Ontelaunee Youth Archery Program
Junior Archery

“Touching Lives”

“Sometimes God brings special people into your life that will have a huge impact on the person you will become.  Sarah and Pierson had that happen by a special teacher who poured into them the love of Christ and taught them all about the Character of God.  Over the years they continue to refer to things they learned from him.

A few weeks ago Cargan began on a journey that would shape his character.  He began archery lessons.  Now you have to keep in mind that he has limited strength and sensation in his left side including his left hand.  At times I also have to remember that the trauma from his early years in China will continue resurface from time to time.  When we signed up I wasn’t sure how well he could physically do it, but thought it was worth a try.  I also wasn’t sure if the teachers would know how to help him.  And that is where the story begins.

The first day there I shared with the teacher his limitations due to his cerebral palsy and he was so kind and helpful.  I walked Cargan downstairs and fear spread over his face, a fear I had not seen in over a year.  Trauma fear.  I was unsure at first what was triggering it but once he is there it is very hard to pull him out of it.  I watched something incredible happen that day.  I saw his instructor a complete stranger take my son who was holding back tears to smiles and even shooting an arrow with no one watching him.  I wasn’t sure if he would return the next week but on the way home we stopped at the archery store to pick up something Pierson needed and Cargan saw a little bow like the one he had used and he bought it with is Christmas money.  I guess he was going back.

Week two he reluctantly returned and as soon as he went down those stairs fear engulfed him again.  Once again this incredible man helped draw him out and had him laughing and even shooting a little with the others which was huge.  You see Cargan finally shared he didn’t want to shoot with the others watching him.  This was because he was so afraid of what they would say and do to him, drawing him back to the many memories he had of the way he had been treated as a person with a disability in a culture that look at is as a curse.  But he overcame that and Jerry his instructor stood and blocked the others view and encouraged him to shoot.  A smile spread across his face as he shoot behind the protection of this man.

This was week three and it was a day to remember! Cargan doesn’t like to get up early so he tried to pull excuses to get him out of going but once up he was excited.  I wasn’t sure what would happen when we got there but as soon as he saw Jerry he was all smiles.  The kids were called to go down and Cargan told me I didn’t need to go with him!!  That in itself was huge.  Then half way parents were invited to go down to watch.  I wasn’t sure if I should since he had went on his own but I went down to peak and their he was Mr. Confident shooting and now hitting the target.  At first he wouldn’t shoot unless Jerry was standing next to him but then Jerry slowly weaned away and their was my son overcoming one of his biggest fears shooting with all those kids and now also parents watching.  You know what he did.  He shoot his first ever bulls eye!!  His face was so full of joy and confidence.  It is a moment he will always remember.  I love how God connects people.  I am so thankful for Jerry.  He is a gifted man who can comfort a child full of fear and help them.  Believe they can really do something great.  This mama will be forever grateful!  I can’t wait to see what next week brings.

PS – more pictures coming once I get them from my friend.  She got one of the bulls eye.”