LouisaMay's Long Search begins...

[LPIDelta]

Originally Posted by LouisaMay

It's killing me

It's killing us too!!!

[Jill1228]

Where are my bamboo shoots and vise grips?

[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]

Oh my...what a wonderful story! This is what it is all about.

And it gives me courage to reach out to my friends who are not affiliated.

Congratulations! I am sure everything will work out well for you with your friend's support and guidance.

[FloridaTish]

I have been following your story and I am thrilled that you have found your home. I hope everything works out for you and that you're as happy with "Jane Eyre" as I have been with Gamma Phi Beta over this last year.

I can't wait to hear who Jane is!!!

-Stephanie

[ms_gwyn]

LM

You know that I am happy for you to no end and I know exactly how you feel, but the thing is, I knew my home was with Tri Sigma all along, I was just in denial and when Urania came along and iwasthisclose, I also knew that I would give them 100% because I loved them as well, just not the same way with Tri Sigma.

Everything is as it should be and you know that I am jumping up and down for you and hoping like no other that this all works out and that this journey is coming to it's end.

I am on pins and needles waiting to hear the rest.

gwyn

[MJo19]

That is so wonderful to hear! I can't wait to see how it will end up for you and who "Jane Eyre" is!!

[LouisaMay]

Thanks, everyone! This is so exciting

[Jimmy Choo]

This is awesome news!!! You have been waiting such a long time for this and you really deserve the best!!! So I take it then you are in the process of filling out the sponsorship forms and what not?

[KSUViolet06]

I don't get into too many of the AI threads, but yours is one I've followed since I joined this site. I hope something happens for you soon

[LouisaMay]

Originally Posted by ecupidelta

So I take it then you are in the process of filling out the sponsorship forms and what not?

.....well, actually...I'm a little further than that........................

[tunatartare]

picked out a blingy badge yet?