LouisaMay's Long Search begins...

[ms_gwyn]

LM....

you know that I am feeling you right now...I say take it slow (redundant I know)...do not feel any guilt about wanting to be a part of a sorority now that you are preganant.

I say...send a follow email or if you don't feel comfortable in that, put out feelers for a lunch date, but let them know you are still interested.

A little contact does not equal pushy...share the news...its a joyous occasion.

I know you want this and I have hope that you will get it....and I know that 3 years seems like a long time....

but take this time in this new chapter in your life to experience all the wonders that motherhood will bring.

PM me if you need to talk

gwyn

[aopirose]

Have faith and patience. I gave birth very shortly after my initiation and I have been active ever since. I enjoy my "AOII time". It is what helps to keep me grounded. I am expecting again and while I declined another local office for next year, I still have my international volunteer position. It can be done and no you are not selfish.

[CutiePie2000]

Originally Posted by aopirose

Have faith and patience. I gave birth very shortly after my initiation and I have been active ever since. I enjoy my "AOII time". It is what helps to keep me grounded. I am expecting again and while I declined another local office for next year, I still have my international volunteer position. It can be done and no you are not selfish.

aopirose, you always were one of my favorite GC'ers. You're a very kind person and are classy through and through.

[Sister Havana]

LouisaMay, that's great and I can't wait to hear your news. SO happy for you!

[Xidelt]

Yea Louisa May! Cheers to your grace and patience--may it pay off for you soon!

[LouisaMay]

Okay...so here's the scoop!

Every good story has a few crazy turns, right? Well, in a sudden unexpected twist, my AI story veered in a whole new direction. I had just decided to get my search going again with "Little Women" when I had a brief exchange of e-mails that changed everything! A friend of mine from another area of my life (not online), totally unaware that I am "LouisaMay," offered to sponsor me in her NPC sorority if I was interested. At first, I hesitated. I thanked her and told her that I needed to really think about it because I had been in touch with another sorority but I was really honored that she thought that I would be a good fit for her organization. I did think A LOT.

I also began corresponding with another alumna who happens to be an AI in "Jane Eyre" (my new code name for this GLO). She made a few points that really hit home. She told me about the pride she feels for her sorority and the warmth that she has received from her sisters and the Greek community. She said that she "lives her letters" each day, and she has gained confidence in knowing that she is part of a strong sisterhood. She asked me if I really only wanted to be in Little Women or if I had other motivations to be part of a sorority. I really opened up, telling her that I want to be able to reach out to young women, to help them know that their worth comes from so much more than a tiny waist and a full social calendar. I want to be able to make a difference in the lives of college women who will, in turn, make a significant mark upon the world. Our conversations helped me to better understand why I started this journey in the first place and to better understand myself.

My friend and I got together one Sunday (about two months ago now) and talked all afternoon about "Jane Eyre" and her experience in the organization. It turns out that my friend holds a leadership position in her alum group (I had no idea!). She presented her sorority with such sincerity and love. She showed me some really impressive materials that outlined the organization's programming and structure...much more than I saw in my own online research! I was blown away! I learned about Jane Eyre's strong presence in my area and the many opportunities to volunteer. The kicker was when my friend brought out the dozens of congratulatory cards that she received when she took office in the alum group. The words of encouragement and support from Jane Eyre members was wonderful. By the end of that conversation, I knew I had found my home. In fact, as I told my friend that I would like to move forward with the process, I started to cry. I just couldn't help it! I've waited so long and wanted this so badly.

More to come...

[LPIDelta]

LM--
Like aopirose, my best friend volunteers for our sorority because that is her time to do something for herself. Don't feel guilty about pursuing this dream for yourself, that is important too.

Sororities are organizations for women, and women get pregnant. We need to celebrate that--and many organizations have ways to do that. I encourage you not give up, and be persistent.

I agree with the idea of contacting someone from GC to help--we are all so passionate, I can't imagine someone from here not helping and sheparding you through this process. Maybe someone from outside that org might be able to help too.

Best wishes on your pregnancy!

[LouisaMay]

Thanks, everybody, for your support. As usual, you are great at pick-me-ups. I will certainly keep your advice in mind, and I am very glad that you don't think that I should stop because of my little one!

I have been in contact with a great GC member who has been wonderful from day one. She has been a great source of encouragement. Because I haven't heard anything from "Little Women" in 15 months (despite e-mails and greeting cards), I guess I just stopped corresponding with the GC mentor because I didn't want to put her in an awkward situation. If her sisters have decided that I am not a good fit with their organization, then I don't want her to feel that I am asking her to disagree with them. Know what I mean?

After the baby arrives and I get a handle on my new life, I think I will write to the alum group and the college chapter because there are certainly new members and officers in both places.

Thanks for being there....

LM

[LouisaMay]

I am definitely still in the hunt. I wrote to my GC "cheerleader," and she offered some interesting and helpful new information. Obviously, my family will be #1 forever, but I hope to show my son or daughter that mama can be many things!!!

Thanks again for all of your support.

LM

[TCV]

Hang in there LM...at times it felt that I was going nowhere but waiting sure paid it off....

[LouisaMay]

I recently discovered that the alumnae group in my area now has a website. Maybe this will make things easier when I am back in the AI groove. This must be a recent development since I hadn't seen this sort of resource when I was actively trying to connect with the women here.

LM

[LouisaMay]

Hi, everyone!
Well, I'm now VERY pregnant and very anxious to be a Mommy. I'm also excited about the possibility of starting up my AI process again after I get the swing of raising a baby and all that comes with it!

I've been trying to take it easy, so I've been online a lot more. Of course, that always gives me the AI bug all over again.

Staying cool and hopeful!!!

LM

[Tom Earp]

A+++, New Mommy!

That is a Priority Now, AI is second, for now!

[blueangel]

Pssssst! LM! Please clean out your PM box!

[LouisaMay]

All clear. Sorry about that!