Hope Moms Retreat

So back to the retreat! Wow, it's hard to even put into words what went through my heart and mind in less than 48 hours. It's a lot to process! It felt like I was there much longer (in a good way).

I met a few girls at the airport and rode with them. This really helped me feel more comfortable when we arrived at Haven River Inn. I had emailed with a few of the girls over the past few years but had never met anyone who was coming. I was a little nervous. ; )

This is where we stayed. So beautiful, right? There were even rocking chairs on the porch. ; )

 I immediately noticed all the Scripture on cards filling the house. I loved this! What better way to welcome the LORD into our weekend than by reminding us at every turn of His truth?

 Erin and Sarah did an amazing job with everything down to the details. They made everyone these candle holders with our babies' initials and birthdays on them.

The weekend was filled with amazing food, worship, sessions, and small group time. I haven't cried and talked so much in a long time. I told Jason I didn't lift a finger the entire weekend. It felt very strange!

 Saturday afternoon we had some free time so some of us went on a little walk. The weather was beautiful all weekend. These women became so dear to my heart! I trusted my deepest wound with them, and they completely understood.

 This was the room where we met for our sessions. See the board on the left side? This displayed all of our babies' pictures and their stories on the back. I couldn't even look at it until Saturday, and even then I could only pick out a few pictures. This was very difficult for me, but it got easier each time.

 Saturday night we put together Hope Boxes for women in the hospital who lose their baby. It includes a Bible, a journal, The One Year Book of Hope, tea, cards, and a brochure all about Hope Mommies.

Ya'll know I'm not crafty, but I loved making this box. Especially because it was in Reese's honor. It only took me about an hour, and I just burned my finger with the glue gun once. ; ) This may have been because I wanted it perfect and also we were up late talking and laughing while we made them. Yes, thankfully one of my new friends was hilarious and made me laugh until I cried!

Jennifer, Mary Beth, & Holly

These are the girls I met at the airport. 

Christin and Anna were in my group. We had another girl who was in our group, but she had to leave early Sunday morning. I was over and above blessed by them!

 This was my roommate Kim. Love this girl. Kim emailed me a few years ago after they found out their sweet Julia Grace had Trisomy 18. She had read my blog since Reese was born. It was so special to finally meet her!

 Sunday morning before we left we released balloons.

 In one of the sessions, we listened to a song "Restoration is Your Song." The chorus is still playing over and over in my head.

Though we may find pain tomorrow
You reach out to catch our tears.
And you make things new,

You will right what is wrong.
Healing flows from You,

And restoration is Your song.

The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise...

2 Peter 3:9