It was a HUGE success

About a month ago I posted something on my blog (in my "random thoughts" post) about not fitting into my ward at church. After posting about this it became more than evident that gal after gal after gal felt the exact same way. I saw other friends posting the same thing. Almost every conversation I had someone would say the same thing. Then the thought occurred to me that I could do something about it.

I sent out an email to many gals at church. While the men were having their dinner and conference on Saturday night we could have a gals night (with kids) at my house. I knew I didn't have everyone's emails so I asked it to be passed along so everyone would know they were invited - no one was to be excluded.

Everyone that came brought an appetizer and/or a dessert. We had such a fantastic turnout. The kids played out back and/or upstairs in the playroom (which got organized just in time - clean up was a cinch!) and then we put the movie Bolt on upstairs for them. The ladies talked, and talked and talked. People were laughing and I was ecstatic! It felt so good to be part of this groups of gals, sisters in the Gospel of Christ. People who have been around for a long while clear up to the newest gal of only one week were here. I am so thankful to each and every person that forwarded on my email, every gal who helped to bring another, every one for sharing their yummy food and especially for everyone of them for coming and making an effort to get to know someone else. Several people had told me they weren't sure they wanted to come because they didn't know everyone and may not feel comfortable. After a brief conversation to remind them that this was the reason for having the get together, they made the commitment to come.

I think this whole experience helped every one of us to realize and understand that no matter what appearances are, that some people don't feel like they belong or fit in. The most "polished" "Put-together" person still may feel out of place.

The number still here slowly dwindled down. When there were about 10 of us left we played a fun game while the kids were still mostly upstairs with the movies. As we sat around we all came to the conclusion that we are going to do this again and again. Someone half jokingly asked me what I was doing this next weekend. Unfortunately, I will be out of town. However, I would not mind in the slightest to host it again and create an atmosphere where friendshipping can occur and life-long bonds can be developed.

THANK YOU AGAIN TO EVERYONE FOR COMING AND HELPING OUR GET TOGETHER BE SUCCESSFUL (my only regret - I never pulled out my camera to document! Oh, well. There will be a next time).