Heading to Summit 9

So I'm heading out Tuesday for Summit 9!  I'm completely excited.  This is an incredible conference, if you have never been able to go before.  It's great if you are an adoptive or foster parent, and it's great if you are a social worker or ministry leader.  I love the variety of breakout sessions that are sure to educate, enlighten, and inspire!  And this year promises to exceed expectations.  In fact, CAFO (Christian Alliance for Orphans) mentioned on Facebook that we might be on the verge of crowded this year, since those buying admission tickets exceeded last year's numbers by approximately 500 people! 

The last time I went, my sweet hubby went with me along with another couple, who were helpful as we began our Empty Chair Ministry.  I was so excited when I met Dr. Karyn Purvis, leader in behavioral psychology for children from "hard places."  See my picture below (not sure where my make-up went)!  We had an amazing time.  Ray and I would meet up in the hallway between sessions and exclaim to one another: guess what I just learned!  We were completely dumb-founded at how well the sessions for adoptive parents would describe our family.  We were amazed at how much we learned about starting our own ministry.  We loved meeting new people, discovering other ministries, and feeling inspired in new ways about how we can better make a difference.

This time around, my hubby is in Guatemala at the orphanage with whom we partner!  I thought I was going alone to the conference, but I'm going to get to go with two fellow adoptive moms, and we're meeting up with two other friends at the conference!  A girls' trip! Whoohoo!

Here's what I'm looking forward to:
-- learning about how I can parent my boys better
-- the blogger's breakfast!
-- networking with leaders in the field
-- learning new ways to make a difference with our ministry, and with our Virginia alliance, 127Place
-- getting new supplies (DVDs, books, and other information to help with ministry)
-- being with great friends!

It may not sound like a lot, but the conference is AMAZING.  I didn't even mention that Steven Curtis Chapman will be there, as well as other INCREDIBLE leaders in the orphan care movement.  If you haven't gone, you should.  I'm glad that this year's conference is within driving distance.  If you're interested in going next year, stay tuned.  It takes about a month of two after the conference before they post the dates and location for next year's.  

I'll try to write while I'm there.