Created for Care Retreat 2011!

I can't even begin to give you all the details of my weekend away in Atlanta at the Created For Care Retreat... I'm still processing all the information I heard. I was encouraged beyond belief.

Our shuttle driver who met us at the airport.
1. Welcome to the South!! I LOVED being in Atlanta.
2. I'm sure he felt really awesome carrying that sign surrounded by all those other men...

I was surrounded by women who "get it". I actually sat down at a table and the woman next to me asked me how I was doing with the boys...I smiled and responded with something like "oh, they're awesome!"...to which she responded, "really? because that's the same smile and voice I use when people ask me that question...remember - I. get. it."

Ahhh, the blessing of being around people who have walked your road...

We had sessions and speakers on such a wide variety of topics. Things ranged from "Hope for the Hard Days" to "African Haircare".

Kristi and Lucy Lane giving a presentation on African Haircare.
When I first saw her at the Retreat I turned to Britt and said, "oh. my. goodness. This is seriously like meeting Christina Aguiler*a, only BETTER!"
1. I have no idea where Christina Aguiler*a came from, because I would not even like to meet her.
2. Hilarious that she sang the National Anthem (and messed it up) 2 days later.
3. I realize that I'm a nerd for feeling this way, but I've been reading Kristi's blog for over 2 years now, and she is one of my original "adoption idols", so she's totally famous in my book!
4. It's blurry because I didn't want to be stockerish and snap a picture of her during her presentation, so I didn't use the flash!
5. I can not BELIEVE I just admitted all that!!!!

Many of the posts coming in the future will be inspired by the words of wisdom I heard this past weekend.


I was able to connect with several different organizations who are doing AWESOME things around the world. I am so overwhelmed with the excitement that there are people, who have the same heart as I do and who are stepping out in faith to serve as Jesus' hands and feet!!

Britt and I. We do life together - I'm so blessed.

Check out these organizations...I spoke with each of their founders personally and totally believe in what they are doing!

Sixty Feet



Sole Hope



147 Million Orphans



Into the Streets of Ethiopia



Wiphan



Promise 686

Asher Collie and I.
1. She's a fellow AAI girl AND the founder of Sole Hope!
2. How awesome does that Ethiopian flag above my name (on my name tag) look? Really...I love the look of that!

I had a date with God (more on this to come...if I had flown to Atlanta for that one hour it would have been worth it!) and heard Him speak to me about several things. I had been praying to hear God loud. and. clear. this weekend - and that was accomplished! He spoke to me about a lot, but specifically two things that I'm terrified of (so He and I have a lot more talking to do!), and one thing that I didn't even realize I still needed to deal with.

Legacy Lodge on Lake Lanier where we stayed!

Here is the video that was shown at the beginning of the Retreat. All so true...

There will be more...I promise!
Until then,