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September 8, 2011

The Big Reveal: An (in)courage conference (in)real life!

Tags:  (in)RL

For two years we’ve loved spending time with you here.

For two years we’ve listened to your stories and your hearts as we know you’ve listened to ours.

For two years we’ve loved being that online space that women could call home – where they could kick off any expectation of perfect, set aside their fears, their shyness, their worry that they’re not good enough, and find some of Jesus’ words of rest woven into every blog post shared here.

And for two years people have been asking us if we were going to have an (in)courage conference.

We wanted to, but we worried there wouldn’t be enough space. That it would leave some of our community out. That not everyone would be able to put their feet up on the beach house coffee table with us if they were hindered by the price of travel, the concern about child care or the worry of what to wear.

We needed a new model – an (un)conference conference

– where everyone would be (in) and no one left out.

“For I am about to do something new.

See, I have already begun.

Do you not see it?

I will make a pathway through the wilderness.

I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”

~Isaiah 43:19

We needed a way to give the thousands of women who visit (in)courage on a daily basis with their aching hearts, their joys, their fears, their prayer requests, their hopes and dreams a real life community to share those with. A community that is seeded online and grows off line.

That’s how (in)courage in real life was born.
{Click the logo to come over, learn more, and register}

A God-sized dream to connect women beyond the blog posts.

How?

Well, with a day of (in)courage meetups – think mini beach house parties – all around the country and globe and a webcast for everyone to tune into. There will be something for everyone walking, talking, laughing, hugging blog content – right in the comfort of your living room.

In short, we’re bringing the beach house right to your doorstep.
On April 27 & 28, 2012.

IRL. In Real Life. (in)RL!

We’re hosting an all-you-can-eat, wear-your-comfy-clothes, invite-your-neighbor, don’t-have-to-pack-for-it, girls-just-wanna-have-fun, in-real-life-is-better-than-online, un-conference, conference!

The webcast kicks off on Friday and (in)RL beach house parties follow on Saturday with more live (in)courage content to tune into together. Just imagine thousands of (in)courage women all over the world getting together in homes, coffee shops, restaurants, or churches – you name it– to connect in real life!

We love the online world, but there’s only so far a comment box can go to connect us. We’re looking forward to stepping through blog posts and into each other’s real lives.

Click here to register, it’s only $10 {and get your free (in)RL T-shirt!}

And then join us on twitter at 10pm EST tonight {hashtag #inrl}

for an (in)RL twitter-palooza where we’ll answer your questions, sneak you some more fun updates, and share these tasty giveaways:

24 of our (in)courage contributors are all at Hilton Head this weekend for their own (in)RL meetup. So we’ll be crazy-eyed, humidity-fried, cross-legged, beach sand, group tweeting with you all. Can NOT wait.

Come one, come all and come just as you are!

“For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” ~ Matthew 18:20.

ABOUT LISA-JO

Lisa-Jo lives in between countries, callings & kids, believes motherhood should come with its own superhero cape, and as the Community Manager for (in)courage loves dreaming up ways to serve you...

{ 85 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Beck Gambill September 8, 2011 at 11:07 PM

Sounds fabulous, forward thinking, God honoring! Love your heart for women and Jesus. Thank you for inviting us to join in the fun!

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2 Courtney September 8, 2011 at 11:07 PM

I. AM. SO. EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) REGISTERING NOW!

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3 Shari@Rain into Rainbows September 8, 2011 at 11:07 PM

YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY!!!!!

I am SO in!!!!!!!

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4 Candra Georgi September 8, 2011 at 11:08 PM

I’m totally there!

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5 valleym9 September 8, 2011 at 11:08 PM

I wondered if it would be a conference! Sounds great I hope I will be able to be a part!!

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6 Jamie @ Six Bricks High September 8, 2011 at 11:10 PM

WooHoo! Count me in!

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7 Elizabeth September 8, 2011 at 11:10 PM

I’m so excited for this!

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8 Denise September 8, 2011 at 11:12 PM

You GO GIRLS! Awesome idea. Will participate and tell everyone I know!!!!! :-)

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9 jessicagardo September 8, 2011 at 11:12 PM

W r #in all the way ;0) @incourage rocks …. @hiltonheadsc … jg

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10 Lisa-Jo @thegypsymama September 8, 2011 at 11:13 PM

Thanks for making this the “Funnest” planning weekend ever :)

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11 Sandy Hanna September 10, 2011 at 4:40 PM

Is this going on right now in HH? Sept 10th?

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12 Lisa-Jo @thegypsymama September 10, 2011 at 9:32 PM

Just the planning part :)

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13 jessicagardo September 8, 2011 at 11:13 PM

We r #in all the way ;0) @incourage rocks …. @hiltonheadsc … jg

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14 marina Bromley September 8, 2011 at 11:22 PM

YAY! So exciting! Wish that I could have joined in the the twitter…got the msg after the time – unless it’s going to be on Friday night… in which case, count me in! :)

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15 Lisa-Jo @thegypsymama September 9, 2011 at 12:08 AM

It’s Friday night – so you’re actually early :)

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16 Stacey Reich September 8, 2011 at 11:22 PM

AwEsOmE <3 Thanks soo much for sharing my Faith tattoo on your video! I was soooooo excited to see it!!!

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17 Alexis September 8, 2011 at 11:25 PM

I never would have guessed– what a great idea! :)

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18 Rachel Lundy September 8, 2011 at 11:28 PM

I’m in! This is exciting! I so hope that I will be able to attend.

Thank you so much for all of your planning and hard work that is going into creating this (in)courage conference. And a big thank you for thinking of everyone and bringing the conference to each of us. Those of us who are homebound or unable to travel won’t be left out. (in)courage is such a great community to be a part of.

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19 Lisa-Jo @thegypsymama September 9, 2011 at 12:08 AM

Girl, we LOVE to hear that!

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20 Tiffany September 8, 2011 at 11:29 PM

So excited about this!!!

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21 Courtney September 8, 2011 at 11:30 PM

I am REGISTERED! CANNOT WAIT! We will be hosting a meet up here in the Shreveport/Bossier City, La area! (And count me in for the Twitter party, too…assuming it is on Friday night!) :) WOO HOO!

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22 Lisa-Jo @thegypsymama September 9, 2011 at 12:23 AM

whooo hooo right back at you! :) And yes, Friday night is on!

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23 Jana September 8, 2011 at 11:31 PM

YESSSSS! I’m in! :)

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24 Wendy P September 8, 2011 at 11:38 PM

I am very excited, and am looking forward to getting our group together. I haven’t been a part of (in)Courage but just a few weeks now, but you all bless me everyday with your
words of encouragement and just pure emotions, and love! THANK YOU!

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25 Lisa-Jo @thegypsymama September 9, 2011 at 12:09 AM

can’t wait to hang with you all in real life!

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26 Shanda Oakley September 8, 2011 at 11:41 PM

This sound so exciting and encouraging. I can’t wait to hear more about it and am definitely registering. My online friends have become so important to me that I would love to have a conference in whatever manner you decide to lead out on!

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27 dawn September 8, 2011 at 11:49 PM

GREAT idea! Way to go!

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28 Christina September 9, 2011 at 12:00 AM

Wow! Sounds like fun! What a great idea and opportunity to share Christ in a cozy fun environment. Love love this.

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29 Stacey September 9, 2011 at 1:27 AM

Simply Amazing!!! Thanks for always being there to [in] courage, [in] spire, & [in] trigue us! I’m elated to see two of my photos in the intro =]. Thanks for making my heart SMILE big :)

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30 Laura September 9, 2011 at 2:17 AM

I tried to register, but can’t figure out how to do it. Is it only open to those in the US? We are currently stationed in Spain. I have an FPO address, but the registration page wouldn’t support it.

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31 Lisa-Jo @thegypsymama September 9, 2011 at 9:31 AM

Let us look into that. It should be open to registration from all over the world. Please keep trying :)

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32 MCH September 9, 2011 at 3:39 AM

Ok, so I want to join… so bad. But I am wondering… you guys probably don’t carry a database. Joining this conference would be most fun if it’s not just me sitting on the couch. But I am allll the way in Holland. Know of others who are in Holland who I can contact so we can curl up on the couch together and do this? (I know I am going to feel so lonely otherwise.)

Blessings with this!

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33 MCH September 9, 2011 at 6:02 AM

I just checked out the in rl website and I just made a community. Let’s pray there are other HERE that long for good fellowship and friendship!

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34 Lisa-Jo @thegypsymama September 9, 2011 at 9:37 AM

Best thing to do is open the meetup page and start a community in Holland so others can find you there! Grab some friends and start your own Beach House party! http://www.inrl.us/host.php

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35 Jennifer September 9, 2011 at 4:17 AM

Wow – what an awesome idea! Your efforts of outreach and inclusion are truly inspirational. I can’t wait to be involved.

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36 Rebecca September 9, 2011 at 5:00 AM

This is so exciting…a retreat to meet IRL and no packing! Will miss the really meeting IRL….but, still think this is a wonderful idea! Ticket(s) purchased…and hope to make it to the twitter party tonight! Thank you!

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37 Stephanie Hanes September 9, 2011 at 5:28 AM

I am SO in! This sounds wonderful!

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38 Kirsten Victor September 9, 2011 at 5:55 AM

That’s cool, though I can’t help but be jealous of all you fabulous women together now at a REAL beach house in Hilton Head! I live in Germany, 6 hours ahead of EST. I know of at least one other woman here who reads (in)courage and could probably find a group from our MOPS group to get together for the April “conference.” But, is it all in real time (which could be in the middle of the night here), or will you offer the sessions to watch later?

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39 Wanda September 9, 2011 at 6:15 AM

YAY!! GOOOOOO. DREAM IT!! DO IT!! Count me in too! :)

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40 Amy September 9, 2011 at 6:39 AM

It is SO exciting to see (in)courage taking this step to help readers connect offline – I’m in!

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41 Women Living Well September 9, 2011 at 6:40 AM

Wow! I love it!!! Can’t wait! I know it will be great!
Courtney

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42 Southern Gal September 9, 2011 at 6:41 AM

I’m in! Finally a conference I can attend!

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43 Ruthie September 9, 2011 at 6:47 AM

SO awesome! :)

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44 Ashleigh Baker September 9, 2011 at 7:01 AM

Hooray! So excited to start planning! <3

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45 Sallie Sparks September 9, 2011 at 7:17 AM

You girls totally ROCK! Fabulous idea and the planning on my end for a in(RL) slumber party is already beginning! Thank you for always allowing God to lead!

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46 Laura P September 9, 2011 at 7:31 AM

Sounds like so much fun! I hope to be able to sign up. Just need to free up that $10 in the budget and put the dates on the calendar.

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47 Jennifer @ GDWJ September 9, 2011 at 7:39 AM

Well done, (in)courage crew! Lovin’ your song on the video. And won’t it be like that one day? All of us in one great big House in heaven, with lots and lots of room?

Thanks for making room for everyone here on earth — a sort of rehearsal for the party we’ll have in Heaven someday. :)

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48 Ann Voskamp September 9, 2011 at 9:30 AM

Amen! :) It’s the local church, local body of believers gathering together, and it’s got Jesus’ heart — where everyone is invited, if they’d like to come to the feast — and I can’t stop smiling! A glimpse of heaven indeed, Jennifer! :)

See you at a rehearsal party, sister! :)

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49 Karen September 9, 2011 at 7:41 AM

Technology is an amazing thing. What a WONDERFUL way to use it! Looking forward to being a part!

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50 Jennifer September 9, 2011 at 7:42 AM

What a great idea! I love the heart you have for encouraging women. Thank you!

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51 Patricia September 9, 2011 at 7:59 AM

Very excited to be involved in a RL Conference ~ marking the date down and signing up today ~ looking forward to tonight……What a great community!!! I’ve been with you since it’s inception and have just loved every minute of it!! You ladies have such beautiful hearts ~

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52 Jennifer September 9, 2011 at 7:59 AM

I’m so so so excited!

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53 Rachel September 9, 2011 at 8:16 AM

Sounds AMAZING!! :)

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54 Imperfect September 9, 2011 at 8:31 AM

So exciting!

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55 Kresendo September 9, 2011 at 8:47 AM

Oh wow so this is great news such a great ideal. Has to be a God ideal to be able to bring all in. I am excited can’t wait to see how it all works out. I so need to connect. Looking forward to it. See you all there :)

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56 Ann Voskamp September 9, 2011 at 9:27 AM

Yes! A God idea! That everyone is (in) and the body of Christ gathers all over the world, in real community that can support and grow and be real together! Isn’t this so of Jesus’ heart?! Thrilled with you! :)

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57 Erin @ Home with the Boys September 9, 2011 at 8:50 AM

So glad the secret is out! Excited to host a meet-up – even though life is going to be CRAZY at that time! I will need the girl time!

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58 Cassi September 9, 2011 at 9:33 AM

Oh I just signed up and joined a meet up in St. Paul by where I live. So excited to meet other incourage members.

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59 Lisa-Jo @thegypsymama September 9, 2011 at 9:39 AM

So excited you’re excited !!!

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60 Stacey September 9, 2011 at 9:49 AM

Orlando is so in!!! Can’t wait to see you there!

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61 Krystal September 9, 2011 at 10:33 AM

Party on!!! How stinkin’ fun and innovative and exciting!!! My only little glitch…baby #2 is supposed to be making his/her grand entrance into the world on the 28th!! What to do, what to do….pay the $10 and risk it?!?! No offense would be taken if I was laboring for the bulk of my time at the conference IRL right?! ;) Hmmmm……

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62 Debbie Dillon September 9, 2011 at 11:09 AM

Oh, how (in) credibly fun!!! I can’t wait!!

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63 Danelle September 9, 2011 at 11:27 AM

This sounds just amazing. I am leaving for Hilton Head tonight, so I would love to see you all there. What a crazy coincidence. :) And looking so forward to April. If I can help you all this weekend in anyway , please let me know. :) Now I am off to pack my family for the beach!:)

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64 Amy September 9, 2011 at 12:27 PM

This sounds wonderful! I love connecting with people online, and to develop those into “real life” friendships would be fantastic.

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65 HopefulLeigh September 9, 2011 at 1:57 PM

I had a feeling it would be a conference but I love how accessible you’ve made it! I’m in a friend’s wedding that weekend so I won’t be able to participate this time, unfortunately. But I hope you’ll schedule another one after that!

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66 RJB September 9, 2011 at 2:37 PM

Cool!! And… Can I just say how jealous I am (esp as an SC girl) that ya’ll are enjoying HHI, and I am sitting in the soggy DC area!… but this kind of makes up for it ;)

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67 RJB September 9, 2011 at 2:39 PM

OH, btw…What does being a host involve? I’d love to, but am wondering if I need to run the idea past my family (who shares this house with me) first!

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68 Jennifer September 9, 2011 at 2:52 PM

I have a question. Do Host need to register? Can’t wait!

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69 Lisa-Jo @thegypsymama September 10, 2011 at 9:34 PM

Yes please, everyone needs to register.

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70 Annie September 9, 2011 at 3:30 PM

So excited for this!! What an amazing way to connect women! Would love to host and can’t wait to hear more details!

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71 faith hope & cherrytea September 9, 2011 at 5:59 PM

FABulous!!

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72 Jemma Brunton September 9, 2011 at 6:05 PM

I cannot believe there was a site chosen in Porirua New Zealand 5 mins away from where I live. Completey amazing. I never thought there would be anyway I could be involved but maybe I can. I’m just hoping there are some other Kiwi ladies who might be keen to join me. I would love to meet some new faithful women who are trying to be the best they can whilst encouraging and inspiring others.

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73 Lisa-Jo @thegypsymama September 15, 2011 at 10:30 AM

LOVE hearing that! Keep us updated – can’t wait to hear about all the Kiwi (in)courage girls!

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74 Jennifer Dawn McLucas September 9, 2011 at 6:16 PM

This sounds really cool. Your map says there’s a meet-up in my area, but there are no members, what does that mean?

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75 LJ September 9, 2011 at 9:04 PM

That you’ll be the first attendee – yay you!

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76 Becky M September 9, 2011 at 8:09 PM

Sounds like lots of fun – and it is right after my birthday.

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77 Danielle M. September 9, 2011 at 9:16 PM

Discussing logistical type details with a local Raleigh, NC (in)courage friend. Between the two of us, one will host, and we are thinking about seeing if we could even use a projector and meet at the church if there are enough other (in)courage girls in the area. Either way, God willing, there will be two of us beaching it up down south, y’all!

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78 Shelly September 9, 2011 at 10:49 PM

Love this! Will be promoting on my blog and FB. Can’t wait…pajama par-tay! :)

Thanks…Shelly

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79 Lisa-Jo @thegypsymama September 11, 2011 at 10:38 PM

A to the Men!

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80 Sandy Hanna September 10, 2011 at 4:33 PM

This is wild wonderful- I was reading Ann V’s blog for todaysnd thought those beach pictures look like Hilton Head…then read on and saw they were at HH. I am reading this while on the beach in Sea Pines, HH right now. How exciting to know that this is happening here right now.

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81 Stacie September 11, 2011 at 2:25 AM

Ohh, so love this idea!!! I know it will be such a beautiful thing–so beautiful that I hope it can be an annual thing. My husband and I are serving with Wycliffe Bible Translators-Maritime Services in Papua New Guinea and I’m looking forward to furlough after next year so maybe I’ll host one in 2013! I’ve been a lurker for so long but you have no idea how much of a blessing you all are to this oftentimes lonely, missing family and friends, but still trusting missionary mama. I was thinking though of just registering for next year just so I could meet the girls in my NC (near Charlotte) hometown community before we return. Any thoughts?

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82 Lisa-Jo @thegypsymama September 11, 2011 at 10:38 PM

Oh yes do – that would be lovely! So glad you find (in)couragement here!

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83 Christen September 11, 2011 at 10:35 PM

Great idea! Can’t wait!!!!

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84 Stacie McIntosh September 12, 2011 at 4:54 PM

Hey friend,

I prayed for you yesterday but couldn’t get my silly computer to cooperate with my comment. I kept being kicked off (internet in Papua New Guinea is a blessing so I shouldn’t complain!) but I was a bit frustrated and then thought that maybe the devil didn’t want me praying for you. So I prayed even more!

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85 J.Noelle September 13, 2011 at 8:07 PM

Love this God-idea!!! So exciting! Unity is precious!!

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