My name is Karen. I am a single mother of four. My recent past has included homeschooling and co-leading various Girl Scout troops.

Through my homeschooling journey over the past ten years I have learned a great deal from a very special friend and Evolutionary Peacemaker, Andrea Hylen. Andrea has shown me through her own actions and way of living to appreciate diversity and to embrace opportunities for service to others. I have watched Andrea promote peaceful conflict resolution between bickering children and she has been an inspiration to me.

When I heard about the Evolutionary Women retreat I just knew I had to be here to see what else I could learn from Andrea and dozens of other like-minded women. I know I'm on this planet, at this time, to somehow enhance the lives of children.

I'm eager to explore my options as I embark on a new phase of my life. For the first time in my life, I'm finding it necessary to be the financial provider for my family. My current plan is to become a teacher of young children.

In the meantime, as I figure out what I have to do to get teaching certification, I am going to be a gestational carrier (surrogate mother) for a couple who cannot have children without such help.

I intend to be filled with light and love and peace through this weekend which will enhance not only my life but the lives of all the people I touch.