2015 BMB Retreat Recap

We had a fabulous time at the 2015 BirthMom Buds Retreat May 1 - 3 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

This year’s theme was Queen of the Jungle and cute jungle animals donned the tables and décor. We kicked off things with a Pizza Party Mixer on Friday night. After enjoying pizza, we played some icebreaker-style games. Birthmom Bingo was really fun and watching the paper plate game was funny. Participants had to draw a scene, following our directions, with the paper plate on their heads! 

Saturday morning we kicked off the all day celebration with a couple of get to know you games at each of the tables. Then we headed straight into breakout sessions. This year, Terri Gake led a session entitled Empowering Yourself through Faith. Betty Philips taught others how to navigate a reunion. Leah Outten encouraged everyone to write and share their valuable story. Amy Schumaker shared the importance of self care with attendees. After breakout sessions, we moved on to craft time where everyone made a washer necklace. We then moved on to a yummy make your own fajita bar complete with chocolate cake for desert. 

We started the afternoon portion of the day with a balloon release where attendees wrote a prayer, wish, or dream for their child on a slip of paper, tied it to the balloon, prayed, and then released upward. Betty Phillips, fellow birthmother, and her (birth) son, Logan Funderburk, shared their adoption stories. A local adoptive Mom, Lindsay Smith, shared her heart and love for the birthmoms of her children. Following Lindsay, Leilani shared an inspirational devotion about the power of a lioness. We then watched the 2015 slideshow Coley created and afterward held the candlelight ceremony. We ended the day, by announcing the 2015 Buddy of the Year. Congratulations to Amy Schumaker! 

That evening, we went to dinner as a group and then walked to see the Duke Energy building in Uptown Charlotte which was lit up pink and lavender for the night in honor of BirthMom Buds. We ended the festivities on Sunday morning with a bittersweet farewell breakfast. 

We want to take a moment to thank everyone who played a part in making this year’s retreat a success. Thanks to all the birthmoms who attended, the sponsors and contributors who helped us pull of f this event, and the many people who donated items for our Swag Bags. Special thanks to Melanie Mosberg, our event coordinator. This event would not have been possible without each of you!

Check out more photos on our Facebook page! 

We’re already looking forward to next year!