Exactly one week ago, I strapped a sleeping Henry to my chest in my trusty Ergo baby and headed to the airport. Little did I know that I would be heading to one of the best, most fulfilling, and most fruitful weekends of my life.
I have been part of the Blessed Is She since its inception a little over two years ago. This ministry has been transformative in my own life and in the lives of thousands of women across the world. I get choked up thinking about the lives we are touching and this circle of sisters I've been blessed to get to know. Being part of the writing team of BIS has helped me reconnect with the Word and reignite my passion for Christ. Wee!
After knowing these women for over two years through our online relationships, we finally got a chance to meet up and get to know each other in "real" life. I cannot put into words how much this weekend meant to me. My heart is on fire. Our BIS writer's retreat was a huge success.
One benefit to traveling with a seven-week old is that they let me zip through security and I barely had to wait at those horrid TSA lines. Whew. The plane was super full, but thankfully (you rock, Jesus) my prayers were answered and I had an open middle seat next to me for my first flight (ever) with one of my kiddos.
Mr. Henry was a trouper for the plane rides. Only three diaper explosions but thankfully, everything was contained. He only fussed for a few minutes here and there and was perfectly content being held or bounced in the carrier. I was only slightly neurotic and lysoled my seat, arm rests, and tray. And washed my hands every two minutes, ha.
We spent the weekend at Nell's family's lodge, surrounded by trees, a trout stream, and the open sky. It was restorative in more ways than one.
On Friday night, we shared s'mores, prayed a rosary together, and shared our hearts. Saturday we had a couple of workshops, dined together, indulged in desserts, and got to know one another on very deep levels. (Seriously, we got deep quick haha.) On Sunday, we went to Mass at a tiny local parish and took up six rows with the 30+ of us, and quite a few babies. The Holy Spirit was all up in this weekend -- it was palpable.
BABIES!
Prints from Hatch Prints Shop and the BIS Shop
These women are my sisters and I love each and every one of them.
For all the fun and photos from this weekend, browse our #BISteamretreat hashtag on Instagram.
I am still digesting the fruits of this weekend. If you want to know more about this incredible ministry, start here.
GOD IS GOOD.
