Frequently Asked Questions
Called to Love Retreat
1. What can I expect at Called to Love?
You can expect a true RETREAT from your daily life! The rooms at the Oregon Garden Resort are beautiful and comfortable. The food is delicious, and the grounds are gorgeous in sunshine or rain. You can expect to meet some amazing women who are traveling a journey similar to yours, and we know that as you share stories you will be humbled and encouraged. You can anticipate wonderful worship and spiritual encouragement during the sessions and breakouts. Some of the presenters will share valuable, practical information related to parenting adopted or foster children, but the purpose of this retreat remains encouragement and connection, spiritual encouragement--not professional training.
2. What can I NOT expect at Called to Love?
This retreat is for the purpose of renewal, support and encouragement. Our desire is to uplift adoptive and foster moms in their roles as wives and mothers, and also strengthen their relationship to Christ. Called to Love is NOT a conference. We plan to offer some informational sessions which discuss certain areas or challenges of these unique roles, but our overall focus continues to be renewal and encouragement, not professional training. Mothers in any stage of the process are welcome, but it is especially beneficial as post-placement support.
3. Can my husband come? Why aren't you doing a conference for couples?
Although we desire to strengthen foster and adoptive families, our ministry aim is to do so by serving wives and mothers in their specific needs. We encourage your husbands to stay home and bond with your children--both adopted, foster and biological! Tell them they will be glad when they see how refreshed you are when you return! We also partner closely with the REFRESH conference in the Seattle area, which is for moms and dads. Check out their website HERE.
4. Who is invited to come to Called to Love retreat?
Any wife or mother who is interested in adoption, involved in any stage of adoption, has an adopted child, is interested or involved in foster parenting is welcome to come. The retreat is especially helpful for post-placement encouragement. If you have a unique situation not described above and are interested in attending, we are more than willing to chat with you and see if it's a good fit for your needs. We desire to be inclusive, not exclusive.
5. Are you on social media?
Yes! http://facebook.com/calledtoloveministry and http://instagram.com/calledtoloveministry. We also will have a retreat hashtag each year to share photos and memories with each other. We love to see how mamas are experiencing Called to Love!
6. Will you have vendors at the retreat?
Yes, we will be able to accommodate a limited number of vendors at the retreat, and will focus on adoption/foster/orphan related organizations and ministries. See the "VENDORS" page, under "2017 DETAILS." We reserve the right to refuse any vendor whose purpose does not correspond with our mission. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to send us a note on the "contact us" page on this website.
7. Is this retreat only for Christians?
ALL adoptive and foster mothers are invited and welcome! ALL. This retreat was designed to serve you in your roles and support you. It is also unabashedly a Christian retreat, with a goal of bringing each woman closer to God. There will extended times of prayer and worship, and many of the speakers and breakout leaders will be sharing about their faith. We realize this might not be the right fit for many amazing mamas who don't share our beliefs, and that is OK. However, if you are a wife or mother who understands our purpose and wants to attend Called to Love, we welcome you with open arms!
8. Is this only for mothers currently parenting adoptive/foster children?
The majority of the material presented at the retreat will be to support and encourage adoptive/foster moms in their current parenting roles. However, if you are a seasoned mother who has raised adopted children, or if you have experience as a foster mom but have no placements at this time, we would love to have you come and pass along some of your wisdom and encouragement to those of us still in the middle of it! Additionally, waiting mothers will receive lots of support and encouragement, but may perhaps find it is more focused on post-placement families.
Sessions
1. Who will be speaking at this retreat?
We have four main sessions. The names of our speakers are listed on the page "FEATURED GUESTS" under the tab above: "2017 DETAILS."
2. Will there be breakout sessions?
Yes! We plan to have 3 breakout sessions during the weekend, with varied topics. The list of breakout options will be available in September, which you will then pre-select before attending the retreat.
Logistics
1. What is the cost and what does it cover?
The registration cost for the 2017 Called to Love Retreat is $185. The full payment is due at the time of registration. It includes all meals from Friday dinner to Sunday breakfast and all the "behind-the-scenes" retreat costs (like room rental, speaker fees & transportation, insurance, equipment, etc). It also will include a few fun extras! The retreat registration fee does NOT cover your hotel room (see LODGING info under 2017 DETAILS).
2. Do you offer any scholarships? I can't afford it.
First, we promise you that we have kept the cost as low as possible to still pay our bills. Unfortunately, we do not have a scholarship fund at this time. Occasionally a donor will gift us with an amount to be used towards scholarships. If you would like to put your name on a list to be considered for any possible future scholarships, fill out the contact form above under the "GENERAL INFO" tab.
3. What if I register and then cannot come to the retreat? Do you offer refunds?
See the "CANCELLATION POLICY" under "2017 DETAILS."
4. Where is the retreat? Why do you have it there?
The retreat is at the Oregon Garden Resort in Silverton, OR. After a lot of research and prayer, this resort is the best fit for Called to Love. They offer a true retreat with beautiful amenities at a reasonable price, as well as the ability for each participant to decide if they would or would not like to share a room. We have researched many other venues in Oregon, and despite any negative aspects, this resort is still the best fit and price for our ministry and our attendees. It is not a perfect venue, but it meets our needs.
5. Can I bring my baby?
Because our desire at Called to Love is to encourage and refresh each and every mom who attends, we ask that you not bring any babies to the retreat. If you are in a new adoption/foster situation where your very small infant needs you, or are a nursing mom who cannot leave your infant (under 12 months), please contact us and we will review the situation on a case by case basis. Our desire is for every mom to have a relaxing and distraction-free experience.
6. How do I get to the Oregon Garden Resort?
Click on the tab on this website for "Lodging" under "2017 DETAiLS".
7. When can I check in and when do I check out?
You can arrive at the Oregon Garden Resort to check in anytime after 3:00 pm on Friday afternoon. Registration for the retreat will be from 2:30-5:30 pm. You will need to check out of your room by 11 am on Sunday morning.
8. What do I need to bring?
Bring casual clothes, an umbrella, your Bible, a journal and anything else you might need for a comfy weekend away. FYI: You will have to walk outside to get from your room to the meals and meeting rooms, so dress accordingly. If you are interested, you might also bring some spending money for the vendors and C2L merchandise table!
Hotel Accommodations
1. How do I find a roommate? I don't know anyone else attending!
We strongly suggest you go to our Facebook community page ("Called to Love Community") and ask around! Rooming with a new friend is out of most of our comfort zones, but also leads to some of the biggest blessings--and can save you some money. Maybe the easiest solution would be to bring a friend with you! Unfortunately, we are not able to assist you in finding a roommate for liability reasons.
2. Can I room by myself?
Yes! When you make your reservation with the Oregon Garden Resort tell them you would like a single room.
3. How do I reserve a room? What is the cost of the hotel rooms?
See the LODGING page, which is under "2017 DETAILS."
4. When do I need to RESERVE a room?
As soon as possible after you register! The rooms go quickly, particularly the rooms with two queen beds. The resort has filled up the last three years.
5. When do we PAY for the hotel room?
You will need a major credit card to reserve your hotel room, but you will not be charged until you check out on Sunday morning of the retreat. If you have more than one person in your room, the hotel will gladly split the check to more than one credit card.
6. What do I do if there are no more rooms at the Oregon Garden Resort?
There is a lovely inn just 5 minutes away from the resort that is holding a number of rooms for Called to Love. It is called the Silverton Inn and Suites. The rooms are unique and cozy, and vary in size and style.
Other Questions:
1. I can't make it to C2L. Do you know of any other retreats for adoptive and foster moms?
Yes! There are several events around the country. We've compiled a short list for you here:
1. What can I expect at Called to Love?
You can expect a true RETREAT from your daily life! The rooms at the Oregon Garden Resort are beautiful and comfortable. The food is delicious, and the grounds are gorgeous in sunshine or rain. You can expect to meet some amazing women who are traveling a journey similar to yours, and we know that as you share stories you will be humbled and encouraged. You can anticipate wonderful worship and spiritual encouragement during the sessions and breakouts. Some of the presenters will share valuable, practical information related to parenting adopted or foster children, but the purpose of this retreat remains encouragement and connection, spiritual encouragement--not professional training.
2. What can I NOT expect at Called to Love?
This retreat is for the purpose of renewal, support and encouragement. Our desire is to uplift adoptive and foster moms in their roles as wives and mothers, and also strengthen their relationship to Christ. Called to Love is NOT a conference. We plan to offer some informational sessions which discuss certain areas or challenges of these unique roles, but our overall focus continues to be renewal and encouragement, not professional training. Mothers in any stage of the process are welcome, but it is especially beneficial as post-placement support.
3. Can my husband come? Why aren't you doing a conference for couples?
Although we desire to strengthen foster and adoptive families, our ministry aim is to do so by serving wives and mothers in their specific needs. We encourage your husbands to stay home and bond with your children--both adopted, foster and biological! Tell them they will be glad when they see how refreshed you are when you return! We also partner closely with the REFRESH conference in the Seattle area, which is for moms and dads. Check out their website HERE.
4. Who is invited to come to Called to Love retreat?
Any wife or mother who is interested in adoption, involved in any stage of adoption, has an adopted child, is interested or involved in foster parenting is welcome to come. The retreat is especially helpful for post-placement encouragement. If you have a unique situation not described above and are interested in attending, we are more than willing to chat with you and see if it's a good fit for your needs. We desire to be inclusive, not exclusive.
5. Are you on social media?
Yes! http://facebook.com/calledtoloveministry and http://instagram.com/calledtoloveministry. We also will have a retreat hashtag each year to share photos and memories with each other. We love to see how mamas are experiencing Called to Love!
6. Will you have vendors at the retreat?
Yes, we will be able to accommodate a limited number of vendors at the retreat, and will focus on adoption/foster/orphan related organizations and ministries. See the "VENDORS" page, under "2017 DETAILS." We reserve the right to refuse any vendor whose purpose does not correspond with our mission. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to send us a note on the "contact us" page on this website.
7. Is this retreat only for Christians?
ALL adoptive and foster mothers are invited and welcome! ALL. This retreat was designed to serve you in your roles and support you. It is also unabashedly a Christian retreat, with a goal of bringing each woman closer to God. There will extended times of prayer and worship, and many of the speakers and breakout leaders will be sharing about their faith. We realize this might not be the right fit for many amazing mamas who don't share our beliefs, and that is OK. However, if you are a wife or mother who understands our purpose and wants to attend Called to Love, we welcome you with open arms!
8. Is this only for mothers currently parenting adoptive/foster children?
The majority of the material presented at the retreat will be to support and encourage adoptive/foster moms in their current parenting roles. However, if you are a seasoned mother who has raised adopted children, or if you have experience as a foster mom but have no placements at this time, we would love to have you come and pass along some of your wisdom and encouragement to those of us still in the middle of it! Additionally, waiting mothers will receive lots of support and encouragement, but may perhaps find it is more focused on post-placement families.
Sessions
1. Who will be speaking at this retreat?
We have four main sessions. The names of our speakers are listed on the page "FEATURED GUESTS" under the tab above: "2017 DETAILS."
2. Will there be breakout sessions?
Yes! We plan to have 3 breakout sessions during the weekend, with varied topics. The list of breakout options will be available in September, which you will then pre-select before attending the retreat.
Logistics
1. What is the cost and what does it cover?
The registration cost for the 2017 Called to Love Retreat is $185. The full payment is due at the time of registration. It includes all meals from Friday dinner to Sunday breakfast and all the "behind-the-scenes" retreat costs (like room rental, speaker fees & transportation, insurance, equipment, etc). It also will include a few fun extras! The retreat registration fee does NOT cover your hotel room (see LODGING info under 2017 DETAILS).
2. Do you offer any scholarships? I can't afford it.
First, we promise you that we have kept the cost as low as possible to still pay our bills. Unfortunately, we do not have a scholarship fund at this time. Occasionally a donor will gift us with an amount to be used towards scholarships. If you would like to put your name on a list to be considered for any possible future scholarships, fill out the contact form above under the "GENERAL INFO" tab.
3. What if I register and then cannot come to the retreat? Do you offer refunds?
See the "CANCELLATION POLICY" under "2017 DETAILS."
4. Where is the retreat? Why do you have it there?
The retreat is at the Oregon Garden Resort in Silverton, OR. After a lot of research and prayer, this resort is the best fit for Called to Love. They offer a true retreat with beautiful amenities at a reasonable price, as well as the ability for each participant to decide if they would or would not like to share a room. We have researched many other venues in Oregon, and despite any negative aspects, this resort is still the best fit and price for our ministry and our attendees. It is not a perfect venue, but it meets our needs.
5. Can I bring my baby?
Because our desire at Called to Love is to encourage and refresh each and every mom who attends, we ask that you not bring any babies to the retreat. If you are in a new adoption/foster situation where your very small infant needs you, or are a nursing mom who cannot leave your infant (under 12 months), please contact us and we will review the situation on a case by case basis. Our desire is for every mom to have a relaxing and distraction-free experience.
6. How do I get to the Oregon Garden Resort?
Click on the tab on this website for "Lodging" under "2017 DETAiLS".
7. When can I check in and when do I check out?
You can arrive at the Oregon Garden Resort to check in anytime after 3:00 pm on Friday afternoon. Registration for the retreat will be from 2:30-5:30 pm. You will need to check out of your room by 11 am on Sunday morning.
8. What do I need to bring?
Bring casual clothes, an umbrella, your Bible, a journal and anything else you might need for a comfy weekend away. FYI: You will have to walk outside to get from your room to the meals and meeting rooms, so dress accordingly. If you are interested, you might also bring some spending money for the vendors and C2L merchandise table!
Hotel Accommodations
1. How do I find a roommate? I don't know anyone else attending!
We strongly suggest you go to our Facebook community page ("Called to Love Community") and ask around! Rooming with a new friend is out of most of our comfort zones, but also leads to some of the biggest blessings--and can save you some money. Maybe the easiest solution would be to bring a friend with you! Unfortunately, we are not able to assist you in finding a roommate for liability reasons.
2. Can I room by myself?
Yes! When you make your reservation with the Oregon Garden Resort tell them you would like a single room.
3. How do I reserve a room? What is the cost of the hotel rooms?
See the LODGING page, which is under "2017 DETAILS."
4. When do I need to RESERVE a room?
As soon as possible after you register! The rooms go quickly, particularly the rooms with two queen beds. The resort has filled up the last three years.
5. When do we PAY for the hotel room?
You will need a major credit card to reserve your hotel room, but you will not be charged until you check out on Sunday morning of the retreat. If you have more than one person in your room, the hotel will gladly split the check to more than one credit card.
6. What do I do if there are no more rooms at the Oregon Garden Resort?
There is a lovely inn just 5 minutes away from the resort that is holding a number of rooms for Called to Love. It is called the Silverton Inn and Suites. The rooms are unique and cozy, and vary in size and style.
Other Questions:
1. I can't make it to C2L. Do you know of any other retreats for adoptive and foster moms?
Yes! There are several events around the country. We've compiled a short list for you here:
- http://togetherinthetrenches.com
- http://foreverhomes.org/retreat/rejuvenate-retreat
- http://joyforthejourneyretreats.org
- http://mosaicretreat.com/home
- http://wovenbylove.org
- http://www.joyinthejourneyministry.org
- http://www.oasismeeting.com
- http://unfailingloveretreat.blogspot.com
- http://www.reachingheartsretreat.org
