Sharing Stories May 17

Several of us stood up to tell the stories about how we had come to be women of faith. One was saved as a small child by her local United Methodist Women's group as her parents' marriage failed through alcoholism and violence. Some had not been women of faith at all, but were delighted with the idea of meeting with others making crafts and talking about troubles. Some with musical talents were invited to sing in the choir or play the organ. Some were changed by miracles in their lives, including being able to travel in the USA. Some found their way to leading Christian Education programs and working with the children, one heard the voice of God in her small daughter's voice saying, "Let's go to church, Mama." One had lived all her life in the church. One had followed her husband two steps behind, grumbling, after he told her he had promised to bring her his second week of attending. "I am still grumbling, but I have learned to apologize!"

Ann

Danutė

Žaneta

Josephine

Andželika

Then, to take a break from the intense sharing, we made angel pins, and found new ways to build relationships. Some of us were "crafty" and some were not!

Angel PIN ingredients

Thanks, Sue, for this fun activity!

And thanks to Rosita for her kind helpfulness!

We were next invited to walk the prayer stations, receive small meditation gifts, see the paintings, study scriptures and write our thoughts for sharing later.

Our sharing deepened. Some spoke of the husbands they divorced, who had prevented their church attendance. Some spoke of the changed hearts that came after they felt their sinful habits had been confronted. Some spoke of the freedom they experienced as women whose leadership was welcomed in the Methodist Church. We connected as mothers, whose stories were intertwined with those of our own mothers and our own children.

Later Dalia led us in an activity of Kvilingas, or quilling. Here was the inspiration for our work. We also sang as we worked, sharing hymns and folk tunes from Europe and USA. We could harmonize together!

Rasa and Judy

We continued, with people eager to share their stories. Everyone was wealthy with stories to share. We reflected theologically, shared life struggles, and one of us read poetry!

 

Sister Milda gave us a brief history of the retreat center, and we ended the day with wonderful cakes in honor of Norways's 200th anniversary of its constitution. Thank you, Helen!

So ended another full day!

 

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