with open arms
November 1, 2008 at 10:10 PM 
on an august evening i sat on my front porch in tears, hurt by people who i had considered dear friends, overwhelmed by my own expectations, embarrassed, and feeling very alone. as i sat pondering, i looked up to see geese flying overhead. my soul whispered, "you're simply a migratory bird."
as i've mentioned before i've moved a lot in my life, it's something that i've grown accustomed to. we have now lived in this home for about 3 1/2 years, longer than i've ever stayed in one place during my adult life. i've been itching to move but every time we take a step forward with it we have both felt unsettled, *now* just isn't the right time.
something else you need to understand about me is that i'm mormon. i not only attend church every week but do regular activities with people from my ward (congregation). a ward is very often like a family; you see one another weekly, serve one another, and get to know each other very well. wards are organized into stakes and are set up geographically all across the world, it makes it easier to get to know your neighbors. seeing that the population in utah is nearly 50% mormon there are wards very close to one another.
this week three stakes (about 3000 people in each stake) in our neighborhood (about 15 wards) are undergoing a major reconstruction. many wards are being realigned, boundaries reshaped, and people *moved* into new wards and stakes. are you following me here? our street is being divided and seeing that we live on the east side of the street we have been asked to attend a new ward in a new stake.
i couldn't be happier. my environment hinges very tightly on the ward i'm attending, so it will honestly be like moving... but without having to box anything up. it will be a complete change in my weekly routine. i'll have the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends, but still be close enough to stay in touch with those that i know and love.
on to the next adventure.
Reader Comments (13)
I just came across your blog ( I think I was on Stepherz.com) Anyway you have a great blog and a way with words. I really can relate to this post, I moved a lot as a child and now as an adult, it's hard for me to stay in one place for very long. But since I've gotten married and had kids, it's a lot harder to change things. Anyway just wanted to say hello and that I can relate. :-)
look at you embracing the beauty of the universe, i love that photo :)
am so very happy for you, enjoy your new adventure with your new ward and stake!! xoxo
That's so exciting! I love your attitude about it. I love adventure!! And I hate packing so I feel as if I'm there with you being excited for you. I hope I wasn't one of those friends mentioned earlier. If so thanks for loving me anyway and letting me come play next week!! YEAH!
What a happy day!
I wish they would split my ward... it would be FABULOUS if they could split me from the street directly behind me... :)
hugs!
..."hurt by people who i had considered dear friends, overwhelmed by my own expectations, embarrassed, and feeling very alone."
this is very much me right now - i woke up feeling very much alone and then i come here to read your words and they make me feel less so.
as you know from all my questions in NH, i'm very curious about your religion and feel excited for you and the changes. you'll have to keep us posted. xoxo
If this isn't further evidence of the charmed life you now lead, I don't know what is. All the joys of moving with none of the hassles. I'm so glad for you.
What a good way to look at it. I love your outlook. It was bound to happen sooner or later right? Good luck with your "move."
you are one who forms roots wherever you go because of who you are, girlie. and those roots make you BLOOM! xxoooo
i love this post. I've been migratory as an adult and we've just settled in for what might be awhile and I feel so itchy. . .
YOU HAVE SUCH AND AMAZING SOUL! THANKS FOR SHARING!
I have always had that itchy feeling. I am hoping that I can find some peace and stay put for a bit. I found you thru a comment you left for Kat on her Mermaid journal. I am enjoying your posts. Although I am not morman, my sis is so I can relate. I have 4 children and try to find time to balance it all, I can relate to that as well. And I try to be crafty and artistic every day.
To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty... To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Looks like you've done it all.
Love you,
Wendy
I LOVE boundry changes! We lived through one a couple years ago and I thought it was so cool. Of course the ward that got split down the middle had some issues, but I loved it. I get the itch to move too, but if other changes can scratch that itch, that works too!
ta ta for now!