First, in just 5 days I'm traveling to Chicago to meet some on-line friends. Yup - I've "known" some of them for probably 12 or 13 years, starting out on an AOL message board, actually a debate board.
The topic? Whether moms should stay at home or work outside the home, specifically when our children are young. We're so past that discussion these days. I mean, how much can you say about that? (What's right for me and my family, may not be what's right for you and your family, n'est pas?)
Besides, after this many years, our kids are older and the point is moot. Day care is not an issue for most of us. We've moved on to teen and pre-teen issues and some are empty-nesters.
I love a good "Girls' Weekend" and I'm looking forward to this.
But I've never met them.
Crazy? I think not.
Sure, there's a risk that they *could be internet trolls, I suppose.
By now, we've shared a lot on the boards, many of us have friended each other on Facebook, and we've participated in book box exchanges.I'm betting we're a pretty normal bunch, :-)
I think of it as an adventure. Besides, I've never been to Chicago.I'll fill you in next Sunday.
The second thing I'm excited about? My church congregation voted today to "call"** a pastor! We've had interims for about 2 and a half years now, each one bringing their own gifts; but this feels "right" for our future ministry. This new pastor is a woman, and I have to say, I like her style. I think this is the beginning of new things as our congregation opens our heart to God's word and discerns our mission in the community. I think this new pastor is just the right person to be with us on this journey!
God is good.
All the time! ***
** "call" is the term our denomination uses when they meet with a pastor and determine whether his or her gifts and theology match the needs of the congregation. It's more than a job interview, it's a call by and to God to serve each other.
*** God is good, all the time! Is a response used often in Lutheran gatherings (at least around here) - an acknowledgement of God's gifts and blessings among us.
So, whadya think? Have you ever met any fellow bloggers or internet friends in person? Would you? Is it crazy?
Is it different, do you think, to meet for coffee or a drink when you happend to be in the same city; then it is to make plans to meet up somewhere out of town?
I've heard of internet friends who have opened up their homes to host an internet friend - frankly I'm not sure that my DH would go for that.
So, what's your take on this?
I look forward to hearing your thoughts. (My real-life friends mostly fall on the side of "Wow!, That's great, can't wait to hear about it." At least that's what they say to me.) ;-)
Enjoy the day.
10 comments:
I think you'll have a good time. It's interesting how the internet has opened a whole new world of ways to make friends. I've had 2 bloggers I had not previously met stay at our house. We call our guest bedroom "blogger's quarters" LOL.
I'm so jealous of you guys!
I enjoyed meeting Stacy at the Atlanta airport. That's been my only IRL meeting so far.
Dh would be on board with having people stay with us. He has nearly as many "invisible friends" as I do, but we run in different "invisible" circles. I would welcome some of his friends, too.
You know, if nobody minds crashing on an old couch while cats wrestle all night, dogs whine at 6am, and kids stampede through by 7. 'Cause that's how we roll.
We do have plenty of hotels nearby though!
I took a trip to Vegas a few years ago and met a bunch and even shared a hotel room with one of them.
Oh and if we did meet up, I would likely have the younger ones with me unless it was at night or on a weekend. :)
I think it is awesome!! I was just thinking about what it would be like to meet up with my blogging buddies!
I thought you were Lutheran! Me too! We're in the middle of our call process. Our pastor left last year after 23 years.
Well, you know my thoughts on the topic, being Creepy Dude Bob Who Lives in My Mother's Basement and all.... Hee! I hope you have a fantabulous time in Chicago!!!
As for the pastor thing - in my present denomination, we as a congregation don't get much - any, really - say in what pastor is assigned to our church by the bishop. This is how we are on our third pastor in as many years; the first retired, the second was a total dud and so the district agreed to get us a new pastor, who just started in July. Hopefully she's a keeper - so far, so good!
I hope your new pastor is a great match for your congregation! :)
I think meeting up with invisible friends is terribly bizarre. That said...I can't wait! ; )
Tracy, lol.
I can't wait, either! :-)
I've met many online-friends, at various times, and it has almost always gone well. There have been a few one-offs that really didn't blossom into anything, and only one time when we tried to create a friendship and ended up failing miserably and unhappily. Mostly, though, it's been good fun and highly successful. Enjoy!
I think it's great that you're meeting up with Internet friends. I've never done it, personally and to be honest, I'm too cautious of a person to try it, but hey, enjoy!
Loved the troll picture, too funny.
Greg and I go to Episcopalean church now and we met our first female minister. I thought it was great. (I grew up in the Baptist faith, where we say, "God is Good ~ All the Time" too. Always liked that saying..)
Oh yes, I have met internet friends before... it was about 10 yrs ago, and people thought *I* was nuts for inviting them to my house and THEY were nuts for getting on a plane and flying to a city where they didn't know anyone...
Have a GREAT time!!
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