By Daniele Evans

My Transforming Community (TC13) experience began with plenty excitement, anticipation and my soul tiptoeing around the edges of burnout. Fifteen years of pastoral ministry alongside raising a young family had taken the bulk of my energy. I felt weary and worn in ways difficult to express. My spouse and I were mid-sabbatical, so the call to TC complimented a desire to REST.

Several months into our retreat rhythm, the landscape of my life completely shifted. Quite honestly, day by day life unraveled as the need to offer my children and I a safer environment grew clear. I faced the challenges and pain of our situation with tremendous support surrounding us…but what about my soul, Lord? Attending TC felt important and yet now impossibly out of reach.

Thankfully, God already paved the way forward, providing each need. I continued in our community experience — to the very last retreat. Transforming Community became for me a spiritual container by which I felt carried, cared for and loved. The practical tools gained for tending to my soul deepened all my relationships and healed my grieving heart. I cannot imagine just how I did life before!

As a Spiritual Director, I am better equipped to hold space for others’ journeys and stories. As a mother, home life receives a better version of me as I interact with my children. As a pilgrim on sacred spiritual path, I am at home with myself and my God. Thank you Transforming Community…thank you.