ABIDE RETREAT: October 20 - October 22, 2023
Foster + adoptive + kinship moms are welcome to join us at the lovely
White Sulfur Springs in Manns Choice, PA for a weekend away. We hope you will join us!
Why Abide?
Moms, the work you are doing is hard, constant, and sometimes lonely.
Join us for a weekend of encouragement and refreshment with other foster, adoptive, and kinship moms. We hope you come expectant and leave filled.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the LORD, “You are my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.” Psalms 91:1-2
Attending Abide was just what my soul needed. It was a wonderful weekend connecting with other moms and reminding me of my purpose and calling to become an adoptive mama. I'm looking forward to next year!
— Jeana
SCHEDULE
FRIDAY
4 PM CHECK IN
5 PM WELCOME & TIME TO RELAX
6:30 PM DINNER
8 PM ENCOURAGEMENT & SMALL GROUP TIME
SATURDAY
8AM BREAKFAST
9 AM ENCOURAGEMENT
10AM-12PM FREE TIME
12:30 PM LUNCH
2PM-4PM EXPLORE OR REST
4:30PM-5:30PM SMALL GROUP GATHERING
6 PM DINNER
7:30 PM ENCOURAGEMENT
SUNDAY
8 AM BREAKFAST
9-10 AM PRAYER
11:00 AM CHECK OUT
Throughout the weekend there will be time for rest, exploring, or hiking if weather permits.
Bedford, PA is only a 15 minute drive from White Sulfur Springs and has some antique stores and historical places to visit.
We will also have some puzzles, games, some sort of crafty project to do!
FAQ
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
We hope to create a weekend where you can connect with other moms and that you feel refreshed and encouraged when you leave. This is a small intimate retreat geared towards rest and encouragement. We will gather for meals, listen to some stories and teaching, as well as spend some time worshiping and praying together. There will be relaxing and fun activities for the extroverts and the introverts. You are more than welcome to join in as much as you want, or take time for yourself.
WHAT IS THE COST?
The early bird price is only $170 till the end of July. Starting August 1, the cost will be $190. That includes your two-night stay as well as all of your meals. We will be staying in the newly renovated Harrison House this year. There will be two moms in each room, so if you’d like to room with a friend feel free to email amber@projectbelongva.org with your request. There is also an option for requesting a solo room if you’d like some additional quiet and space! Email amber@projectbelongva.org for more information.
WHAT DO I DO IF I CANNOT MAKE IT?
We hope that everyone can attend! But in the case of an emergency cancellation we will provide a full refund, if there is a non emergency cancellation no less than two weeks prior to the retreat we ask that you find someone to take your spot at the retreat.
WHERE IS THE RETREAT LOCATED THIS YEAR?
White Sulfur Springs Retreat Center is nestled in a cove in the forested mountains of central Pennsylvania and a bit off the beaten path. The pace around here is slow, making the outdoors a tranquil place for reflection or down time. It is 2 hours from Winchester, VA; 2 hours and 45 minutes from Fairfax; and 3.5 hours from Fredericksburg. You can find more information about the venue at https://www.whitesulphursprings.org/heritage-house
"Abide was wonderful! I came home so refreshed and ready to take it all on. I’m facing court armed with the gospel and prayer covering!"
-Melanie
"The weekend was very encouraging and a great opportunity to feel connected in the work we do with kids for the Lord."
-Christiane
The Abide Team
Amber Cooper
Foster and adoptive mom
Wife, mother, and advocate. Amber and her husband Caleb have been married for nearly eight years and have walked through foster care for the last four years. They've adopted two children from foster care, and walked through reunification with two precious little ones.
Rachal Pollard
Adoptive mom &
Trauma Informed Care trainer
Rachal is a mama to 5 children through birth and adoption. As an advocate for vulnerable children and their families, she works to help families create healthy connections to heal in relationships. She also works to serve the local Church to engage in the care of all families well.
Janeen Meyers
Foster mom
Janeen was raised in Prince William County and has been passionate about foster care and adoption since her youth. She and her husband have been foster parents since 2018. Janeen has a background in social work and has experience as a foster parent recruiter and trainer for a private agency.
Marlisa Eyre
Adoptive mom
Marlisa is a mother to 5, mother in law to one, and “Mia” to two precious grandchildren, Hazel and Robin. By God’s grace, she’s been married to Chris for almost 23 years. Chris and Marlisa adopted two children from Hannah’s Hope in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 2013. Through her journey of marriage, motherhood and adoption, Marlisa is passionate about sharing the hope and redemption of Jesus as he brings healing to hearts within a family.
Nora Lutyk
Adoptive mom
Nora is a licensed professional counselor, born and raised in VA. Her and her husband Chris went through five years of infertility. Nora's husband received a specific word from God that "you will have three children in the next five years," a word that was fulfilled when they adopted one son and gave birth to two more sons within that time frame. Their family was completed when they adopted a daughter and gave birth to a daughter in the following years. Their young adult children have now blessed them with six grandchildren and one on the way.
Marci Shinabery
Worship leader
Marci is a gifted worship leader who uses her gifts for God's glory! She and her husband Chris have a ministry home for women recovering from drug addiction. They have three children and reside in Winchester.
