The week prior to the C4C March retreat was filled with burdens, obstacles, sickness, mishaps, and flat out confusion for most everyone who signed up to attend and speak at the sessions. My roommates and I thought it was just our group, but soon found out that our situation was similar to most everyone else who was secretly trying to find a way to back out of going. Sick children, flooded homes, broken appliances, sick adults, broken bones, stresses of busy lives, not being able to get it all done in time, airport mix-ups, dying pets...and the list could go on and on and on. I'm so glad that I did not give in and miss out on this blessing! You see, the village of mamas that I'm a part of, is the best! We rally for one another. Those of us who pray, pray for each other. Those of us who pray, pray for those who do not pray and love them just the same. Our community isn't focused on being the same, but a love for children and families. Also, our community shares a love for each other. It's a special bond between a lot of folks who just "get" it. We are there for each other, talk through our problems with each other, provide a warm shoulder to lean on, and a caring ear to listen. We are there for each other in all areas, not just adoption. We do not judge each other, but do try to give our most honest opinions in hope of using our stories and personal situations to help others. Even though most of us have never met in real life, we reach out to each other. We send money and boxes filled with goodies to our friends that need it never expecting anything in return. We are there when another is sick, or their family members are sick. We make things happen for each other. Since 2009, I've been a part of this wonderful community of ladies and I feel so very honored and blessed to be able to say that! I loved these ladies before I had a real personality to judge them by. I only knew them from black and white words on a computer screen. Heck, I couldn't even pick out some of them in a line-up, because I am more familiar with a screen name or their kid(s)' photo. I understand and know their hearts. When you build friendships out of trust, compassion, love for one another, and a burning passion that you have in common, rather than how someone looks, their friends, their family, their religious beliefs, etc., you form real, true friendships. In 2009, I never thought that I'd get to meet my best friends in real life. Thank you to the Created for Care team for making this a reality for so many of us. Thank you for putting tireless hours into planning, decorating, praying, and loving so that we can all experience the awesomeness that we experienced this past weekend. I walked away form the Lake Lanier Lodge a different person. I left a more caring wife, mother, grand-daughter, niece, aunt, and friend than ever before. I learned to live with more grace, love, and understanding. I learned that eating hamburgers is important, but a well thought out gourmet dinner is very important in a happy marriage and home. ;) *You C4C March girls will get that and giggle!* God certainly had a presence and it was truly amazing to sit back and listen as everyone told of their God moments throughout the weekend. For me, I arrived Friday evening with a heavy, worried, confused, burdened heart, but left with clarity, the feeling that I was ready to once again take on the world, and the elephant had removed itself from my chest. I could breathe - finally, ahhhh. I wasn't tense for the first time in years. So, if there was anyone who didn't attend, I encourage you to sign up next year. You won't regret it!
XOXO,
Stacy