"Just as the caterpillar surrenders to the cocoon and rests in the assurance of what it will become, we need to curl up into God's loving plan for who we are and who we will be"
Connie Neal
What is 'Butterflies'?
Butterflies will be a local support group for Birthmothers with open adoptions, or who have placed within the last fifteen years, in the western PA area. If you are interested in participating, please contact me.
Four years ago the idea for Butterflies was born out of my own frustrations in not being able to find a Birthmom support group. I've spent the past four years preparing mentally, and waiting for the day Butterflies would become a reality. After I relinquished, I was abandoned by my adoption agency, and left to fend for myself on an emotional level. I hope through this group we can support and encourage one another toward productive and promising futures.
The group's main focus will be women who've placed within the last ten years, and women who've already relinquished children, however, those considering adoption are welcome to attend. Also, the group will be Christian-based as well. Keep in mind, I am not a professional. Everything I have ever done in the adoption community has come from my own heart, not a book.
When Will it be Started?
Butterflies should be up and running in late September or early October 2003. It will be held at a local church of the North Hills area in Pennsylvania. Exact times are not set yet, however, the group will be held monthly. Possibly bi-monthly.
Why 'Butterflies' ?
The buttefly is a very symbolic creature. For me personally, it has much meaning; especially as a Christian, as a person who has been abused in the past, and as a birthmother. First staring out as an unattractive, boring ol' catepillar - we wonder what beauty we can bring into the world. Then, after a transformation like no other takes place, we can emerge as butteflies. Did you know that a caterpillar's body actually liquifies within the safe embrace of it's cocoon? How often do we search for a safe place ...to be free from judgement and to find support with others who've also been "catepillars"?
"There is nothing in a caterpillar
that tells you it's going to be a butterfly."
How You Can Help
If you know of any Christian-based support group leader's guides
If you know of any other materials to use for a support group
If you currently run, or have run in the past an adoption-related or Birthmom support group, and would like to share some advice, it would be most welcome.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."
~ 2 Corinthians 1:3
"No Right Click" provided by: Dynamic Drive
All written content copyrighted by Skye Hardwick ? 2002