My experience yesterday definitely fell within the spectrum of everyone else’s experience. I did have the distinct privilege of spending many frankly delightful hours with my Brothers and Sister bonding and speculating and later unpacking the events. As for my very first physical encounter with the OOA, I was definitely appreciative of the line of inquiry as I feel that introspection and reflection is a healthy exercise. It is sometimes painful or at least uncomfortable but I have always tried to be honest to the OOA as I always try to be with those who are important to me. In the end, I was deeply thankful for the opportunity to meet with them. Also, with the pervasive message of the exposure technology poses to each of us, I find that perhaps the happy medium is to use that technology (via Internet, social media, etc.) as a tool for building community and getting together rather than as a substitute for human interaction. I truly hope for each and every one of us the kind of joy and fellowship I experienced last night as a result of the fellowship with my Brothers and Sisters and sharing with the OOA and just looking at the starry skyline of the city and laughing and caring with and for each other.
