Admittedly, most of my besties don’t live anywhere near where I live. But thanks to the Marco Polo app, I get to see episodes of their lives, if not daily then weekly.
It’s like having our own podcast! I get to see/hear all of their stories and share, in real time, what our lives look like. From brainstorming for business, to parenting advice, conspiracy theories, marriage woes and even sharing craft ideas for homeschool- my Marco Polo friends are my day to day community.

And yes, I’ve met most of them in person. But even the ladies I haven’t seen in real life are some of my best friends! We talk about God, our failures and our triumphs. I’ve had book clubs and Bible studies all done through this app. I’ve been on vacations, had church tours and have sung at birthday parties all around the world! It’s nuts to me how technology has connected me to so many people that have literally changed my life for the better.

They’ve inspired me to get ready, clean my house, try new things and be consistent with work. I’ve even been motivated to workout, pull weeds, stay off social media and read more books. I’ve spent many hours decluttering while chatting with a friend who is doing the same. We’ve folded laundry together, disciplined each others kids and read bedtime stories like aunties.

I am forever thankful for the relationships I have gained through technology. I simply wouldn’t be involved in a real time community without it. In this stage in my “offline life” I’m finding it more about carpooling and borrowing a cup of sugar than spending quality time together. The moments I have with friends who live close tend to be chaotic trying to gather at a certain place and time. The running around never seems to end when you have littles. We help each other out, but getting quality time together is few and far between.

So thank you to all of my Marco Polo friends for dragging me up and keeping me sane. For spending those little moments on Marco with me. For sharing the good, the bad and the ugly. For sharing those new words the baby is learning and sharing with me your pets who are struggling. Life is so much easier knowing I have a support system who wants the best for me and my family. Thank you for seeing me at my worst and still wanting to be friends. I appreciate how long you let me talk and how supportive you are of all of my nonsense. I love your long episode messages. I love being able to be a part of your life, no matter how long or short your video is.

Short story before I wrap it up today- As we were getting Christmas cards in the mail this past year, I had the kids read out loud the newsletters that came with the cards while we drove home from the post office. A few that we read aloud together were more like memories to us than news.
I love that I am so close to my friends that their “news” is personal. I can read the dumbed down version and remember the details. I know that beautiful outcome you shared began with some ugly mom moments, or how much study time you put in before you got that promotion. I know your story started with a deep dive into your Bible and was an answered prayer because we prayed together. I’ve been privileged enough to see the behind the scenes- so your notations at the end of the year are personal to me. I am happy I get to be a part of your growing up and I love you so!

-L