DH and I have begun to radically change our thinking about a lot of things over the past 5 years. We've really been learning about hospitality, not in the "let's cook a great meal and entertain friends" kind of way, but the "let's love the unlovable, seek social justice, and step out of our comfort zone" kind of way. As a result, we've had all types of people come into our lives and home over the past few years---from a group of 15 missionaries from Mexico to a random homeless guy to the 2 Hindu-Indian college students that we are a host family for to some lonely people whom we have met. DH went and lived at a Christian commune in Philly called "The Simple Way" for a week this past November. These people have voluntarily chosen to live life among/with the poor in inner-city Philly and try to make a difference through giving, mentoring, etc. Now through that connection, we have been exposed to the Papa Festival, which stands for People Against Poverty and Apathy. This festival involves a weekend campout, a la Woodstock, in TN in June. We think we are going with the boys and then wrapping up with a week in the Smokey Mountains. My parents will have a stroke. Hippies always said "Never trust anyone over 30" and I'm 38. It's just crazy!

By Mrsheidi on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 10:34 pm:

LOL! What great role models you are!! I want to look into that festival myself! Sounds *refreshing*!

By Ginny~moderator on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - 07:10 am:

Hippies - no! Advocates for social justice and mercy - yes! Right on, sister Pam!

By Karen~moderator on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - 07:36 am:

Good for you! You know, of course, we are all going to want to hear about it, right?

By Pamt on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - 08:24 am:

Someone go with my and hold my hand---there will be extremists on either end of the spectrum and extremists scare me. That's kind of my point. Do I need a tie-dyed shirt? Should I start buying organic foods? I don't know how to go about this---LOL.

By Beth on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - 09:03 am:

I grew up with a guy in high school that now lives in Philly and is in some kind of ministry. I know he lived in the inner city. I wonder if your dh met him. YOu want to talk about a radical change for christ. This guy was the school's biggest partier. I am not really sure what happened but by the end of our senior year he was doing a bible study and winning kids to christ that would have never thought possible. He's name was Chris Lahr. I believe his wife's name is Laura. Could you ask your dh if he met him. I think the camping thing sounds like fun.

By Karen~moderator on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - 09:04 am:

LOL Pam! Sure, wear your tie-dye Tshirt and buy organic! I have a feeling you can definitely hold your own with extremists - you are very level headed and confident and firm in your beliefs.

By Janet on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - 09:29 am:

Pam--get a subscription to Mother Earth News! Read Mother Jones online! Raise sheep and make your own clothes! (OK, that last suggestion was me being silly. The first two are legit.) I have run the full spectrum in my life...I was a tree-hugging liberal in my college days, got married, had kids and became ultra-conservative in my 30s, and now, in my mid-40s, I'm like you. Slowly revolving back to a more global view of things. I'm still basically conservative, but I'm more aware of how actions and policies affect everyone. I don't believe that there's an actual word for what I am right now, but that's OK, I can't stand being pigeon-holed. Sounds like that's where you are, as well. You realize, of course, that Jesus himself was a social reformer--you are in good company. I admire you! It will most certainly be a life-changing experience!

By Kym on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - 10:37 am:

Patchouli Pam, arm yourself with patchouli

By Missbookworm on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - 11:44 am:

Pam take me with you!

By Bea on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - 12:24 pm:

Please Pam, no Patchouli. My son was a Dead Head. I can't stand that stuff. I'll lend you all my old hippy duds. LOL

By Melanie on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - 12:58 pm:

And don't forget to arrive in your old VW bus!

Have a great time!

By Wandilu on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 09:23 pm:

You will LOVE the Smokies !! We just got back from there a few days ago.If you go to Pigeon Forge,go to the Old Mill Restaurant.It has the BEST food.But I think the lunch menu must be less expensive than the dinner menu. DH and I ate lunch for about$2i.oo My DIL said when they were there,they ate dinner,and it cost around $40.00.But the food was wonderful.And the lunch menu was so filling,we just ate a light snack for dinner.