Taking the Plunge

Last week, I had the opportunity to step way outside of my comfort zone.

Way outside.

After a lot of prayer, discussion, and arrangement of child care, I made a decision.  I was going to "plunge" in, step outside of what's comfortable to me, and take some risks. 

Last Wednesday night, I left my husband and three children at home and ventured out with two relatively new friends to Texas.

Texas, y'all!

Our little group flew to Grapevine, Texas, which is over 1,200 miles from home, for the 2012 MOPS International Convention.

I had no idea what to expect.  I haven't left the twins alone for more than one night at a time. I knew the two girls from my MOPS group, but didn't really know them, you know?

To say that I was scared, excited, and utterly overwhelmed would be an understatement.

The convention was held at an absolutely amazingly beautiful resort.  I had the opportunity to hear from some incredible speakers, enjoy some beautiful worship time with Christy Nockels, and had some time for relaxation and introspect.

The theme of the convention was "Plunge", based on scripture from 1 Peter.

"Love as if your life depended on it."

~ 1 Peter 4:8

Over my days away, I heard why we as moms should love ourselves, love our family, love the world, and love other moms.  I spent hours with my new friends and found that we all had much in common, including infertility. 

Now, don't get me wrong...I was homesick.  I missed M. and the kids, but I knew they were all being taken care of.  I kept seeing things that I knew Miss O. would enjoy and my heart would tug, but I just reminded myself that it was okay to be enjoying myself.

It was really hard to make the decision to step away from real life for a few days, travel with near strangers, to step outside of my comfort zone.

But I am so thankful that I did.