A DREAM: THE SHOU FAMILY'S JOURNEY
In 2021 the Shou family, with a background in the IT industry, embarked on a transformative adventure. They left the bustling city behind and settled on a picturesque farm nestled in the serene beauty of Bainbridge Island. Little did they know that this decision would lead to a remarkable journey - one filled with challenges, discoveries, and a profound sense of purpose.
Upon their arrival, the Shou family found themselves facing the task of managing 18 acres of land, a world away from their urban lifestyle. Mr. Shou believed that potatoes grew on trees, and Mrs. Shou mistook a coyote for a fox. Their children were greeted by a diverse array of wildlife on a daily basis. The question that loomed large was, "What should we do with this vast and untamed land?". One day, while Mrs. Shou was venting her frustrations amidst the towering trees of the forest, a long-forgotten dream from her past suddenly resurfaced. In her dream, she climbed halfway up a cliff and saw many caves - more than she could count. She was astonished to discover a child in each cave, so lonely and unaware of how long they had been trapped. She tried to lift the first child out, unsure of how they would escape together. Suddenly, a pair of large hands from the sky reached down and lifted the child up. She continued to rescue the second child, one after another, and each time those big hands brought the children from the darkness into the world of light. This dream stirred something deep within her—a belief that lonely children in the world are in need of help.
Around the same time, the Shou family began to cross paths with families who had children with special needs. They also noticed a sudden increase in such cases among their friends and acquaintances. Their own children even remarked that it seemed as though God had brought these families and children with special needs into their lives.
Inspired by this revelation, Mr. Shou and Mrs. Shou made a life-changing decision. Rather than struggle to become expert farmers, they chose to open their farm to serve and employ the special-needs community. Thus, the farm was reborn as "Joyland Farm" where every young adult gaining job experience or interning with the Joyland team is affectionately known as a "Joylander."
Today, this incredible journey has evolved from a family's adventure into a heartwarming community story. With the support of various partners from diverse backgrounds, this mission to bring joy and transformation to the lives of those with special needs continues to thrive. Join us in making a meaningful difference!
