Called To Love

I was super excited and a little surprised when my friends, Jen and Amy, asked me to join them for a planning meeting for the retreat they are putting together.  I was surprised because this retreat is for moms who are in the process of or have adopted, and for foster moms.  At the time that they asked me to join them, Shad and I had simply said yes to the idea of adoption, but had not really acted on it.  But, they seemed like they genuinely wanted me there, so I went.

I ended up in a room full of women who, I felt, were in a totally different walk of life than me.  These women were either waiting for an adoption referral or had already brought a kiddo home from somewhere.  I felt a tad out of place, but I also felt totally in the right place.  As we went around the table introducing ourselves, I heard several adoption summaries and when it got to me all I could say was, “well, we haven’t adopted, we aren’t foster parents, we haven’t even filled out an application, but we have said yes.”  I gave them a quick summary of this story, and then we got down to business.

Jen and Amy attended a retreat similar to the one we are planning earlier this year and came back feeling called to put one together in our neck of the woods.  Their excitement was contagious, both on their blogs and on FB.  You can read Jen’s post here.  So I got excited and commented that I would love to help!  And now, officially, I am going to be helping Jen and Amy with registration and whatever else they need me for.  We had a meeting again on Saturday and, while we are only about 1% closer to adopting (i.e.: we filled out an application with an agency last week!), I really felt like I was right where I needed to be.  I think God is easing me into the whole process and I am OK with that!

So, what is this retreat all about?  It’s called Called To Love.  Here is what the website says about it:

“Called To Love is a ministry designed to encourage and support adoptive and foster moms by providing an annual retreat. Whether you are just beginning the process, have been home for years, or are in the trenches of those first few months home, you are invited to join us. Our desire is that each woman will connect with other mamas, refresh physically and emotionally, and renew your own relationship with the Father. He who has called you by name to this journey longs to reconnect with you and re-energize you. We pray this weekend of worshipping, eating, learning, connecting, laughing and resting will feed your body and soul and send you home a better wife and mother!”

So there you have it.  If you are interested in this retreat, go to the website and read through the FAQs for all the information.  Registration begins on May 1st and is first come first served.  I feel so privileged to be on the planning team and want to thank Jen and Amy for asking me to join them.  (I know you will be reading this!)  If you are an adoptive mom or a foster mom and want to be re-energized in your walk with God come and join us!