Why I love (in)RL

Almost a year ago, I started seeing posts and information about this thing called (in)RL.  I had found the (in)couragers website (which is amazing, by the way), and the way this (in)RL thing was written, I figured it had to be connected to that somehow.
So I started looking around and seeing what I could see.
I'm so glad I did.

(in)RL is a chance to get together, connect with other women, in real life.  (inRL, get it?)
This group (in)courage was hosting these web conferences on two days in April, and we could sign up to watch part of it online on our own, then get together with other women to watch other videos, discuss, talk, pray, share....connect!
I've talked here before about how I long for connection with other women.  I love community.  I love finding women to share life with.
That's exactly what I found last year at the (in)RL meetup I attended.
It was at Frances' house, and there were about 8 of us there.  A couple of the women had met before, a couple were friends, but most of us were brand new.
But it was one of those gatherings where you didn't feel new for long.
Maybe it was the fantastic welcome and warm, friendly setting of Frances' home.
Maybe it was the delicious coffee.
Maybe it was alllllllll that chocolate.
Maybe it was because we were all wanting to find a common bond so we could connect with one another.
We found it.
Jesus was that common bond.
We came from different faith backgrounds, but we were all just women, wanting to connect, wanting to share our lives, wanting to share Jesus.
I've been looking forward to (in)RL again ever since then.
So when the dates were published for the 2014 conference, I winced a little.  It's the same day as our main music contest for my students at school.
And I started to wonder how it would work for me to be able to get to a meetup this year.
I've been praying about it, and was starting to wonder if it's just not meant for me to be part of this incredible event this year.  I didn't want to think about that option, but I was thinking that could be a true possibility.
Then through Frances' post on our Facebook (in)RL page, and from what Bridget said (one of my new friends last year), and from the (in)courage comments I've been seeing, I decided to be brave:  I decided to sign up to host a meetup at our home.
I'm starting to think about why it may not work or be successful:  the time may be a little wonky with music contest; we live in the country; I don't know many other people who are familiar with all (in)courage has to offer; people don't come to parties I do; you know how it is....I just start doubting.
But then I thought, hey, someone might want or need to connect the same way I wanted and needed to last year.  Someone might enjoy a drive in the country to get to our home.  Someone might need a good, strong cup of coffee.....and I'm good at that.  Or someone new might need or want to enjoy my now semi-famous chocolate Coke cake.
And someone might need to pray, and spend time with a friend.
I can do all those things.
So, I am honored and excited to be hosting a gathering for the (in)RL Conference this year.  If you'd like, if you need a drive in the country, need coffee, need chocolate.......I'd be thrilled to have you join me!