The Joys and Sadness of Starting the 15,000 Stories Group here on iPeace
Months ago I started the group 15,000 Stories. when the war in Gaza started. The tension was high, people were nervous, and being that David is from Israle AND the creator of iPeace, we felt, through him the tension and difficulty of running a new exciting website like this, while the worry and fear of the Gaza war created an almost impossible feat, that of having enthusiasm to start up something that needed energy. At the same time that energy was needed, energy was being drained out.
Months ago we were not so many here, and we were really united in giving each other support. There were some real friendships being created (like there are now, and have been all along). The people who contributed to the story group gave story after story daily of their lives, their passions, their inspiration. It really WAS a place to come to relax! And share, like around a campfire, fabulous stories from many countries in the world.
This had been my original idea, MY contribution to peace, to be able to understand one another through our past stories, our personal history. And my main idea was to share stories that would bring a smile to our faces.
This group, for a long time, was all the way up top - it was followed, I imagine, by many people, by many nationalities. Many wrote fabulous stories, and some of the writers had never expressed themselves in stories EVER. It gave me an enormous satisfaction, and filled me with love for these new friends pouring out their souls, some for the very first time.
Of course, things change, and people are very busy with their own lives. Some people dropped out of the group, having personal matters to take care of. They were so devoted, telling amazing tales from far away. They gave so much to the group. And my friendship with them developed, even outside of iPeace.
I felt badly that some of these people didn't write again. But I know the reasons - health problems personal problems, work. The reasons were valid.But still, it is a little sad to see friends leave.
The OTHER sad thing for me is that as much as I have tried, I expected that people from all countries would see the value in telling others about their childhood, their lives, their parents, their dreams, and that we would all know each other better. This is something I hoped for in the group from the very beginning.
This group is NOT as important as a group that promotes, directly, peace actions getting right to the core of helping others. I highly respect those groups and people that have the drive, the time, the passion to get to the problems of helping others. One day, when I am able, I hope to be able to do so myself.
The thing that I personally am able to do at present is to help promote the 15,000 Stories group, because it is the thing I feel I am best at at present.
I just wanted ALL nationalities to pitch in. For the good of us all.
Just as I have learned more about people from different parts of the world, others could learn about them too. I don't know how people in Egypt are brought up, or the relationship of Japanese families, or the feelings of parents towards their children in Iran. This is what I wanted to create, and not having accomplished that, is sad for me.
I keep hoping.
I keep trying.
But people are afraid to write in English, and many are doubtful about the power and interest their personal stories hold for others.
I so enjoy the stories that people have written, and there are so many wonderful ones.If one looks back into the past pages, they will find amazing stories, a richness and diversity that is surprising and delightful.
I will continue on the story group, continue my role as the "leader". But I won't be satisfied with it until more nationalities follow it, contributing their stories. That was my main intention, my goal. It was something I believed in and still do.
Stephanie
Months ago we were not so many here, and we were really united in giving each other support. There were some real friendships being created (like there are now, and have been all along). The people who contributed to the story group gave story after story daily of their lives, their passions, their inspiration. It really WAS a place to come to relax! And share, like around a campfire, fabulous stories from many countries in the world.
This had been my original idea, MY contribution to peace, to be able to understand one another through our past stories, our personal history. And my main idea was to share stories that would bring a smile to our faces.
This group, for a long time, was all the way up top - it was followed, I imagine, by many people, by many nationalities. Many wrote fabulous stories, and some of the writers had never expressed themselves in stories EVER. It gave me an enormous satisfaction, and filled me with love for these new friends pouring out their souls, some for the very first time.
Of course, things change, and people are very busy with their own lives. Some people dropped out of the group, having personal matters to take care of. They were so devoted, telling amazing tales from far away. They gave so much to the group. And my friendship with them developed, even outside of iPeace.
I felt badly that some of these people didn't write again. But I know the reasons - health problems personal problems, work. The reasons were valid.But still, it is a little sad to see friends leave.
The OTHER sad thing for me is that as much as I have tried, I expected that people from all countries would see the value in telling others about their childhood, their lives, their parents, their dreams, and that we would all know each other better. This is something I hoped for in the group from the very beginning.
This group is NOT as important as a group that promotes, directly, peace actions getting right to the core of helping others. I highly respect those groups and people that have the drive, the time, the passion to get to the problems of helping others. One day, when I am able, I hope to be able to do so myself.
The thing that I personally am able to do at present is to help promote the 15,000 Stories group, because it is the thing I feel I am best at at present.
I just wanted ALL nationalities to pitch in. For the good of us all.
Just as I have learned more about people from different parts of the world, others could learn about them too. I don't know how people in Egypt are brought up, or the relationship of Japanese families, or the feelings of parents towards their children in Iran. This is what I wanted to create, and not having accomplished that, is sad for me.
I keep hoping.
I keep trying.
But people are afraid to write in English, and many are doubtful about the power and interest their personal stories hold for others.
I so enjoy the stories that people have written, and there are so many wonderful ones.If one looks back into the past pages, they will find amazing stories, a richness and diversity that is surprising and delightful.
I will continue on the story group, continue my role as the "leader". But I won't be satisfied with it until more nationalities follow it, contributing their stories. That was my main intention, my goal. It was something I believed in and still do.
Stephanie
Comment
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Comment by Stephanie on June 20, 2009 at 12:20am
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Leah
just saw your comment
My group was on the home page for a long time....I guess it was time it gave space to someone else...
that is my guess. Perhaps it is only fair, but I sure appreciate your considerate remark!
must get to bed
but glad I saw this message of yours after days
nightie night
soon you too will be on this side of the world!! SCOTLAND!
bye
love
Steph
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Comment by Leah D (Pixie) on June 14, 2009 at 10:36pm
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Something is well um bothering me a bit. WHY,isn't 15,000 Stories Group on main page? I go there several times a day,not once-ever have I seen the(yours/ours) group on main page? I see so many listed with few membere and little activity,stagnant. Yet the story group has constant activity ALL very peace luvin positive, creative,caring people sharing,writing,commenting...is a mystery to me is not on Home page??? It should be,at least I think so. Hugs n love x , Leah
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Thank YOU both !! Yes, I will write more..if able to see mine & Des's pages you can see our posts to each other,and on my page I wrote "Des & Leah's Ritual of Love" sharing our vows of love & commitment with our iPeace family..We have photos on our pages of us together during Des's visit to U.S..Our 1st meeting,in person at Indianapolis,IN airport was amazing,unfortunately no pics from 1st meeting, to excited & happy. We wish to share our & first? iPeace wedding/marriage..somehow? On facebook,many iPeace friends that were on chat with us have also watched our relationship grow, relationship status change,from "single" to "it's complicated" to "in relationship with our names added on each others profile pg.s. To on May 30, " engaged to" the outpouring of Joy, happiness,love & congrats from all has been amazing!! And inspiring to others.. to be cont.....
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That is some story!!!! Thank you Leah for telling me about it!
I thnk Des was one of my friends....I remember his name, at the beginning of joining iPeace. MUST be the same one...
thank you, my one and only comment and now, the blog is gone. We put out so much energy, but see, in some cases the energy can totally change your life, as in your case. That is an amazing story that you should share more...perhaps the first marriage on ipeace??
thanks
love
Steph
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Dearest Stephanie,
In many many ways you have summed up in your blog, my interest in iPeace! The ability to learn about,connect with and have conversations with people All over the world,here on this site. I intentionally have chosen friends to add from different cultures,religions,Countries,nationalities.as I think the best way to peace is to learn about,understand people that are different than ourselves. In discussions,chat,stories..we also learn how not so different we are. I feel about my experiences on group chat from this past New Years Eve as you do your group. As I shared with strangers all over the world,ringing in the New Year together over 6 or more time zones,created deep lasting friendships. We chatted and chatted with joy (and occassional misunderstandings) for days,weeks..gave each other our personal IM's,facebook connections...then little by little all drifted away..on chat,"till what was once 30 or more people,became 3-4 to talking to myself,lol Some of us are still friends on facebook,as they have left iPeace. Some busy with their lives and health problems. As my health also declined over winter,I too spent less and less time on iPeace & chat. The other reason I was on less was I was spending 4-8 hrs a day chatting on yahoo,skype & phone with Des,my dear friend.then deepened affection,to love and He came to see me from Scotland in April for 3 weeks. As of May 30,'09 we are engaged to be married ! We are planning to move me & 4 kitties from midwest U.S. to Scotland and Des & I will marry there. Will take some time to get all sorted out,but we are very very happy! So, I understand Steph, I truly do. I have been getting back to iPeace, enjoying the 15,000 stories group,making new dear friends and will be writing some stories as I have time. Thank You, your idea & desire for more Countries, nationalities to write,follow the group is excellent,truly is a wonderful way to learn,share ,understand and teach about ourselves. A way to Peace..Friendship and love.
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