Monday, February 7, 2011

Created For Care.


This past weekend I had the honor and privilege of going to a retreat for adoptive mommy's. I wanted to go from the beginning but wasn't sure we could swing it. God provided a way for me to go through a couple of precious friends and I'm so blessed. THANK YOU! (You know who you are.) :)The retreat grounds were gorgeous.
This was the video shown on our first night.


It was fabulous.

No, I didn't get hours of extra sleep but I did get hours of time with precious friends. Mama's that "get" me without having to explain myself. To be with a sea of women who have walked difficult roads with their babes yet loved them through it. Listening to knowledgeable women speaking about the gospel and how that goes hand in hand with loving our kids right where they're at. How to parent kids from hard places with the same grace and love our Father has poured out on us. How to gain strength from Him when the days are dark and we just feel like quitting. The encouragement for those that were struggling with big, big things. Empowering us mamas with tools to not only help our children heal but to embrace this process and let the Lord work in our hearts as well as the hearts of our children. This retreat facilitated the opportunity for all of us to hang out in one place, many of us meeting for the first time. People once known as "blog friends" turned real life friends. It was amazing.


Two of my favorite mamas, both are so sweet and an inspiration. Love you ladies.


Andrea and her crew did a fabulous job of planning and thinking of every detail.

THANK YOU!


Meeting so many other CHI mama's was a highlight for me. Hanging out with some of my very favorite people was such a blessing, I felt a little spoiled. Staying up til 2am talking about life, orphan care, adoption, and what God is calling each of us to next was priceless.


On the last morning Dr. Hillis spoke, she shared about how she plans out what she's going to speak but sometimes God puts something on her heart to share and that morning He had done just that. She began to speak from Luke 9. There were multiple reasons why that passage was so significant for me. As I re read it this morning it blessed me all over again and I'm just completely humbled to be in this place. To have been blessed to go to this retreat, to be surrounded by such a huge support system during this adoption, to have friends that get it, and to watch as God provides every little bit to bring Zahra home in His perfect timing.

On their return the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida. 11When the crowds learned it, they followed him, and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing. 12Now the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to him, "Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place." 13But he said to them, "You give them something to eat." They said, "We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people." 14For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each." 15And they did so, and had them all sit down. 16And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. 17And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces. Luke 9:10-17

Back to the point. In Luke 9, its the well known story of Jesus feeding the 5000. When most people look at adoption they see a huge price tag. That price tag often causes people to not even consider the bigger picture. It often causes people to look no further. This breaks my heart. When I look at adoption, when our family looks at adoption, we see a face. We see a child that needs a family. We see a great big God who promises to provide. I get how the disciples felt that day when Jesus told them to feed this huge crowd. I'm sure they were overwhelmed, maybe even doubted, yet they obeyed. Jesus told them to feed them, it was in their obedience that God provided over and above what was needed. God multiplied two little fish and 5 small loaves of bread. In their obedience God was glorified.

I want to be faithful to my King even when I don't "see" His plans with my own eyes. Even when it seems impossible, when it looks difficult or daunting. God is so much bigger, He can multiply, He can provide, and He does. In His perfect way. His perfect plan. God doesn't need us yet He invites us to trust Him, to participate in caring for His children, and walk out our faith. May He be glorified in and through all that we do.

The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all the peoples see his glory.
Psalm 97:6

18 comments:

We Are Family said...

Looks and sounds awesome....
If ever there is another please let me know. I'd love to attend and meet so many of you that I feel like I 'know' already.

Andy and Kiara said...

Amen & amen! :)

How does a mama find out about these sort of retreats? I'd love to know!

Meli_Mama said...

I'm so glad that you got to go. Sounds like a wonderful time and much needed refreshment. :)

Alison said...

LOVED getting to meet you this weekend, Erica!! Such an amazing time with some of my favorite gals! :) And loved seeing pics of Zahra! She is so beautiful! Can't wait to see her in your arms!!!

With Cherries On Top said...

Wow! Beautiful! How do I sign up for that retreat?! You are inspirational, I can't wait to see what God does in and through you and Zahra!
-Sarah

elisa said...

How fun! Beautiful video!

Sara said...

Loved meeting you face to face!

Connie said...

Good words friend...so glad you got to go!

Courtney said...

So glad I got to meet you this weekend and chat over lunch! Praying for your journey!

Kelly said...

Thanks for sharing about the retreat for all of us who weren't able to go. It sounds like a wonderful time of sharing and soaking in all God is doing!! Your post is very refreshing as we continue to wait!!

Angela Hunt said...

I'm so glad I got to meet you this weekend Erica! :) I was blown away by Sunday morning's teaching too!

Matt and Sarah said...

I'm so glad you got to go! I will be there next year! :) It sounds amazing.

Thanks for sharing the Luke 9 passage. I needed that today!

Anonymous said...

Loved meeting you too! Traveling together would be so much fun! Can't wait to see your sweet girl =)

Erica said...

Kiara - They do plan on having a retreat next year! I'll be sure and post about it and email you when I know more! :) You would have loved it.

Garden Market said...

i was amazed at how many people I didn't get to visit with this past weekend AND how little sleep I got...all at the same time! great to get to know your story (via the blog) & the weekend was amazing - you're right.

and 2 became 5 said...

i was amazed at how many people I didn't get to visit with this past weekend AND how little sleep I got...all at the same time! great to get to know your story (via the blog) & the weekend was amazing - you're right.

and 2 became 5 said...

i was amazed at how many people I didn't get to visit with this past weekend AND how little sleep I got...all at the same time! great to get to know your story (via the blog) & the weekend was amazing - you're right.

Debb said...

AGREE! The retreat ROCKED!!! I can't believe how quickly it flew by! I saw you a couple of times, but each time you were engaged in conversation, or I was......and the next thing I knew I was on a plane home! Bummed we missed meeting for "real" but I still feel like I know you, thanks to the blog world! :) Next year! Blessings to you!