I think this is the longest I’ve ever gone without updating my blog since I first starting blogging. Last week was the week of the C4C retreat–so this mom was slammed with homeschooling and planning a retreat for 450 moms. The weekend was AMAZING. It was so funny even how it had a completely different feel from the January retreat…also AMAZING–but it was a completely different group…more domestic, China and of course lots of Ethiopia mommas. There was just a more laid back feel–maybe it was just us because it was the 2nd one of the year! There’s no doubt we’ll have to do 2 retreats next year to serve these 900+ women–and we’re praying about whether to have 2 retreats HERE…or 1 retreat here or in another location! We should have this decision made in the next couple of weeks–and then the planning for 2013 will once again begin.
Here is the slideshow of the March Created for Care families that we opened up our weekend with:
I’ll be posting two additional sessions that were not at the January retreat later in the week too by the most precious adult adoptee on the planet! We completely fell in love with Carissa Woodwyk, one of the co-authors of “Before You Were Mine”. I MUST get that book by the way! On my “to do” list for the week!
This mom is spending THIS week recovering and resting–and also praying through our school year next year. With this momma needing more rest–we are praying about a half day classical school close by or the full day covenant Christian school the littles attended the last few years and we have loved! While I LOVE homeschooling, I have to be realistic about what I’m able to do well while also focusing on getting better health wise for my children. I’m trusting the Lord to guide me, and although some times it’s hard–I’m thankful for this season. I stand amazed what the Lord can do in our weakness–and how He sustains.
Blessings to each of you!
Andrea Young
by admin
So glad that it went so great!!! I really do wish I come have come back for the March one! Haha! Can’t wait to hear what ya’ll are planning for C4C next year!!!
Andrea, it was a truly wonderful weekend. Your ability to express genuine love to so many mamas is beautiful to see. A real gift from God. What a joy to think of all the ways God will use this retreat in each of the families represented by each woman there. So cool! Rest well this week my friend.
It was my first C4C conference and I was so blessed! Thank you to you and everyone else for making us ladies feel so special. I had such a sweet time on my date with God and heard His voice! Have a restful week Andrea!
Andrea…I really can’t thank you enough for all that you give of yourself to do C4C! It is such a tremendous blessing for all of us mommies! Can’t wait to see the plans for next year!
what a blessing the entire weekend was! i am so thankful for the tons of work that went into making the retreat a true refreshing, educational, enjoyable break. thank you so very much!
Andrea- This weekend was absolutely AMAZING! Thank you times ten for all of your hardwork and dedication to loving and serving the orphans of this world and those who love them. And please forgive me for bombarding you with ideas…sometimes I get ahead of myself. Be my friend in spite of this? 🙂 -McCall
Andrea, Thank you so very much for everything you did for us at the retreat! My friends and I had a WONDERFUL time. We learned a lot, were able to relax, and met some amazing friends along the way. The C4C Retreat was definitely worth the trip from Wisconsin! From the first few hours we were in Atlanta (in the spa ;)), to the Sunday morning worship, we enjoyed everything. Thank you for all of your hard work. Please give thanks to the other volunteers on my behalf. I know you work so hard to provide adoptive moms this amazing opportunity…please know that you were appreciated! One of my favorite parts…meeting my “virtual/blog friends” and leaving the retreat with them being my “real” friends! Thanks so much Andrea!
Looks like you’ve done it again. Amazing. Just amazing.
Will be praying for your rest and peace in His perfect plans!
Love & Blessings,
Kim
Andrea, words cannot describe the thanks and gratitude that ALL of us mamas have for you and your wonderful C4C team. Seriously, your ministry to adoptive mamas is one that is truly needed and you were made to do it girl! What a blessing you are, God has big things planned for you friend!
I have blogged shots that I took of all the tables, worship, and prayer cross (along with pictures of mamas) if you are interested in having a look when things settle down. I always think it’s nice to see things through other people’s eyes, especially when you are the one running the show! God’s Blessings to you and your family!
-nicole
http://www.LivingOutHisLove.com
Thanks for sharing the video. I am in the time of waiting and it was such an encouragement to see God’s faithfulness to the families that have gone before us. I love the songs that were chosen as well, the words were so powerful!
Thanks so much for everything you and your team did to make such an awesome retreat possible! It was such a great time!! Ya’ll are a blessing to all the adoptive mommies!
Andrea,
Thanks for a fabulous retreat! It was so good to have time away, worship together, and be with people who “get it.” It was wonderful and so evident that God was present! Must say I loved the band. 🙂
I didn’t turn in my C4C survey sheet. Is there a place on the C4C website where I can still give feedback, is it too late, or would you want me to email it?
Andrea-
I loved the video you created for your conference! It was inspiring, reassuring….just beautiful! I am working with a coalition of churches in Indiana to put together our first adoption and orphan care conference, Answer the Call. We are trying to reach out to those in the community and to provide a central resource for those who feel called to help children through foster care, adoption, and orphan care ministry in their church. After I watched your video, I was so moved! Right now we have put together a promo video for our conference that involves interviewing a teenage boy that has been stuck in the foster care system his entire life. He is just desperate to find a place called home.
I love the video but I also love what you have done. I sent my team to look at your video to see if we could do something like it for our conference also. 🙂 One member asked if we could use your video, as it is so well done.
I guess that is my question. I know it is on U- Tube but this is something precious that you and your team has crafted. I hesitate to ask you. But I guess I am. Would you mind ? If so, that’s fine. We will create our own. Just asking. 🙂