New Friends

This is from a group date.  (Thanks Kera!)

Today I am grateful for new friends!  I don't know what has caused me to be so emotional lately, but I have really appreciated the small things in my life and it brings tears to my eyes when I think about it.

Anyways...moving to Ohio was a traumatic experience for me.  Everything in my life suddenly changed.  I left the most amazing job in the world, with the best co-workers and parent support to come to...no job.  I left all of my best friends for the past 7 years to come to...no friends.  I went from being completely free and independent to being married and making compromises (not that it is a bad thing, just required adjustments).  I went from Utah, a place that I grew to love, to...Ohio.  Basically there was a lot of change and uncertainty. 

At first I hated it and I was miserable.  The first few weeks here, we were gone on the weekends and didn't get to go to our new ward, so I still knew no one.  Although I was a bit nervous about going to a family ward for the first time in 7 years, I couldn't wait to meet some people.  Our first Sunday came and I was soooo impressed by the ward.  I can't even count how many people came up to us and said hi, or introduced themselves, or asked if we were new.  I finally felt a little more hope about my new situation.

I remember meeting Leisy in Relief Society.  She talked to me and made me feel welcome.  She invited me to a book club.  Then I met Cindy.  She asked if she could come over and get to know me better.  Then I met Kristen.  Travis and I sat next to her mother on the airplane on the way back from our reception.  As we were leaving, Kera stopped and talked to me like I had known her forever.  I kept meeting more and more people.  Everyone was so open and friendly.

Although I don't have a "best friend" here, I am blessed with so many friends in our ward.  They all have children, so it makes getting together a little more difficult, but I love seeing everyone at activities or on Sunday.  We have crafts groups, or group dates, or just go over for dinner.  I don't even have to worry about Holidays because they include me in their holiday plans.

I am grateful for the wonderful, caring, thoughtful people of Ohio who think of me, who include me, who are kind to me.  I am learning so much from their kindness and actions.  I hope that as others move into the ward, I can help them feel as welcomed as I did.