Our family has been in Illinois for almost 3 weeks now. We live in a beautiful little village and have loved being able to walk to the library and the park. People are very kind, happy, and healthy and we feel comfortable and safe in our village. Even so, we are in a one bedroom apartment with matresses and camp chairs and it feels like the weeks are passing by slowly. It has been hard for Max who keeps asking how many days we have until we go back to Indiana. It has just been a lot of transition in a short period and it is taking it's toll on the kids. It is hard to move from place to place. It is hard to not know anyone or have friends or family around. Over and over.
In our two weeks of living in Illinois I've been reminded, again, that we will never be alone. There are people around who will love us and care for us before they even know us. A week and a half ago we showed up at a new church building full of unfamiliar faces, which we've become accustomed to over the years. All of our wards have been very welcoming and great, and I'm not meaning to compare in any way, but the Northshore 1st ward is unbelievable. They know that we are only here for a short time but they have embraced us as though we were old friends. They remember our names and our children's names, I've been contacted and checked up on in some form almost every day. We have been invited to playgroups and family activites. Two women have even stopped by unannounced for a short visit. And the most incredible thing about it is that they are doing it on their own accord. It isnt the Relief Society president and it isn't something that has been arranged through compassionate service. It is just genuine women who know. Know what it feels like to be new and to have a new baby and to have young children. They know what it feels like to be feel alone and that no one should ever feel that way.
Today a woman from the ward showed up at our apartment with a huge box of food. I didn't know her. I hadn't even seen or talked to her at church. She is the Primary president, so she would have seen us and learned of our situation. Anyway, she stopped by with a box filled with dinner, fruit, vegetables, cookies, fruit snacks, drinks...walked it all up the 3 floors to our apartment. Then she played with my kids, held Jude, and walked around the village with us. Max was thrilled to have someone to talk with and have a break from me. I was thrilled that I could stop nagging him. She brightened the day for all of us. For us, today, in ways that probably seemed so simple to her, she was an angel. I needed her. Max needed her. Jason definitely needed her meal!
We are watched over and cared for more than we realize. There are good people in this world. I am so grateful.
5 comments:
This post made Jonny and I want to move away from Utah where everyone is too busy and has family close by! That's great that you have such amazing support away from home.
So glad to hear about the good people out there...and especially that they are taking care of you!! what a blessing it is to know you are being watched over.
Sounds like an awesome ward!
Isaac and I have done some moving as well, feels much too often. It is interesting the different feelings you get in different places. And there are definitely angels out there. Glad you have been getting some and hope that we can help be some one else's angel another day!
I'm glad things are going so well for you guys. You will be back in your own place soon. I am trying to blog again, we'll see how it goes :)
I think there is something amazing about being in a place far away from family and watching church members become that family. Our ward in Lubbock is amazing. I am so grateful you are being watched over and cared for. :)
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