Naomi ICAP blog
Friday 8th Jul 2011 12:00 AM
ICAP May 2011 in America.
What an amazing conference. I had no idea what to expect. I'd heard it was like heaven and was amazing and so i thought to myself 'ok, i am open to whatever God wants to do in and through me while i'm there'.
After 30 hours of travel and transit we drove in the gates of the Green Lake Conference Centre. My breath was taken away by the huge gates. We drove for what seemed like 10 minutes to where we would be for the next 5 days. WOW i thought - I'm in America in this beautiful fancy hotel style place overlooking a peaceful, beautiful still lake with over 200 or so other like-minded people. There was a deep deep peaceful loving presence of God - like i had never experienced before.
One of my fondest memories was on the first day - having lunch with Bron and Lacie - where we re-connected hearts, ate, laughed, cried and shared stories by the lake in the sun. It was glorious. I remember sitting there breathing it all in and thanking God for His provision for us to be there to be with old friends, nature, new friends and in His presence.
Having been with Hope Foundation for nearly 3 years now, up until this point I had not really had any contact with other organizations, individuals or churches that did what we do. I was overwhelmed - moved with tears, smiles and giggles as I chatted with people from across the globe who do what we do in Australia. The people that I met at ICAP encouraged, challenged, loved and spoke life to me about Hope and what God has called me to do for His Kingdom.
I went to workshop sessions, played with sweet Tobi who is 2 years old from Nigeria, laughed and cried a lot, got counseling and debriefing and chatted to many different people. Through this time at Green Lake I was really encouraged that the work that we do at Hope is rather amazing. Being able to be a part of this time at ICAP has broadened my style, approach and the way i personally work with the women we love and serve. It equipped me with greater knowledge of self-care, trauma, and areas to be sensitive to, loving, drawing out greatness in people while nudging them towards freedom and change.
I no longer feel alone in the calling to change the world one person at a time! I made a connection with a woman who is monthly going to give me debriefing and personal counseling via Skype. So that i can continue the process of all that God has started in me at conference - to be more like God, be refreshed, be a blessing, bestowing grace and loving people well.
Naomi Lewin - Hope Foundation support worker
Tags: ICAP, America 2011, Freedom, Connection, Naomi
« Back to Articles
