Parents Matching Convocations in Atlanta, Georgia

Recently, the Atlanta Family Church of Atlanta, Georgia welcomed participants and parents from Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, South Carolina, and Alabama, for a Parents Matching Education. 42 parents from these communities came on September 26-27, 2015 to learn and support one another.

Excitement was in the air as old friends greeted each other and new connections were made. Presentations included, “The Matching Process”, “Matching Support Resources & Tools,” and “Deepening the Parent- Child Relationship.” These topics were expertly and inspiringly given by Crescentia DeGoede.

Some of the highlights for participants were hearing testimonies from parent-matched couples, and parents who guided their adult children through the process. Several participants expressed how much they appreciated hearing both the challenges and the successes.

The singing was enlivened by Leighton DeGoede who accompanied with guitar, his daughter Rose on his back. The whole spirit of the weekend was vibrant and informative. The small group meetings held on Saturday and Sunday allowed parents to discuss and digest the material and begin applying it to their own situation. These discussions also helped parents see themselves as resources for each other.

During the closing session, parents shared their reflections on the time together. Many were inspired

about the new resources available to parents online and about feeling that they were not alone in the process. All were grateful for the time investment by Leighton and Crescentia DeGoede.

After a weekend of laughing and crying together, participants departed with new insight, education and hope.