I just returned from the fall Mid-Atlantic Region convention held in Pittsburgh in October, and I would like to share my experiences. For the past two years I’ve been attending SA meetings sporadically. I’ve had periods of sexual sobriety, but lately I’ve had trouble staying sober.

Then recently a family member was arrested for distributing pornography. That made me want to sober up quickly! But I have not yet felt comfortable attending local SA meetings, so I decided to look online for an SA convention. I found one in Pittsburgh and I registered.

As I walked up to the convention hotel the first day I felt shame and embarrassment. I thought, “What am I doing here?” As I registered, I tried to avoid eye contact with anyone, but I was met only with kindness. Then I went to my first meeting, and I immediately felt comfortable. My second meeting again proved comforting. My nervousness decreased.

Then came dinner. The food was great, and better yet were the speakers. Their open sharing of their brokenness had a huge impact on me. I also heard a spouse share at a speakers meeting, and I regretted not bringing my wife. My wife would love to see me sober, and here I had found a place to heal! The day continued with great meetings and open sharing. I was quite blessed with everything!

At lunch on Saturday, I again heard great speakers, and throughout the rest of the afternoon I attended many more meetings that gave me hope. Then we had more speakers at dinner. I loved it all.

When I had made my hotel reservations, I chose to stay at a cheaper hotel nearby, so that if I decided the meetings were not for me I could leave earlier without wasting too much money. But I loved the whole thing. Next time I will stay at the convention hotel!

Thank you for allowing me to bring my weakness into the light. And thank you MAR for a wonderful convention.