A view of the Neuse River from my run today. Not exactly the Rotunda, but I'll take it.
Todd and I don't make friends easily--not because we hate people or we're shy or evil, we're just not outgoing. We knew we'd have to make a concerted effort to make friends when we moved.
The people at church were so friendly, but our Get to Know People Plan hit the skids for a few weeks when we left town, then had special meetings. Then we got called to be Primary teachers. Todd was fine with it, but I'll admit to being borderline angry. Of course we were asked to teach Primary. Again.
Primary (children's Sunday School) is the most isolating calling. We were assigned straight to Primary when we moved to Charlottesville, and we knew almost no one in the ward as a result--not even most of the parents of the kids we taught. Further, 99% of Mormons our age are parents. Their whole social experience revolves around kids and we don't have that in common.
Of course, we accepted the calling. I knew I shouldn't be mad about it-- kids are great, and the teachers might as well be a couple who don't have to come home to their own kids. We decided to do our best to be good teachers and started praying for other opportunities to befriend people from the ward.
The next day at church, the missionaries walked in with a young couple. I felt like I should introduce myself to them-- not normal behavior, but it felt totally natural. We've seen them twice since. We reconnected with/met one of Todd's mission companions. Other people have introduced themselves, visited, brought treats, emailed, and invited me to play group (I'm tempted to roll my eyes at that, but I asked for opportunities!). Our ward has been more welcoming than any we've ever been in before.
We also love living very near Todd's aunt and uncle and their kids. This weekend, cousin Owen was baptized and Todd got to be a witnesses and in the circle for the confirmation. Several other cousins, aunts, and an uncle came in town for the occasion--it was so nice to kick back and hang out with people we already know! We love being part of the East Coast Hagen clan.
Raleigh is still so far from feeling like home, but we're finding reasons to like it: first, Todd's job; second, the people.
5 comments:
I can't believe you called to Primary again! Haha, I guess you guys are just doing too good of a job!
Primary again?! I'm sorry! Dustin just got called o EQ second counselor. Which I'm impressed since he's only been to church now three times. I'm still free! I'm chalking it up to I'm about to have a baby so they don't know what to do with me. But they did ask us to give talks.
well.... they asked me to be a primary teacher in my ward and I instantly started crying. I was that sad about it. The poor first counselor in our ward looked like he wanted to run for the hills. He had no idea what to do. I didn't say no... I just cried. :) They told me they would rethink the calling. 3 weeks later I got called to be a nursery leader. Anyway I totally know how you feel. You guys are probably just such amazing teachers. you do too good of a job!
I think that is so unfair to a new member of the ward! I got called as the primary pianist (talk about isolation...I couldn't even interact with the kids!) soon after we moved to Richmond. And to make it worse, Bill was in the Elder's quorum presidency and knew everybody. So I would come home from church and have to ask him who was who and what was going on in the ward since I knew nothing. It was super hard. And like you, we are the only ones in the ward without kids so I just felt really out of place. It took a long time to warm up but I absolutely love my ward now. I hope you warm up quicker than I did! It makes all the difference to have good friends in the ward!
True true, while Primary is super fun and the kids make me laugh so hard at some of their mannerisms... it's pretty isolating! However, this ward seems to be on top of that and I'm sure you will know lots of people in no time!
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