Meeting Old Friends for the First Time

Last weekend a group of old friends converged on Sacramento and we met each other for the first time there. The folks pictured here are part of the St. James 2:24 posse, a group of faithful Catholics with whom I've been corresponding for at least five years now, almost since I entered the Church. I'm thankful for our "Patty Patrick" Bonds, who started the group for those who experience relational loss or difficulties because of association with the Church. But I hadn't met a single one of them face to face. Not till now. Let me introduce you:

Next to me is Macile, our sweet, prayerful Cajun mama, who's always ready for a hug and a smile. Then comes Sissy, an inspiring woman, a true survivor with a great sense of humor, who's building a new home with her own two hands after Hurricane Rita destroyed hers. They're both from Louisiana. The smiling redhead is Lee Anne from up north in Washington state, who is a great "group mama" and is always present with encouragement! She does much for the sake of the unborn (go, sister!). I just love her energy. Kneeling at left is our Dean, who's discerning a call to the priesthood. His soft-spoken wisdom shows us he'll make a fine one! Please keep his journey in your prayers. Last but not least is Leslie, our apologist, who juggles her busy life amazingly well; she gives so much to so many. If you haven't had the benefit of hearing one of her side-splitting stories, well, you just haven't lived. Dean and Leslie are from California like me.

Thank you, God, for these incredible people in my life. They have provided much of You to me in my journey. What a gift! I'm sorry the rest of our family couldn't be there as well, but in the Lord we are part of one another always, wherever we are.

(As an added bonus, Celeste, a friend since college, joined our pajama party on Saturday night. It was great to see her, too. :)

PS Below is a photo of us at St. Mel's.