This is the story of a real life dream come true.

When we began this podcast almost one year ago, we never imagined bringing you an episode like this one. But slowly, week by week, as we planted the small seeds of the Out of the Ordinary podcast a dream began to grow: could we invite a few of our listeners to join us at Maplehurst? Could we record one of our storytelling conversations in the context of a community? 

And friends, you said “yes.” You said yes faster than we could have imagined and all 50 tickets disappeared on the first day. (for which we are so grateful and which was a confirmation to us, to keep saying yes to more live gatherings).

And the joyful sound of your “yes” is this episode. It’s a little louder than our typical style. It has a little more energy. But this is the sound of our gratitude and our awe.

And the sound of 50 people listening in to our live conversation. And then a live Q&A.

The barn felt like holy ground and a holy gathering that practically crackled in the place. We think it’s a fitting crescendo for this first year of the Out of the Ordinary podcast.

COME AND SEE all the photos from our first live event -- click here.

Listener invitation: We'd love if you told us how the Podcast has impacted you this year. It's so meaningful to hear from our listeners. As we discovered when we gathered with you in person. If you weren't there, won't you take a moment and tag us on Instagram to let us know what the Podcast has meant to you in its first year. Here's to preparing for our second year together!

 

Listener Resources:

Back Roads to Belonging by Kristen Strong.

Illustrated Faith art supplies by DaySpring.com

 

End of Season One: We’ll be taking the next few weeks to rest and receive the ordinary gifts of summer. But we’ll be back this fall with more stories, more conversations, and, yes, more invitations.

 

Photos: @kellimcampbell

Art wall: @amy.m.hinman

Barn Decor: @kellybeckleyshank

Flowers: @meghanplants

Chief administrative guru: @elrenaevans 

Co-hosted by: @christiepurifoy @lisajobaker @drpurifoy @maplehurstblackbarn