The summer of 2010, I was getting ready for my day. Just out of the shower, hair dripping wet, no makeup on, I lamented. Frustrated, I told God that every internet search yielded nothing; I was looking for organized groups of moms gathering to pray for their college students. But there was nuttin’, nada, zero, zilch. I had been a part of Moms In Prayer for years, praying for my two sons with other moms from their specific elementary, middle and high schools. The empty nest was looming; I knew that college would be a crucial time to continue to pray in community with moms whose kids would be at the same University. I laid my burden of frustration down, said amen and ended my prayer time. Hair dryer whirring in my ear, I was no longer thinking about my problem, concentrating completely on the task at hand. Suddenly, I was startled to “hear and see” three distinct words, “Moms Hoo Pray.” Stunned, I laughingly exclaimed, “that is so great, Lord!” I knew at once that God had given me His idea to launch a group to pray for UVA students, faculty and fellowships. This fall we began our 14th year in prayer. And once again, our leadership baton has expertly passed from recently “graduated moms” to current “undergrad moms.” Read on to hear about our latest hand off.
When I was in high school I was required to take PE, required to run around a track, and required to run the last leg of a relay. The baton pass was a success! But as I sprinted closer and closer to the end, I turned my head, looking to my left—toward the inside of the track—instead of toward the finish line. Why? Because I didn’t want any onlookers to see my red cheeks wobbling and facial muscles straining as I exerted myself. My PE teacher said I looked ridiculous. Not to mention that it slowed down my team. (Oh the foolishness of vanity!)
Looking back (or to the side) isn’t a good idea for those running in a race, but if you’re “the coach,” rewinding the reel can be helpful to all interested parties. And looking back is a discipline that reminds us how faithful God has been; it reminds us of our teammates in ministry and how they have been used by God in our lives and so many others.
Let me tell you about two of our MomsHooPray superstars who have completed their race as co-leaders of NoVA MomsHooPray:
Double MomHoo,’ Wendy Vendt (Class of 2023 & 2021) and triple MomHoo,’ Jenna Mead (Class of 2025, 2024 & 2022) started co-leading in the Fall 2021 after Wendy’s oldest graduated and her middle child began his third year. This solid and gifted team led prayer every other week, organized care package assembly, trekked down to C’ville to help serve exam snacks at the STUD and personally hosted end of semester lunches. These caring, scripturally grounded, equally skilled and wonderfully faith-filled women displayed wisdom, good humor, keen spiritual insights and dedication. Last fall, Wendy was tasked to shepherd old and new moms solo when Jenna and her hubby unexpectedly found their dream home in C’ville where they now frequently enjoy their two undergrad Hoos. Jenna was sorry to leave Wendy to finish her race alone, but grateful to join our Zoom MomsHooPray.
Jenna and Wendy
It’s now officially time to pass the baton again!
Drumroll, please….meet our new team: Double Hoo Moms, Kim Mislock (Class of 2027 & 2025) and Jennifer Church (Class of 2027 & 2022). These godly and dedicated NoVA MomsHooPray leaders are not new to UVA or to MomsHooPray! Both are seasoned and wise Hoo moms who also just launched their second Hoos into their first year. They look expectantly to the Lord to connect current MomsHooPray with the new Class of 2027 and to bless each one as they pray together. I am confident the Lord will help them take up the baton and run—facing forward, not looking behind. (And because they are such mature women who trust God to help them, they won’t be worried if their faces wobble from time to time) 🙂
Stay tuned for Updated Housing Tips.
Upperclass Moms: BOLO (be on the lookout) for an email soliciting your current Hoo(s) housing experiences—whether great or ghastly. Please reply with the details of the good, the bad or the ugly—so that we can corporately help new first year moms as their Hoos go through the stressful scramble for delightful roommates and decent housing.
Majoring In Prayer For Our Hoos 
Thanks, Kathy! So grateful to be able to run this leg of the race with Jennifer and the rest of the MHP.
It’s in good hands! And we are grateful for the earlier “baton handlers” — we’ve been blessed by great leaders!