Wow James.....a bizzare couple of meetings indeed.
BU2B - Thanks for that North Korea video. That place is now triple scarey to me.
Wing Commander........I know you don't mean this, but are you trying to tell me there will be no panda petting at the family lakeside Chalet?
Honestly bro, about your same age, and yes its easy to get caught up in the regret or anger. I struggle with it. It kills me to see so many of my friends waste time, delay or decide not to have kids because of "this old system", and worse, throw away opportunities in life.
But people do that all the time for a variety of reasons.
The biggest thing this religion has on people, is that you get to see your loved ones again! Not as an angel or something you dont know......but just as they were! Even better! Your dad won't be old and having to deal with the indignity of severe age, he will be able to pick you up with one hand again. WOn't that be awesome!?
THIS is the thing people stay for. Not the disfellowshipping, not the community.......the dream of living forever with nobody ever dying.