Wow, what an amazing Australasian conference! From the 22-24 October almost 200 women came together from Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea to celebrate the 10th birthday of MOPS Australia, and to look at the 2011 MOPS theme - Mumology: The Art and Science of Mothering.
Here are some thoughts about the conference from a couple of Queensland delegates:
“Our two wonderful international guest speakers were from the US – Shelly Radic, the author of next year’s theme book, ‘Momology: A Moms Guide To Shaping Great Kids’, and Liz Selzer. Both inspired and challenged me, personally, very much.”
“Liz Selzer and Shelly Radic were the keynote speakers for the weekend and they were phenomenal. I walked away believing motherhood is a glorious calling that performs God's work every single day just by loving, understanding and listening to my children and giving them the respect that every human being deserves. I love what Shelly wrote in my Momology book, ‘God shaped you to mother your children.’ Out of everyone in the world I was chosen to be the mother of my boys, and even through the bad times God has ‘got my back’ so to speak”.
“The conference was not all about listening to brilliant people talk, it was also about getting to talk and engage with other MOPS mums. I found that over the three days we spent together I got to know the rest of the leadership team from my own group better too, through worshiping together and even dressing up on Saturday night!”
As Co-Convenor of the conference I have been busy reading and collating all the evaluation forms. Thank you for the feedback you have given, both negative and positive, as it helps to make our conferences even better than they are already. Three things stood out in your feedback:
· Time and again leaders are amazed by how big MOPS is. "I now realise how my little country town's MOPS group is a part of something much bigger!" "I get the feeling that what I do for MOPS is huge but… WOW look how huge MOPS is!"
· Leaders are inspired not only by the wonderful speakers and workshops but also by each other. Delegates appreciate connecting with leaders from other groups serving in the same position. "I loved chatting over meals – asking questions about others’ groups." “Inspiring, fun and great to meet other leaders from different states and countries." "Overall I am thankful I was able to come and I have been inspired to take my passion back to my team." "Very encouraging in providing the big picture and motivation to grow MOPS."
· Leaders often really feel God’s presence at our conferences and appreciate the opportunity to worship God without little people tugging at them. "Had a great weekend – God really spoke to me." “It was inspiring! I laughed, cried and felt God move!" "It was nice to get the opportunity to worship unencumbered by kids."
A fabulous time was had by all. I hope you will be able to participate in your state conference in 2011!
Jillian Ross,
National Conference Co-Convenor
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