I never, ever in a million years would have ever guessed that last year when I got on a plane and went to HopeSpoken that I would come back with the gain of some of the most special friendships I've ever had in my life. Since that conference last March 2014, the eight of us (only seven were able to attend this trip this year) have group texted every single day. There is never a day that goes by that we don't talk. We don't always chime in every day but there is always a text from at least several of us. Together we have been through job losses, miscarriages, marriage lows, couseling, spiritual highs and lows, car accidents, pregnancies, traveling adventures and more. Most of all, we are able to just be free to be ourselves in a safe zone where judgment doesn't exist and where incredible, wise counsel is often given and where love is abounding.
I know for a lot of people, online relationships seem so weird and unbelievable, but this is now the second time I've been with these girls and they are the real deal. There is something really special too about not being in one another's day-to-day... we all are able to give outside perspective on things and that is really amazing. I honestly can count on these ladies to speak into my life and correct me if I'm wrong or assure me if I am right. They have walked with me through the good days and the bad... They love me for me and laugh at my nerdiness and just love and accept me right where I'm at and where I'm going.
So since all eight of us were unable to snag a ticket this year to HopeSpoken since it sold out at lightning speed, we arranged a way to meet up in Phoenix. It seamlessly worked out for us all to meet; honestly it's amazing how perfectly it happened. Sweet Jon and Ruthie offered up their hotel points for us to stay a few nights in the Tempe area where we were only a few blocks shy of the ASU campus and all that that area had to offer to us. We had slow, leisurely dinners, late chats in the hotel room, afternoon pedicures, and a LOT of special time to connect and chat. It was so much more special that a conference where we were running around and seeing other people and listening to speakers... it was small, intimate and a time of true authenticity and transparency.
I'm not sure these ladies will ever know the importance of them in my life but for now I will sign off with saying that this past weekend was epic and one I will never forget! We are already planning our 2016 adventure! I'm hopeful that this will be a yearly tradition. So blessed to have this special group: my people, my tribe, my soul-sisters. God is so good.
