(if you missed my first post about the Influence Conference, you can catch it HERE.–> there will also be more to come!)
we all know in our minds, that there are real people behind these blogs and tweets, but it’s hard to believe that people who you’ve been following (or stalking) for awhile could really feel like friends you’ve known for a long time when you meet in real life.
friends, i’m here to tell you…..i’m a real person and i made REAL friends this weekend.
i heard their stories, they hugged away my tears, and we talked and talked like long lost sisters.
there was no going to bed early and no stats or statuses in sight.
these two were medicine for my soul. thank you for your friendships online, offline, and everywhere in between.
also, we have so many things in common from children’s ages, cookie preferences and of course, love for our Jesus.
i really can’t find the words to type to express my admiration and love for you both.
this girl, has been given the gift of encouragement and a beautiful, “winning” personality.
she has loved me so well ever since i met her in april.
this time was no different. she’s a bold, beautiful soul and dear friend.
why must we literally live on opposite sides of the country!?
oh, roomies, why were you so amazing! such a pleasure to call you my friends.
first, i have to say, this photo was taken after the amazing worship we all experienced together and i did some serious ugly-crying as i reflected about how the Lord moved through the entire weekend. thank you, Jesus!
these two girls were my first blogging friends and we have supported and encouraged each other through it all for the past two years. i love you both!
*now, i just wanted to note, that i was basically a “bad blogger” and took very few real photos because i was too busy hugging necks and enjoying our time together, BUT……
i couldn’t write a post about friends, new and old without telling you about
this girl (also my second cousin)
and this beautiful girl!
AND……
the only pictures i had of them was either
THIS:
OR THIS:
i know, i know….you can thank me later.
(insert flattering words about you both):
erin was such a joy to hang out with all weekend. her sister is my BFF, so it’s no surprise we get along so great. she’s a blogging inspiration as well as she’s got a lot of the strategy stuff already in place. basically, what i’m saying is, when i grow up, i want to be like her.
next, alissa,
wow, a little starstruck (but didn’t let on) because this girl’s got a lot of amazing opportunities coming her way. she handles it all with grace though and i so appreciated our blogging talks. also, our babies share the same birthday!
also, can’t believe i didn’t get a picture with this girl. she’s my friend, designer, and all-around amazing women! miss you already
in the spirit of keeping this post less than 10,000 words, i have to also say there were so many of you that connected with me and i was beyond happy to meet you and hug you–
including but not limited to:
and so many more!
(you probably should go become friends with all my new friends—it’s the cool thing to do
)
Your mom was so excited to have you home. She’s so proud of you, and you sparkle with so much of her. I’m glad this went well for you!
Can I just tell you how much I love YOU, this post and both of those unflattering pictures of Erin and I. I literally laughed out loud and it made me want to break down in tears because I miss you so darn much already!! Your heart is HUGE and beautiful and now I just want to pack you and Erin and all the amazing women you mentioned and move you onto my street so we can be neighbors! Love you!! xoxo
Oh, love you too! thank you for being so approachable and humble. Love your heart!
Okay this post totally rocks. You are SO real and SO amazing. I have no doubt we met for a reason. You felt like a sister and I’m serious! Thanks for being your sweet, amazing self.
Oh I loved hearing about your time girl! It makes me excited for next year! Have you already bought your ticket?
Oh stop. You’re making me blush. Love you so much friend. So so much.
You took some great pictures! I love looking at the ones everyone is posting – because I barely took any! So good to meet you!
great to meet YOU too!
Loved this so much! So glad we got to chat for short spurts of time. And NOW, I’d love to just keep on getting to know your beautiful heart. Like you, I was just so amazed to find such kindred spirits in women I had just met or had only known online. What a blessing it is to be part of this blogging community! xoxo
it was so nice to meet you too! thanks for your kind words of encouragement. have a great week!
SUCH a joy to meet you!! Next time I want more quality time with you!!!!!!
LOVED LOVED LOVED seeing you. you are beautiful, seriously truly.
also, your pieces in the market were crazy beautiful. hope you’ll be back next year! xoxoxo.
Thanks for the encouragement and for being such a picture of a Godly leader. So stoked to find out you were an IWU grad too!
yaaaaaay it was so fun getting to spend time with you (even if that meant driving around for an hour and a half not knowing where in the world we were going….) and whatever lady, I look up to YOU. This post was great, thank you for the fabulous photos as well. It’s hard to look that good 24/7 (pure sarcasm here).