Two Parks

This weekend, my opinion of Raleigh improved by about 50% thanks to the discovery of two awesome parks.

1. Umstead Park

This pretty park is between downtown and the airport. We found all sorts of mushrooms--not kidding, these ones were highlighter orange. There are trees and lakes and bunches of walking and hiking paths. I think we'll be going there a lot, especially in the Fall!

2. RDU Observation Park

The Raleigh-Durham airport has a designated area for planespotting. Free parking, a covered observation tower, plane diagrams, air traffic control over the loudspeakers and WAIT THERE'S MORE: a miniature play runway. Some people die of cute from baby animal pictures, some from backyard-sized runways.

Second, the people.

 

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.

What Was Once Wake Forest

We live in Raleigh, but the town of Wake Forest is literally across the street. We live closer to downtown WF than downtown Raleigh, we shop in WF, the church is in WF... so I sometimes just tell people we live there.

The original campus of Wake Forest University is now a Baptist seminary. With hundreds of magnolia trees, brick paths, and neo-classical architecture (as well as being surrounded by houses of similar architectural heritage), it reminds me a little bit of where we came from.

We took a walk around the campus tonight and it was delightful. It won't be the last time.