Created for Care 2012

First, please forgive me for being MIA yesterday.

Yesterday was one of those days at our house where I was doing REALLY WELL to just function and was happy when we'd all survived at the end of the day. You know the kind? Good, let's be friends.

So, TODAY (not yesterday....clearly), I want to fill you in on my weekend.

Let me just say that I am literally bubbling over with good things to share, so picking and choosing what makes it to the highly anticipated (don't ruin this for me. I like to think that all of my posts are highly anticipated. And they are....by my mom. Hi, Mom.) blog post is tough stuff. This weekend was wonderful in so many ways; one blog post simply won't do it justice. This is me attempting to give you even a glimpse at what I experienced.

First, it was PEACEFUL. No little ones calling my name like it's going out of style; no dog stealing our clothes and running off with them through the house while my children and I chase him screaming (it's seriously a wonder no one has called the police on us some days what with all the screaming. We are loud. I plead the fifth.); no responsibilities other than enjoying every possible minute. This reason alone was worth going.

I mentioned last week that I was travelling with a group of Mississippi girls. Here we are in all our glory. From left to right: Emily, Meaghan, Meredith, Jill, Mimi, and me. I adored getting to know each of these ladies during our eight hour to and eight hour from Atlanta car rides. All though we didn't know each other prior to this weekend, I cannot tell you the joy that I found in spending time with women who share my heart for the orphans of the world.

Of course, I also LOVED all the vendor booths and mission organizations that had tables at the conference. There are so many ways to get involved and make a difference. I'll be talking about this and sharing some ideas of ways to help very, very soon. Meeting with the representatives from the various organizations was truly one of my favorite parts of the weekend; there are so many amazing people out there trying desperately to lend a hand to the orphans of the world.

And I know what you're thinking: just how many Africa shirts DID I BUY? Well, dear friends, I am proud to report that I only bought one, but with the retreat t-shirt that was included in my registration plus the two awesome new friends I met who each gave me one of their shirts, I came home with four. The hubby is happy, and you KNOW I am happy about this. I feel an Africa shirt fashion post coming on..... I also bought a new book. I'll be finishing it tonight and reporting on it to you within the next few days. But if you're in a bookstore between now and then, go ahead and get a copy. Pretty you'll want one asap once you hear what I have to say about it (aka, it's WONDERFUL and God has used it to show me several things that I can't wait to share with you).

I also had the chance to meet this precious girl. We've been blog and twitter buddies for a while now, so it was so nice to finally meet her in person. Her name is Amber, and you can read more about her here.

Here I am with Meredith. We'd talked several times prior to this weekend, and it was so great to FINALLY (after a few failed attempts) meet in person. She is so fun, and I can't wait to be at the airport when she and her family bring home their little one from Ethiopia!



And here I am with Jill. She is easily one of the funniest, most honest people ever. I loved getting to know her. And I HATE that she and her hubby moved away from our town just before we moved TO our town; we could have so been friends.

And, last but not least, here we are after the drive home with Meaghan's new van.....we totally bonded in that van, so taking a picture with it was just the most natural thing to do.

And before you go, here are my top five favorite things I heard this weekend:

- God always redeems our suffering.

-ALL of your story matters!

-Whatever God has given you, that's your story. Whatever it is, go with it.

-We do not follow the call; we follow the one who called us.

-God is bigger; look to Him.

I simply didn't realize how wonderful it would be to talk with people who understand the way I love Africa. While my friends are supportive and wonderful in regards to this, there is just something so great about talking with people who truly understand. Who get it. Who feel it too.

Coming soon:

Amazing People Doing Amazing Things

Ways to Help Right Where You Are

My 2012 Resolution to Slow Down, and How I'm Failing Miserably at It

-7: My Review and Why You Should Read It

See you then.

Here's hoping your Thursday is the bomb.com. Tonight will be filled with Libby's first grade play and Chinese food. Who's excited? This girl.