MTC Surf family stories

Family Stories

In their own words

MTC Surf participant riding a wave — Photo by Kyle Olsen · @kylefloats

Complete stories, shared with care

Each account comes from a different anonymous parent. Names and a small number of identifying or sensitive details are withheld for family privacy. Obvious spelling and punctuation were corrected without changing meaning. Photos are from MTC Surf program days and are not connected to the anonymous story shown on each card.

A growing collection

Stories from MTC Surf families

Every card is one parent's complete account. Nothing is hidden behind a button or shortened into a summary.

MTC Surf instructor supporting a participant on a surfboard in the ocean

MTC Surf program photo

Parent story 01

Brave and courageous

Content note: This story mentions difficult family circumstances and fear.

Our girls have been through a difficult season; they are brave and courageous and want to be carefree, happy kids. Learning to surf helped one of our girls learn that she could do something hard. She loves sharks but is also afraid of them. Being in deep water with an instructor by her side helped her face that fear. Another felt “free” while she was standing on her board and surfing on her own. She also became more confident swimming in the ocean.
Thanks for blessing them, and me. Watching them surf made me realize how strong they are and how big their God is; big enough to see them through this difficult part of life for today and always.
Anonymous parent

Two MTC Surf participants standing together at the shoreline

MTC Surf program photo

Parent story 02

Such a gift

We feel like this was such a gift. We’re not surfers and don’t have the means to provide this opportunity to our child. To share it with other adoptive children was just precious!
Anonymous parent

MTC Surf participants practicing their stance on surfboards in the sand — Photo by Melissa Wolf; @melissamaephoto

MTC Surf program photo

Parent story 03

They got on his level

They were so kind and naturally got on his level. I could see my son’s excitement by his smiles and how he’d kick his feet on the surfboard. Also, as a single mama, I appreciate any extra positive male role models that we happen to get paired up with!
Anonymous parent

MTC Surf participant celebrating after surfing — Photo by Melissa Wolf

MTC Surf program photo

Parent story 04

I think this is amazing

This is hard... I'm embarrassed to say I am totally geeked up about the program. It hits everything. The instructors build up the kids, the kids are doing something cool, it requires some movement (for lack of a better word - vs. say "talk therapy" or riding a horse... nothing against those programs).
It builds a skill they can take into the future if they have an interest... and on and on and on. I just think it's so cool. You know the scene in Elf where he yells, "SANTA!" That's how I feel about this... you'd never know it looking at me and I try to act all casual but I think this is AMAZING.
Anonymous parent

A participant balancing on a surfboard while an instructor follows alongside

MTC Surf program photo

Parent story 05

Confidence in their back pocket

They loved the program. If we get other placements we will be back. Also, regarding building confidence: They were only at two sessions, but I think this is totally the type of thing that kids have in their back pocket and it totally builds confidence over time. And even "in the moment" you're creating those positive connections in their brain. I apologize for the rambling! I really do think this is an amazing program.
Anonymous parent

MTC Surf staff and volunteers in red shirts gathered beside surfboards on the beach

MTC Surf program photo

Parent story 06

When is the next surf lesson?

Our family has been so blessed by More Than Conquerors! They have provided my children with an experience to learn and to love surfing, which is something we couldn't have provided for them without More Than Conquerors.
The instructors made my children feel so special and loved while sharing their own passion of surfing with them. Their favorite part of the day was when they were able to stand up on the surfboard for the first time. Between all of my children, I must have been asked 100 times when the next surf lesson was. Thank you More Than Conquerors for providing this amazing experience for my family!
Anonymous parent

MTC Surf participants and volunteers playing together in the sand

MTC Surf program photo

Parent story 07

Brave, loved and cared for

Content note: This story mentions panic and difficult early experiences.

Thank you so much for a memorable experience for our daughters! I never thought in a million years they would have gone out that far to surf with people they've never met! Their instructors were so skillful, patient and loving. One of our daughters experiences frequent panic. Her instructor let her ride on his back even though it was more difficult for him that way.
I cried many times watching the girls in the water. Our girls have had so much of a harder start to life than most kids and to see them be brave and loved and cared for was so moving. This is the body of Christ. Thank you for being the hands of Jesus to our girlies.
Anonymous parent

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