MOPS in Miami

MOPS is such a great organization and if you're a mom of a child under 5, you should really check it out!  

I joined MOPS 2 months after Marco was born.  We were relatively new to Greenville and Carol invited me to attend this meeting for moms.  At first I wasn't too into it... I mean really, it seemed like a baby shower.  A bunch of women gabbing, eating, and complaining.  But little by little I began to develop relationships and actually LEARN from these women.  They were all moms too... they knew what I was going through and what I was about to go through.  They had tricks and tips that I didn't know and were always willing to lend an ear or a hand.  

I also realized the importance of "my time".  But instead of going and having a coffee and a mani/pedi (not that there's anything wrong with that), I was putting my child in child care to regroup, become rejuvenated and in essence, learn how to be a better mom.  

My MOPS group really demonstrated to me that I was valuable and that they cared when Jonas was born.  Being that he was in the NICU, they offered to stay with Marco so I could go to the hospital and they also brought me meals every night for TWO weeks.  You don't find that kind of support just anywhere.  They became a huge blessing to me and my family.  

I had decided that for my third year at MOPS I was going to join the steering team as the publicity chair.  However, before I even got my hands into the pot, we learned about having to move down to Miami.  I resigned my position and handed over the reigns.  

The first thing I did when I moved to Miami was look for a local MOPS chapter to dive into.  Well, I looked, and to my surprise there weren't many to choose from.  (I spoke about this before already).  There was one active group in Miramar- about an hours drive, and one in Miami.  So I contacted the one in Miami through the website via email.  About a week goes by and I don't hear anything.  So I send another email... another week and nothing.  At this point, I'm thinking that I wont be able to be in a MOPS in Miami.  But, you know me, I'm a persistant one.  So I called the host church and asked to speak to someone, anyone, who knew what MOPS was! Finally, after being transferred around a bit, I came in contact with the head of the Children's Ministry who knew kinda what I was talking about.

We talked for a bit and she said that the church had thought about doing a MOPS, but there wasn't a commitment as to who would be in charge.  And, they had no idea how to even get started.  They didn't know anyone who had been in MOPS before, so they were starting from scratch!  I told her my story and she began to get hopeful.  Maybe with my "experience" and a few willing moms, we can get this thing going!

Today we had our first meeting and there were 5 moms, the coordinator and 5 kids.  We had a nice discussion and got to laugh about all of our parenting challenges... potty training, disciplining, listening, obeying, and the like.  It was really great to meet other women in my city who are experiencing the same things I am... I am not alone!  

I feel like God has had His hands in all of this... of course.  I mean, in a city of 4 million people, I am one of the few who even know what this awesome organization is!  I really hope that this group takes off and becomes something of a light house for moms.

So here's your invitation.  If you're a mom of a pre-schooler, meaning a child not yet in Kindergarden, come and check it out!  You don't have to be a member of the host church- I'm not.  You don't have to be a Baptist- I'm not.  You don't have to be a SAHM- I am, but you don't have to be.  If you're free on Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30, you and your rascals are welcome!  

We're located at the Wayside Baptist Church Fellowship Hall- 7701 SW 98 St, Miami

We meet every other Tuesday from 9:30-11:30.

Child care is provided!!!

Please feel free to FB me or email me... I'd love to answer any of your questions and help you get involved!  

But seriously, if you're in Miami and you can make it... please do!  You wont regret it! 

You can read more about MOPS on their home site at: www.mops.org