NE Apostafest - Thoughts from Lori - a Non-JW

by Seeker4 6 Replies latest jw friends

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  Seeker4

  Hi. This is Lori, his partner, not Seeker4.
  

  Was at the NE Apostafest in Manchester, NH last night, and told my co-workers today that hands down, the experience was certainly one of the most interesing evenings I've ever had. Sitting there listening to you all, I have to say my impression of this cult is in some ways as dark and right in line with my background (abusive childhood and all that), and a recovered Catholic to boot! It is was familiar to me. If you don't talk about it, it didn't happen.... I had known some of the stuff that goes on in being a Witness through Seeker4, but one of the things I found so intriguing was that you all seem to know each other through the Internet, seemingly very well. I don't think it's the vehicle, but the ride that binds you. Lia, if you're reading this, I have to say I immediatly connected with you. The way you express yourself was instantly familiar to me...I had told S4 on the way home that it'd be good to keep in touch.

  That this kind of gathering can happen is so important, so validating, so empowering, Keep it up. A comment I'd made to my co-workers (among many of course!) about the evening was "And guess what? Everyone there was intelligent! Holy Witness Batman!! Who'd a thunk it?"

  Anyway, S4 has mentioned having you all (and more) over here for another injection of true affirmations, and I really hope it will happen.

  Lori
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  stillajwexelder

  I am pleased to hear you had a good time
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  zev

  i always wonder what people think about us now that we are out.

  there were four of you lori, not in but mates of those that were.

  i talk to the people i work with allot about this stuff and i often wonder what they think of some of the stuff i talk about.

  aye, at least it helps keep some from being sucked into that dang cult.

  was very nice meeting you and seeker.

  i'd make that drive when and if y'all want to make a gathering happen.

  zev
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  Apostanator

  Hey Lori this is Lia not apostanator. It was really great meeting you and seeker4 and all those that attended last night's fest. We were very impressed with everyone and especially enjoyed our discussions across the table with you. It would be great to hook up again, and we also would gladly make the drive up your way. Thanks for your positive comments as I often wonder what "outsiders" think of the JW aftermath crap---I usually do not discuss this kind of stuff with most people except for the xJW's, but you are definitely right when you say it's the same "trauma" as far as abuse, fear and shame---very familiar in various types of settings sad to say.

  I too would like to keep in touch....

  Lia
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  minimus

  Lori, I'm glad you found the group to be interesting. I'm so glad I went!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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  hubert

  Hi Lori, It was a pleasure to meet you and all the others, too. I can see from all the posts that everyone had a good time. I'm so glad you all did, and so did we.

  The only thing I would have changed, is after the meal, instead of having 2 rectangle tables, we should have grabbed another one, and made a triangle, and we would have been facing each other, and closer for all of us to hear everyone's comments.

  We could have called it the "knights Apostates of the round right table triangle".

  We could have put Minimus in the middle.

  Hubert
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  Seeker4

  Seeker4 here, Hubert. Lori is working tonight. I'm sure she'll reply later.

  I agree, would have been nice to have put such a small group into a circle. But, it was still great.

  S4