The Villages, FL

Co-leaders: Karen Maurey and Lyn Lang

Karen and Lyn wrote: The “After the Boxes are Unpacked” program at Lake Deaton UMC is called MOAMI, taken from the subtitle of Susan Miller’s book, “Moving On After Moving In.” Since 2022 we have held seven in-person programs, each with 15-30 participants.

We are located within a large 55+ active adult retirement community. Typically, only half of the women who attend our program have moved recently. Many of the women are coping with the significant losses that are common in this phase of life, including the death of their spouse, divorce, becoming a caregiver, or dealing with new limitations. Some are recent retirees and feel adrift after leaving employment.

Most of our participants are coping with a combination of these changes. Our experience affirms what Susan Miller writes in Chapter 20 of After the Boxes Are Unpacked, that the three-step process for movers (let go, start over, move forward) also applies to other changes and losses that women experience.

Our program runs weekly for 7 weeks. We meet as a group for a lesson and watch a short video by an alumnus sharing how God worked in her life during a time of change. We break out into smaller groups for discussion and other activities. During our program, we invite the women to strengthen their connections by matching them for one-on-one meetings, which we call “Heart-to-Heart”. We invite them to attend other activities taking place at Lake Deaton UMC (e.g., luncheons and day trips) and get involved by volunteering in the community. We also offer the option for them to continue meeting as small groups after their session is over.

We find leading the MOAMI program to be extremely rewarding. Many women who come to MOAMI feel isolated and lonely. They may be grieving or be angry about the changes in their lives. We have been blessed to see so many wonderful changes take place. The atmosphere is fun and supportive, and many new friendships are formed.