Moms Away 2012 - coming soon!

Registration will open later this week. And, how is this for AMAZING timing! Dr. Bruce Perry is conducting a two-day workshop in Kelowna Thursday, May 24 and Friday, May 25. I've got to figure out a way to get to that. Imagine how on fire we all will be after listening to him and then having two days with other amazing moms to assimilate, discuss, debate, and reflect.

However, even if you can't come to Dr. Perry's workshop, I sure hope you can come to the retreat! We have two houses reserved for the weekend, for a grand total of 25 women. I've already heard from a number of people that they want to come, so get those credit cards ready! We'll be booking through EventBrite this year to keep the audit trail nice and clean.

May 2012 is going to be amazing; dare I say life-altering! Watch for more information here - and tell your friends. We all need each other!

Final report

I was asked to write a few paragraphs for the AFABC e-news. I thought I would also post a copy here.

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"Moms Away 2011" was the first annual retreat for adoptive moms held this May at Silver Star, BC. Although the participants could have wished for warmer weather (and less snow), the weekend was still worthwhile in so many ways. There is a subtle beauty in the coming together of a new group, with friendships seamlessly formed by a common bond - in our case, adoption. We shared our stories, knowing that we were in a place of non-judgement. With wonder, we all saw that we were not alone in our struggles or our joys. We all came together for rest, support, but also for affirmation that there are others who understand - and celebrate - our paths.

It's difficult to write about the weekend in some ways, as it was such a 'set-apart' time. It's not a case of 'what is said at the retreat, stays at the retreat' although I think we all appreciate the agreement of confidentiality. Words simply cannot express the instant connection between people, the reconnecting of existing friendships, or the deepening understanding of our shared journeys. I think one of the most powerful aspects for me was the recognition that this was 'real.' There was no sugar-coating or covering up. We told the truth how we felt and saw it, and we weren't judged for it.

We also learned so much from one another. This retreat was like an intensive workshop, where you are surrounded by parenting experts who are willing to tell you anything you want to know. But, it was a workshop with chocolate!

During the weekend, individuals or smaller groups often broke off to walk, shop, talk, dance, or simply rest. There were few planned activities, so each participant felt empowered to do just what she wanted to. With masssages, good food, and great conversation, the time passed quickly.

The Victoria Foundation generously provided us with a grant to support these 10 moms (who, in total, have 51 children!). I believe the money was well-spent, as I saw women who give so much to their children and families, be on the receiving end of gifts and generousity.

Sunday morning came quickly, yet saw moms ready to return to their 'regular' lives with a few more addreses in their email, a couple of hugs, and a promise of 'same time, next year!'

Don't just take my word for it

We had an amazing time - have a look at Justine's blog entry about Moms Away 2011.

Have Faith - Will Dream: Mum's Weekend Off - What we do when we get time off!

2012 Dates - updated

Pencil next year's retreat into your calendar. It will be the same weekend (the one following the Canadian May long weekend, also known as "May Long.")

WHEN - May 25 - 27, 2012
WHERE - Silver Star (let's hope spring comes earlier next year)
WHY - because this year was amazing and because you deserve it!
HOW MANY - 29-40

I don't expect the wild & crazy registration process that the Orlando folks had, so registrations will open in the fall sometime. However, if you are interested and would like to be on the mailing list, send me a quick note at tmkisil at gmail.com.

You deserve it!

Home again

Thank you so much to all the amazing women I met - or reconnected to - this weekend. I haven't really processed all that I got out of the weekend other than a deep appreciation for the work that you all do. And, by saying so, I can also pat myself on the back for sticking with this day after day.

I appreciated the words of wisdom, the common ground we all walk upon, the different perspectives and experiences, the laughter that sometimes bordered on hilarity and sometimes on tears, the peace, the walks, and so much more.

Perhaps in a month or two, I'll have a greater sense of what it is that I really learned. For now, it was enough that I was just there, surrounded by a panel of parenting experts. You ladies rock - seriously!

Snow? Seriously?

We're less than a week to June and we have snow? Really? Let's just keep that stereotype of Canada being a land of ice and snow going strong! Last year at this time, we were already out on the boat, wakeboarding and having fun.

The photo is taken off the skihill's webcam TODAY!

Good thing the hottub is turned on already! Down here in the valley, things are not white, but very green from all the rain. As I parked this morning at work, I had to wait for a duck to swim out of my parking spot. The puddles are that large!

Snow or rain, sun or not, we are going to have a wonderful time this weekend. One more sleep!!!

Happy Dance

Huge shout-out to Dianna whose magic grant-writing skills landed our retreat with a Victoria Foundation grant. I am so thrilled that I can offer some 'extras' for these moms who work so hard out of love and dedication. I have all sorts of ideas rolling around in my little mind. (picture me rubbing my hands together with delight)

Thanks Dianna!!!