in 2010 at age five.

Doc even knows my next host — fellow family caregiver, Genevieve Kennedy. Genevieve and I met a few years ago on the WRIM Tuesday support group called Real Talk Connect. I was looking forward to meeting in person.

U.S Army Post Ft. Leavenworth, just North of Lenexa, is home to Genevieve, her husband Major Dereck Kennedy, and their lively family. Arriving on base around 1pm, I was able to spend time with Genevieve and Dereck before he picked up Eli, Lucas, and Caleb from elementary school.

Genevieve and I caught up on our “joys of being a mom of neurodiverse boys” conversation. I also learned Genevieve is working toward a PhD in psychology, so I felt honored that she was open to my visit in her very busy life.

When the boys arrived, transitioning to home included greetings, healthy snacks, table activities, and 1 prized TV show. While Dereck supervised at home, Genevieve gave me a driving tour of the sprawling, historical Army Post. It is self-contained with stores, a school, a large library/research center, and lots of recreation options for everyone. Dereck may be reassigned next year for more education, but this is a beautiful place to call home for now.

Genevieve and Dereck are efficient partners and do a great job. Their lovely split-level home is orderly and welcoming. I felt very much at home in their family circle. After our separate “grown-ups” dinner, it was time to have a quick photo and be on my way.

At the hotel and all the way home, I thanked God for this wonderful road trip and new friends.

I am officially “back in the saddle again.”