Hi from Eastern PA

[Deb833]

Hi! My name is Deb or Debbie, which ever you prefer. I'm originally from the Chicago area, lived in Jacksonville, FL for 19 years and then moved here to PA.

I live with my partner of almost 6 years, Lisa and my youngest daughter. The oldest recently moved to Georgia and I miss her terribly, never having been away from her for this long.

I was raised catholic and always wanted children. There's only one way a good catholic girl has children, so I got married. I didn't come out to myself til I was 37. When I realized it, I was thinking that the only fair thing for both of us was to divorce. Then we found out he had cancer and died almost a year later. My oldest had just turned 5 and the baby was 2 months old. I had known him since I was 17 or 18 so I was totally lost without him. Even tho I knew I was gay, it still took me 3 years to try and go out and meet some people. I did eventurally and got involved with our local Pride Commitee and made some great friends.

Well, I think I've gone on enough for the introduction. I wouldn't want to scare you all off right away.

I look forward to getting to know you all.

[novaseeker]

Hi there Deb! Welcome!

Stroudsburg, eh? During my childhood, I spent a few weeks virtually every summer up the road at my parents' time-share in Shawnee, so I know Stroudsburg pretty well (haven't been there in many years, though).

I was also a late bloomer, as it were, and didn't really come to the final conclusion about my own affectional orientation until I was in my mid-30's, around 5 or so years ago.

Anyway, welcome! You'll find lots of good support and interesting conversations here.

[Vanessa White]

I am so glad that you found your way to us. Hey to your partner and daughter as well. I am only about 35 minutes from you, I live in Scranton, PA. Used to live even closer to you in Gouldsboro with my partner, but I recently moved out. Living on my own and sharing custody with my ex of our nine year old daughter. I am currently working with some of my other friends to start up a local Soulforce chapter, or some organization with the same principles and purpose. Let me know if you might be interested in helping out, and you could meet some friends as well. Soulforce has been a literal Godsend for me for many reasons, mainly the like-minded people that I have met here that are like my second family. Be well, and happy holidays!!!! Peace and love, Vanessa

[BenL]

Deb,

Welcome to the Soulforce forums. I have driven through Stroudsburg to get to Kirkridge for the gay men's retreat in January. Blessed event ... for me anyway. Just had to say hi to someone in the shadow of the mountain.

Any other Kirkridge alums here?

BenL

[BenL]

Originally Posted by davidcom

Ben,

I had a friend who went to the gay men's retreat last year (or maybe two years ago) What was your experience like?

Dave

Awesome! There were 99 or 100 gay men registered. This is advertised as a Christian retreat, so almost everyone was affiliated with a church of some kind. The biggest groups represented were Roman Catholic, Evangelical/Fundamentalist churches, UCC, UU and MCC. There were many ordained clergy in attendance (but nowhere near a majority), including six Catholic priests.

The one thing I came away with was permission to bring my erotic energy into my relationship to Christ. That takes a lot of explanation, but it's basically about bringing the totality of your person into relationship with God. It's more than just a heart-mind thing, it's about body and spirit being united in a healthy, whole personal relationship.

The most awesome thing for me was hearing 100 gay male voices singing God's praises. Small groups allowed you to become very close with eight to 10 men. I can't go in 2007, but I certainly hope to again sometime.

BenL

[Deb833]

Originally Posted by novaseeker

Hi there Deb! Welcome!

Stroudsburg, eh? During my childhood, I spent a few weeks virtually every summer up the road at my parents' time-share in Shawnee, so I know Stroudsburg pretty well (haven't been there in many years, though).

I was also a late bloomer, as it were, and didn't really come to the final conclusion about my own affectional orientation until I was in my mid-30's, around 5 or so years ago.

Anyway, welcome! You'll find lots of good support and interesting conversations here.

If you haven't been here in many years, it probably doesn't look like anything you remember. There's been an explosive growth here and, from what I hear from the old timers, a lot has changed.

Originally Posted by Vanessa White

I am so glad that you found your way to us. Hey to your partner and daughter as well. I am only about 35 minutes from you, I live in Scranton, PA. Used to live even closer to you in Gouldsboro with my partner, but I recently moved out. Living on my own and sharing custody with my ex of our nine year old daughter. I am currently working with some of my other friends to start up a local Soulforce chapter, or some organization with the same principles and purpose. Let me know if you might be interested in helping out, and you could meet some friends as well. Soulforce has been a literal Godsend for me for many reasons, mainly the like-minded people that I have met here that are like my second family. Be well, and happy holidays!!!! Peace and love, Vanessa

Thanks, I'd really like to help, but I've got things going on right now and not sure I can do that. On top of that, I just found out that my baby sister has lung cancer, so we're all kind of in limbo right now. I would like to help tho and I'm good with stuff like that. I'll get back to you on that, if it's ok.

Originally Posted by BenL

Welcome to the Soulforce forums. I have driven through Stroudsburg to get to Kirkridge for the gay men's retreat in January. Blessed event ... for me anyway. Just had to say hi to someone in the shadow of the mountain.

Actually not in the shadow, but sitting on top of one of the smaller ones. I'm wondering if that retreat is the one a friend of mine goes to. I've heard him talk about doing something up this way, but don't remember the details.

Anyway....thanks to all for your welcomes.

[Vanessa White]

Hey Deb: I hope that things with your sister are okay and hopeful. Do what you need to do, we are in the baby stages of this endeavor, so PM me anytime and I can give you updates. We are hoping to have our first organizational meeting at the end of this month. Be well, Vanessa