I love Rainbow! I went to my first Annual Gathering in 2001 and spent the next 7 years or so plugged in to various things Rainbow. I deeply miss the gatherings and the sense of community that traveling provided. With Rainbow, I was able to feed tens of thousands of people through the kitchens and through general taking care of people I ran into while in those circles. I was also able to help with disaster relief after Hurricane Katrina through Rapid Rainbow Relief.
I'm going to be in Georgia next week and am really hoping the timing works out for me to at least stop by the gathering on my way out.
Have you heard the phrase, "You can never go home again"? I'm a bit concerned that coming back after so many years will tarnish my memory of what it was before, but like you said, there is a huge Welcome Home sign when you arrive. I'll certainly stop by Instant Soup if I make it in. Is Lovin' Ovens or Quiet Camp still around?