And outside is where she really wants to be. She has taught us to slow down and enjoy God around us. The congregation at New Hope Lutheran recognized the enriching effect nature had on her life. They observed Erika and her father enjoy outings every Sunday after church and came up with an idea. Taking the lead of their pastor, the Rev. Joseph Kovitch, about 40 youth and adults worked together to build a garden at the church for Erika and her father to enjoy on their walks.
New Hope is three churches that merged.
The garden has beautiful bushes that attract many butterflies. Her father takes her to the garden every day from spring until fall, sometimes two to three times a day. He carries her through the garden on walks, where they'll stop to take in the fresh air or feed the turtles in a nearby stream. On warm days, Sunday School teachers take their classes out in the garden to read stories, and adults use it as a place to meditate and pray. She and her son, AAL Representative Eric Brady, helped Branch 10338 organize the project.