I'm moving into a new Ward. In many ways the change is hard. We are leaving friends we have developed over years. The relationships are comfortable, even predictable. The reason for moving is not important. Most people move at least once or twice in their life. But in many cases the effect is the same. You have to change wards too.
Our new home is still in Tennessee. Our new ward is also in a new stake. You can count the stakes in Nashville on one hand, and you have to go pretty far out of town, counting as you go, before you need a seeond hand. When we have a five stake youth conference, it includes a stake in Kentucky. The Church in this area started in the area along the Tennessee river where it flows from Tennessee into Kentucky. So our area has history going back to 1834.
But that brings me back to my new ward. The area covers several counties. And the its roots go way back. Members of the ward can trace their ancestors to baptisms back in 1840. Rumors got around that I was some kind of historian and now people want to talk history. It is really nice. I'.m looking forward to learning about the local area from those who know it best. Along the way, I'll meet people who I would never have had the chance to know, no reason to to stop in the hallway between Sacrament meeting and Sunday School and say "I'd like to get to know you."
After just a week here, my wife said when we got home "It is really nice to have friends in the new ward already." Yes, we are moving into a new ward. But somehow I think it will be OK.
1 year ago
6 comments:
Best wishes. And how nice that the reaction of your new ward members was "we want to talk history with you" rather than "ugh, history is boring."
Good luck.
You know, I don't generally advertise that I love history for exactly the reason you describe. "Ugh, history is boring"
Thanks Edje.
Good luck. I suppose the corrolary to the aphorism that "there's nothing better than a good LDS ward" is "there's nothing worse than leaving a good LDS ward." But it sounds like you are already positioned to make new friendships in your new congregation. Best of luck. (And glad to hear that your reputation as a historian is getting around!)
Maybe part of the good reaction is because *they* are planning on telling you stories, instead of fearing that you're going to pin them down and inflict a lot of dates on them. I imagine you'll be a very attentive audience.
(I'm Anonymous, by the way; something happened to the form when I commented earlier.)
David, It is so hard to leave a good ward. But I see no reason the new one won't as good as the old.
Ardis, that frist comment sounded like you, but you never know on the internet.
But you are exactly right. When people have a story to share with you, they are very excited about history. My job is to listen.
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