This past week has been a special one!
My husband, Chris, and I arrived in Louisana on August 13. We decided to visit the Bayou State for a Christian women’s conference led by Sadie Robertson Huff and her Live Orginal team.
Since the conference didn’t start until the 19th, Chris and I were able to explore our new home for the week and were pleasantly surprised at how good of a week it was. I wasn’t sure small towns like Monroe and West Monroe (yes, they’re different) could keep us interested, but boy, was I wrong.
Keep on reading to find out more about the conference and some of our favorite spots in the area 🤍
LO Sister Conference Recap
Where do I even begin? I’ve been looking forward to this conference since I bought the ticket in March. It’s one of the (many) reasons I wanted to transition to full-time RV life; to get the chance to attend events like this, I wouldn’t be able to attend working a 9-5 job, stuck in one location.
The fact that I was going alone didn’t even phase me. In a way, I was honestly grateful for it. I knew I would be more open to talking to anyone and everyone without a group of girls by my side. I didn’t realize it at the time, but God was making way for new connections and bonds that I may have never been able to experience if I hadn’t come alone.
That’s where my conference story begins; sitting around a table at a coffee shop with four women I had never met before who also came by themselves. We had all joined a group chat the LO team put together for girls coming by themselves. After planning a place to meet up before the conference started, we found ourselves at a local coffee shop I had visited multiple times (ily @ Standard Coffee Co.).
Like any new experience, it was nerve-wracking, but we were excited to be in Monroe for the conference. Four hours – yes, 4 HOURS – later, I looked down at my watch and realized it was time for me to head home and get ready for the VIP meet-and-greet with Sadie.
What a blessing those 4 hours were. The conversation went from getting to know each other in small talk to vulnerably talking through our testimonies and why we chose to attend the conference. It was the perfect way to start the weekend.
Fast forward to an hour after I left the coffee shop, waiting in line to enter the building. The day kept getting better and better. The next couple of hours were filled with excitement as I got to know the people standing in line next to me, met Sadie for the second time (the first was earlier that week at a local gym), and watched a live podcast being recorded. That was only just the beginning.
The rest of the night was filled with a fantastic worship session led by LO Worship and a powerful message given by Charlotte Gambill about faulty foundations and being able to see again spiritually. I didn’t want the night to end, but I knew it had to so I could experience Saturday’s full conference schedule.
And boy, was that schedule chocked full. I got to the Monroe Civic Center at 8 AM and probably didn’t leave until 11 PM. So what did we do all day?
There were three regular sessions and one breakout session planned for Saturday. Session 1 started with worship led by TAYA – I need to stop and say that she is INCREDIBLE live and her love for Jesus is infectious. It was unlike any other worship I’ve ever experienced before. Session 1 ended with a timely and encouraging message by DawnCheré Wilkerson, where she talked about the hill we choose to die on – are we going to die on the weight, expectations, and wants of the world, or are we going to choose to die to ourselves, pick up our crosses, and follow Jesus?
On lunch break, we could grab some food from local food trucks and browse through a cute little market they had put together with numerous small businesses. If I’m honest, I would have bought everything there, but my bank account definitely wouldn’t have liked it 🤪.
After lunch, session 2 began, and we got to hear from Makayla Noble. Never heard of her? Look her up on YouTube because her story is inspiring. After an accident left her paralyzed from the neck down, she has shown the world what it means not to be defined by your circumstances. She said this at the conference, and I think it’s vital for you to hear: “God’s not done with you yet. He woke you up this morning for a reason.” Can I get an amen to that??
Session 2 finished off with illumiNations. Their mission is to make the Bible accessible to all people groups by 2033. Did you know over one billion people don’t have access to Scripture in their native language? That’s insane. We partnered with illumiNations at the conference and completed the 12 Verse Challenge. The original goal was $63,000, but we exceeded that and gave almost $200k in LESS THAN 10 MINUTES. Praise God!
Do you feel led to give towards the mission? Visit this link!
The breakout sessions were next, and I got to join one of my new friends in the creative session led by Brooke Figueroa and Chidima Ubah. Check out below for some 🔥 nuggets of wisdom from the breakout session and the rest of the conference!
By this point in the recap, you’re probably like, “Okay, I get it y’all did a lot,” but there’s still one thing left to talk about: the last session—the session where I felt God move the most in that Civic Center.
Sadie rocked the house with her message, and then OVER 800 WOMEN GOT BAPTIZED! Yes, you read that right. While people were getting baptized, LO Worship led our final set, and we cheered for every woman who made the decision to follow Jesus. It didn’t feel like regular church baptisms. While those are great and special in their own way, these baptisms were met with a straight-up party. And it was hands down the best party I’ve ever been to.
All in all, this conference was everything and more. It allowed me to get closer to God in a way I never thought I’d be able to experience, and I got to meet some spectacular people along the way. I already can’t wait for LO Sister Conference 2023! I hope I get to see you there 🤩
Nuggets of Wisdom From Conference
🔥 “Your hidden brokenness is going to turn to blindness if you don’t let God heal you.” – Charlotte Gambill
🔥 “Your soul has the fingerprints of God, the Creator.” – TAYA
🔥 “When Jesus chose His hill to die on, He chose you.” – DawnCheré Wilkerson
🔥 “Creativity is the natural result of your spirituality because you were made in the image of God.” – Brooke Figueroa
🔥 “No one wants your yes with a burned-out version of you.” – Brooke Figueroa
🔥 “When you look outside and see the sun, you should thank God because He loved you enough to hang it in the sky.” – Sadie Rob Huff
🔥 “God didn’t say that the sun, moon, or stars are the light of the world. God called us the light of the world.” – Sadie Rob Huff
🔥 “We are called to be the steady light in the darkness.” – Sadie Rob Huff
Favorite Spots in Monroe/West Monroe
This post wouldn’t be complete without including some of my favorite things from the one week Monroe was our home. So check out below for where to stay, play, and eat!
Where to Stay
- Ouachita RV Park – Kelly Moore purchased the property earlier this year and has already started making significant renovations to it. She’s changing the game regarding bringing younger people into RV life – and y’all know I’m all for that! The best part is that you don’t have to have an RV to stay here. Come September 1, they are opening up their first Airbnb on the property where you can fulfill your RV dreams and stay in an Airstream.
Where to Get Close to Creation
- Restoration Park – This one-mile loop is a great place to run or enjoy a nice walk outdoors. Most of the path is shaded, so you won’t have to worry about the hot Louisiana sun beating down on you the entire time.
- Kiroli Park – This park is insane! The 150 acres are filled to the brim with endless beauty and fun. They have multiple parks for kids (or adults who are kids at heart) to play, a dog park, tennis courts, hiking trails, gardens, places to picnic, and more. This park has it all! Just so you know, there is a fee for the dog park, so be prepared for that (it’s worth it, though!).
- Landry Vineyards – Who doesn’t love a good vineyard? Whether you’re a wine lover or not, vineyards are always a great way to get out and experience nature differently. Walking through rows of grapes and maybe picking one or two here or there (if it’s allowed, of course) is a pretty cool experience. Plus, they have live concerts, wine-tasting tours, and a great selection of wines!
- Tribe31 Training – Okay, this one isn’t necessarily outdoors, but it was one of my favorite things in West Monroe. Tay and Jo co-own this all-female gym and have created an inviting atmosphere for women of all ages and sizes. So if you want to get a good workout with a group of strong and supportive women, this place is for you! Are you just visiting? You can still drop in for a class or two. Check out their Instagram or email tribe31training@gmail.com for more information!
Where to Shop
- Antique Alley – This street is full of unique shops to peruse through. Antiques, boutiques, bakeries, and more are at your disposal.
- The Spice & Tea Exchange of West Monroe – This place is located in Antique Alley, but it deserved its own spot. If you love tea or cooking and baking, then stopping by this shop is a MUST. The store is packed full of deliciously-smelling spices. I came home with three items: the Tuscany Spice Blend, Honey Truffle Sea Salt, and Lemon Ginger Honey. Honestly, I could’ve bought everything in the store, but again, that’s probably something my bank account probably wouldn’t have liked 🤪.
- Cara’s Boutique – This boutique was recommended to me by multiple locals. Not only do they have super cute items in stock (clothes, shoes, etc.), their prices won’t break the bank. Hallelujah!
- Fiesta on Eighteenth – I LOVE a good health foods store. Usually, in a place like this, you won’t find Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for the local Walmart to find healthier items. I don’t know about you, but I’m always down for an açai bowl, and this is the perfect place to get one while you shop!
Where to Eat & Find Good Coffee
- Standard Coffee Co. – I found myself here most of the week to get out of the RV and eat up someone else’s wifi. I’m not a coffee drinker, but I didn’t want to be the person who hogged a table to use the wifi and not buy anything, so I splurged and got a coffee each time I went. I tried the Iced Honey Lavender and Iced Chai Tea. I asked for oat milk instead of regular milk in both, and WOWZA, they could turn even the likes of me into a regular coffee drinker. They were so good, but not overly sweet! And the avocado toast is DELISH!
- Delta Biscuit Company – This was the PERFECT post-church brunch spot! Their baby biscuits are SO GOOD (seriously, they could give Red Lobster’s cheddar biscuits a run for their money), and so is the rest of their food. I got the “Nola Bowl,” and Chris got “The Coop.” You’ll have to visit and figure out what they are, but know they were both delicious!
- 2Dudes Brew & Que – Okay, so I only got fries here, but I feel like you can really tell if a place is good or not based on the fries. I ordered the sidewinder fries, and they did NOT disappoint. Just thinking about those thick, crispy fries as I write this makes my mouth water. My friends ordered other things than just fries, and everything they had was good too!
- Other local recommendations (from my amazing new friends at Tribe31):
- Genusa’s Italian Restaurant – Great date night spot, but make sure you make a reservation in advance!
- Trapp’s – Enjoy a river view while enjoying some Louisiana favorites!
- Warehouse No. 1 Restaurant – Another great spot on the river with great food. I’ve heard their seafood is fantastic!
As you can tell, the LO Sister Conference was life-changing, and Monroe/West Monroe has a lot more than meets the eye! Chris and I can’t stop talking about how we want to go back!
That’s it for this week 😊 I hope you have the BEST Wednesday ever!
Till next time,
Kaitlin ☼
