Some updates...

So we had our first Steering Mini-Retreat (okay, okay so it was only 4 hours but we had loads of fun bonding and really got to know each other better) and it was GREAT!  Tonight we're getting together to plan our first meeting and tie up any loose ends.  Yikes!  This came up so fast even though it's been in the works in my heart for 15 years. 

I'm really hoping and praying that you find the courage that it's going to take to come to a new place, meet some new friends, let someone other than your family member take care of your baby and help you spread your wings as a mom.  I can relate to where you're at because I remember my very first meeting at Courage (which was also held at a church) when I was pregnant at 17 years of age.  Here are a few thoughts that ran through my head:
"what the heck am I doing at a church?  I'm 17, pregnant and single!"
"they're just going to judge me"
"why would a church want to do something like this?"
"are they going to try to shove the Bible down my throat and tell me what a sinner I am?"
"I really hope that I end up making some friends"
"I really hope they can help me during this crazy time in my life"
"Am I still loveable?"
"Am I crazy?"
"Have I made the right decision to have my baby?"
"I'm scared to death!"

Well, I got out of the car and walked in.  When I entered the church, there were some leaders there who greeted me and sent me downstairs for my meeting.  That's when I met Maureen...the leader of this radical group.  She welcomed me in and went on speaking (I was late of course) and I just adored her.  She was brassy, honest, blunt and accepting.  I don't really remember what she talked about because I was so consumed with all of the thoughts running through my head now that I finally made it in!  :)  I do remember leaving feeling very encouraged, accepted, loved, respected and like I could actually take on this job of motherhood.

I hope that when you leave our meeting next Monday that you feel the exact same way!  We can't wait to meet you and your child(ren)!!  Don't forget that we'll have dinner for you and your child(ren) free of charge.  If you have dietary restrictions, please let me know ahead of time and we'll do our best to try and accomodate you.  If you plan on attending and your baby is not yet eating solids, please let me know so that we can have some baby food for available. 

We're here to support and encourage you...not to judge you.  We're going to try to make your life a little easier.  Please come.  Feel free to call me at 708-557-8160 with ANY questions that you may have.  We'll see you NEXT MONDAY OCTOBER 4TH AT 5:30 P.M.!!!!