Women’s Breakfast 9^th February 2020

 On several occasions during the past couple of years we have held ‘Men’s Breakfast’-  a meal followed by a talk from a visitor or just among the men themselves.

This year we resolved to have such a function, not just for the men but for the women and the High Schoolers too.  Those dates have already been put into the timetable. Breakfast is at 8.00 am followed by a talk and interaction with the group and it is all over by 11 am at the latest.

The first one this year was for the women with Sr Kym Harris coming from Yeppoon to be the guest speaker. The following is some feedback from the gathering.

 *  Listening to Sister Kym share her family story of love, hope, commitment, and at times challenging moments, with our group.  So many of us could relate to what she shared and the immense love she has for her family.  Thinking about this reflection, it is all about our journey through life, the ups and downs, but always knowing that Jesus is with us always.  Thank you Sister Kym.

 * Spending time with all the women, (our time away from the busy lives that we all lead) and sharing a breakfast with them.

* Taking the opportunity to spend time with women whom you didn’t know and listen to their family stories of expectations, aspirations, love and perseverance.  Personally, I sat down at breakfast with women who I didn’t know very well, and one I didn’t know at all.  It was so wonderful to speak to new people and share with them. 

 * I felt a joy being there through everyone’s enthusiasm and encouragement of each other:  the belief that strength ties a family together, the strength given by God Our Heavenly Father.  I would highly recommend this type of gathering again.

 *  I found this enjoyable and found Sister Kym’s sharing of her experience as a “mother” to her brother’s children  entertaining.  As a mother myself it was entertaining to hear Sister’s comments on her handling of various situations.  As mothers we never give much thought to our time raising young children.  We “sort of” just do it.

 * Sr Kym’s talk at the women’s breakfast was profoundly soul-cleansing.  The acknowledgment of grief and loss of any kind, and the importance of allowing people to grieve and talk about these feelings, seems to be getting lost in today’s society.  Sister Kym’s own personal reflections reminded us all that we are not alone in our grief and inspired me personally to be able to reach out and reconnect with loved ones…