Extravagant Love Makeover - 2014

We are still filled with excitement from Saturday’s Extravagant Love Makeover!  It was such a phenomenal day from start to finish!  This year’s event was even bigger than last year.  We want to say a special thank you to each lady who gave her time, gifts, and talents (and shoes!) to this great cause.  Thanks to those who worked behind the scenes with such tasks as steaming/ironing clothes and the shoe collection.  Thanks as well to the ladies who were able to attend the event and volunteer on one (or more) of the many teams: hair, make-up, manicures, pedicures, wardrobe, hospitality, and prayer.  Whether you realize it or not, your role in that day made a difference! 

 

The event pampered over thirty ladies from the Light of Life Mission.  It was a pleasure to see several ladies return to this year’s event who had also attended it last year.  Hugs and smiles were abounding as our hosts, Jennifer Goebbel and Nicole Yoder welcomed each lady when they came in the door.

 

Once the attendees were welcomed and checked in, they were sent to one of the various stations.  All the different stations were busy and bubbling with excitement.  Whether ladies were receiving a relaxing pedicure or getting a new hairstyle, everyone was smiling. Gift bags were passed out during the day as the ladies were getting their makeovers.  The fun and laughter throughout the rooms was contagious.  Nicole Yoder commented, “It was so nice to see some walls were down and some insecurities were overcome.  The ladies truly enjoyed it.”

 

In addition to the hair, nails, and make-up, the ladies were given an outfit and pair of shoes.  Time was taken with each woman to make sure each outfit truly fit and flattered them.  Whether they were aware of it or not, their outfits were specially chosen for them and prayed over. Occasionally an on the spot alteration was completed!  Delighted ladies were showing off their outfits and shoes to their friends and taking “selfies”!

 

After all the make-up, primping, and pampering was complete, it was time to head off to dinner.  Dressed in their new outfits and shoes, the ladies boarded PAT busses especially for them and drove off to the Pittsburgh Project where the dinner was taking place.  While on the busses, each attendee received a special note and some were extra blessed with gift cards.  As they exited the bus, the women were given a rose and walked the red carpet complete with “paparazzi”.  Inside, the women met up with ladies who received makeovers from another shelter, Bethlehem Haven.

 

Following the red carpet, the ladies went on to enjoy a lavish, sit down Thanksgiving meal.  Then it was time for fashion!  Some of the ladies participated in a fashion show, showing off their new looks.  Later, all of the women got their pictures taken and put into a frame with an individual prophetic message for each lady to take home. 

 

Once the fashion show wrapped up and a time of praise and worship ended, the creator and director of the Extravagant Love Makeover, Denise Graves delivered a message to the ladies.  She talked about the importance of making new choices and how that gets passed on to the future generations.

 

At the conclusion of the message, the ladies were invited to come forward for prayer.  This was one of the most powerful parts of the evening.  The Spirit of the Lord was moving about.  Tears were shed, hugs were generously given, and love was flowing freely, extravagantly.  It was an amazing end to an awesome day!

 

“The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

 

Below are some photos from the event.  We even have a few of the "after" pictures of the ladies once they were done with their makeovers!  So beautiful!

 

 

 

 

 

The West Ridge Team of Volunteers