she was my first
Mandy was the first met-on-the-net friend that I got to hug.
Leading up to that first worlds-colliding visit a year and a half ago, I told her I was “nervousexcited” to meet her. I was nervous mainly because I wasn’t sure she’d like “in-person” me. But I was so excited to finally spend time with my friend. And from our very first hug, the nervousness quickly faded away. I can’t help but smile just thinking back to that ridiculous weekend in Boston. Good times.
Mandy was also the first “other” to consistently comment on my blog.
She literally threw the blogosphere door wide open for me. I remember being so blown away that someone I didn’t know wanted to read what I was writing. It completely changed my purpose of blogging. What started out as a way to keep a small group of friends and family updated on my life in Africa, evolved into a divine provision of community and connectedness. I am so grateful.
I’m down in Southeast Georgia spending time with Mandy again. In between the laughter, long talks, and southern food, I keep thanking the Lord for my friend.
To be honest, I often forget how we met until someone asks how we know each other.
Because the truth is, we aren’t blog friends.
We’re simply friends.
That is so cool! By the way, I love the fact you are both eating cookie dough! YUM! :)
@gritandglory says:
i’ve never eaten it straight outta the package before. so glad mandy taught me that trick!
@traceepersiko says:
I LOVE in person you!!!
You are too far away!
@gritandglory says:
yeah you are! 1.5!!!!
and 3D you is SO my favorite!
I love that you’re hanging out with Mandy!!! You guys must be having so much fun!!! Honestly, I think you’re both incredible, so I just can’t even imagine the two of you together! ;)
I also love that blog friends can become something different – simply FRIENDS. Love it.
@gritandglory says:
i can’t wait to meet you someday!
@hannahruthie says:
I want to meet “in person” you. Next time you’re on the west coast it needs to happen!
And I know what you mean about the “other” person to read your blog. I can’t wait to have a blogging community.
@gritandglory says:
it absolutely needs to happen!
and i know this sounds so cheesy, but blogging has changed my life. i’m serious. i can’t imagine this past year of my life without the friends and support system God built around me through the Grit. it’s unbelievable.
That’s awesome, Alece! I love cookie dough too! Can you share some with me? :)
@gritandglory says:
of course!
@jclayville says:
two things:
1. i’m jealous!
2. mandy’s face is AH-MAZ-ING!!! hahahaa… actually… evil-ish.
@gritandglory says:
ha ha! that look on her face is awesome!
Maybe it’s the cookie dough…but you both kind of have “crazy eyes” in that picture? ;)
Looks like ya’ll are having a blast. Looking forward to your next trip to NashVegas so we can hang out.
Love ya friend…no qualifier.
@gritandglory says:
“no qualifier”. that made me smile SO big!
@mandythompson says:
I can’t believe you used that picture.
@gritandglory says:
i have a great one of your backside as you crawled along that long… want me to swap it for that one?! ha!
@mandythompson says:
Mean!
@coloraturajoy says:
i have no clue why–maybe i’m just a cheeseball–but reading this both made me smile and gave me chills all the way up my arms. i LOVE this. love it.
@gritandglory says:
chills? really?! ha ha! i love it!
@coloraturajoy says:
i know, it’s so silly!
@mandythompson says:
Chills? bc JR forgot to wear her snuggie today when she did her faithful blog reading.
Hey Alece! I was informed AFTER the fact that you were there in person at SSCC Sunday night. Bummer. Would have been neat to meet you! [thanks a lot Mandy for not introducing us!!]
Hope you enjoyed your time here in South Georgia!
@gritandglory says:
i am loving it down here! hoping for some sunshine, though. (here for a bit longer still.)
sorry i missed out on saying “hi” in person at SSCC the other night. LOVED getting to worship with y’all!
I love this! (love you two too)
so well said… “simply friends”…
…but you know I can’t NOT say one thing… just one…
enjoy every moment with MAN-dy… and I won’t ask for emergency contact info this time around :)
@mandythompson says:
You just HAD to go there!!!
PS: I feel so much closer to you – after having seen your car! :)
I did have to go there- sorry :) Truth be told- I’ve realized a lot by watching your friendship with Alece unfold over time. Now, if only I could muster the courage to “go there” in my own piece of cyberspace!
Who knows, maybe one day I’ll get my very own MANdy hug :)
(shame about all the Xterra troubles- SO THANKFUL your husband involved in all that… and sorry for the hassles!)
@mandythompson says:
Didn’t wanna weird you about by telling you just how much our hands have been on your car. ;) But, now that it’s out – I feel so connected to you. hehe
Maybe one day I’ll see you – on THAT side of the world! You mean a lot to Alece, you know.
@gritandglory says:
ha ha ha ha! of COURSE you had to go there! (davers would be proud!)
@JewelzSightings says:
I love meeting blog friends face to face.. I love how God brings them in our paths, they journey with us, following along with our heart’s renderings on our blogs, all the while affirming us. It’s like having cheerleaders on the path of life.
I think it’s awesome that you all got to spend some time together!
I’m still hoping you head north one day to the Starbucks in my town. I’m not that far, you know!
Have a blast!
@gritandglory says:
and let me know if you’re ever down in the ATL area!
@JewelzSightings says:
Can’t remember what part of the ATL you are in. I come down to Canton sometimes….
@gritandglory says:
kennesaw/marietta
@cassgirl says:
You were frickin 1 1/2 hours (hours hours hours) away from me….
I’ll get my chance….
NOW pass over the cookie dough!!
@gritandglory says:
i know, right!?
soon, fierce friend. soon.