EVO Conference: Where Do I Even Begin ...

I cannot find a title more appropriate to describe the exact feeling that I have right now. As most of you know, I attended a wonderful gathering of women in social media in Park City, Utah called the EVO '10 Conference.

Here is a link to a previous blog entry briefly describing my journey on being able to participate. Throughout this experience, I felt an outpouring of blessings one after another!

I have A LOT to share with all of you and I know I will be able to do so in my next posts. However, I will get started today.

Here is a list of my observations, insights, and powerful statements during the EVO Conference. A little warning for you though: the list is very random!

I really needed this getaway. This season in my life is bringing me to places of personal discomfort that challenges the grace that comes out of my heart and spirit. It's been quite an interesting journey and yes, it's been great. But is it hard at times? Absolutely. The opportunity to go on a long road trip up the mountains was needed and I believe wholeheartedly that God saw that.

Utah is breathtaking. 'Nuff said.

"Your numbers are not the measure of your value or impact." - Stephanie Quilao. I personally have a lot to say about her statement (meant to encourage all of us) and will do so in a future blog post -- a challenge to all of us who want to make a difference.

I want to work for Make-A-Wish-Foundation! I have always helped this organization from afar but I finally felt personally connected with it. Their social media efforts are really impressive and it would be really nice to learn from them by being more involved.

Callahan and Nikki Williams spoke about the power of social media on helping them cope with their daughter's life threatening disease. Didn't bring enough tissue to cope with the tears that streamed down my face.

"Incongruent living is exhausting." - Brene Brown. A challenge for every blogger who "switches" personas between online and real lives.

There was a LOT of good food to go around! Strict calorie-counting was not an option. Not complaining!

LOTS of free gifts too!

I was warned by my friend Jennifer about the altitude making it really harder for me to breathe during physical activity. And she was NOT joking. Just merely going up the stairs is already extra hard! Walking and running activities were more challenging but I had to stick it out.

So grateful to make meaningful connections with Drew Bennett of BenSpark.com and Joyce Shulman of MacaroniKid.com. Very kind-hearted people!

I love taking pictures but hardly good at any photography technique. The photography and Photoshop workshops equipped me with so much information to take my hobby to the next level. And you just can't beat riding a gondola up the mountains and doing a photo walk with such a spectacular view!

The sponsors hosted parties in their suites! More food, lots of cupcakes and amazing views from their hotel rooms.

Organizers Jyl Pattee and Rachael Herrscher did a fantastic job in putting the agenda together. There was enough time to breathe in between sessions. They were both a shining example of graciousness and hospitality.

And since there was plenty of breathing time, Robert and I were able to go down Park City's Main Street, go out on a pizza dinner date, view some art galleries and walk around.

One of the biggest highlights of this experience is going to Park City Mountain Resort (where EVO had its closing party). Going down from extremely high places generally make me really super scared but I decided to conquer my fears by riding the Alpine Slide, ZipRider and Alpine Coaster. I am so glad I did it! Yes, my knees were literally shaking right before each ride but I ended up having the BEST time ever.

Grateful for MomSpark.net and my good friend Liza Nieto for making this happen. I am forever grateful.

And finally, I am praying really hard on bringing something like this to the Philippines. For all my Pinoy readers, what do you think? Your feedback on your needs will steer me in the right direction. Looking forward to hear from you!