Our experience was truly an incredible one. We accomplished so much in proving that it is possible to have true friendships that extend beyond the Internet. I personally feel that meeting these people was one of the best experiences of my life. Never have I felt so close to people who I had merely known by an e-mail address or Forum handle before our actual face-to-face meeting. I feel I have a greater connection to these friends now and the memories of our visit always cheer me up when I think of the great times we shared together.

I'm not the only one who feels this way. After all of us returned home, I sent a survey around to everyone to see how they felt about the trip. On a rating system of 1 to 10, everyone rated it at the high 10 and some even said they'd rate it at 100 if they weren't limited. All of the comments I heard were positive and uplifting. Everyone truly had a wonderful time in Los Angeles and enjoyed being with their friends.

One of the people who attended was previously not a part of the BZ group and came on the trip just as a friend of one of the members. Now, Kim is a part of the group and an active participant in the BZ members' activities and on-line chats. I asked her about her most memorable experience on the trip and why she has now joined the rest of the BZ group. Here's what she has to say that sums up how we all felt about the trip.

"Definitely meeting the people! Great bunch, every one of them (us?)! The most memorable experience for me was probably at the restaurant when Cheryl and I were in tears from laughing. I really think you'd have to be there to understand the hilarity of the situation. But the one I'd rate as the most special was probably just being with a group of great people and feeling almost like a family even though we'd never met before.

I feel like I have some new friends that I'd like to spend more time in their company. It's the people themselves that I met that made this trip so memorable, rather than where we went or what we did. I just liked being there. And now that I am a part of the group, I'm looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones!" -Kim