When Cassie was a few months old, we realized she was not developing typically. During the first couple of months, we thought we had a wonderful little girl who slept so well. Instead, she slept too much and was not responding to life around her. We were living in Korea at the time (Dad is in the US military) and saw many specialists there. However, no one really knew what was going on – just the vague diagnosis "Failure to Thrive." When we moved back to the States, we hoped more available health care specialists would give us better answers, but seven years later, we’re still waiting for answers. We are now told, Cassie’s primary diagnosis is unknown, but her secondary diagnosis is autism. In other words, whatever she does have, manifests itself with many autistic characteristics. Cassie is now a delightful eight year old girl who is non-verbal, just learning to wear big-girl underwear, has a smile & laugh that light up a room, knows her colors and recognizes most letters in the alphabet, loves her brothers and is VERY active.

Since Dad is in the military, we move frequently (Cassie has lived in seven different places). With each move, we find new doctors, new therapists and new schools. We’ve learned to truly depend on God for meeting our needs – He alone knows where her needs will be met. And, we trust Him to help us find a new home. This is our second time living in the DC area. The first time, we were fortunate to discover the disability ministry at McLean Bible Church. When we first began attending McLean Bible Church, Cassie would clap when we pulled into the parking lot! We found a church that everyone loved! The respite care programs MBC offers through the Access ministry are wonderful for Cassie. For her, it’s like a party once a month. My other kids are always invited to birthday parties, but not Cassie. She really looks forward to her special party each month on Saturday at Break-Away. All three of our children love the Friday night Break-Out sessions; and Peyton & I enjoy dinner out once a month. It’s the only date night we have. Needless to say, when we were assigned to this area again, we decided to look for a home that would be accessible to MBC.

We see Jill’s House as an extension to the wonderful Access programs. Just like her brothers are invited to sleep-overs, Cassie is not. I can’t imagine having a night just with my husband. What a treat that would be! I just hope we can live in the DC area when Jill’s House is completed! It will be such a wonderful ministry to all the families with special children! Thanks in advance to all the people that are making this dream a reality.