So, I took the kids to Chick-Fil-A the other day for lunch. The chicken is always delicious and there is a play place to keep Ryan entertained for a few minutes while Aly and I catch our breath. Who sits at the table next to me? Well, no other than my visiting teacher.
Now, I'll have to back this up a little bit, because those of you who are familiar with the Mormon church know all about visiting teachers and are probably wondering why I still have one.
I have no hard feelings towards the church, I just don't believe in it anymore. This being said, I have had several visits from members of the church in the ward that we recently moved in to. The bishop and his wife, home teachers, visiting teachers, primary president and the missionaries have all visited us, some have made several trips. These don't bother Chad and I, as, like I said, we aren't disgruntled. So, I have a set of visiting teachers, and they are very nice. I think I make them uncomfortable.
Back to Chick-Fil-A...
We sit down and are enjoying our wonderful poultry, and I see my visiting teacher with her kids and a few other mothers who are clearly from church. Being new to the area, and fresh out of church, I have not yet developed any outside contacts (translation: no friends). I used to eat at Chick-Fil-A with my friends and enjoy conversation, so it made me feel lonely to see other people doing it. I wish I would have had to chutzpah to wander over and say hello, but I didn't. Neither did she. I left after a while, and continued on with my errands.
I do miss the relationships, just not enough to force myself to accept the religion.
I'm reminded of one of my more recent trips back into the flock. My best friend from childhood got married and had his "reception" in typical LDS fashion: at a local Stake Center back in Utah. This was probably the first time that I had been back in a church since I left, but the first time that I went back "socially" since the same friend had left on his mission nearly a decade earlier.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, as it would be with one of my friends, I encountered most of my graduating class from high school. I started to hang out with the kids I hung out with in high school for a bit after all the cookie and punch was gone, and the conversation was all about their callings in church and nothing else. I humored them for a bit but left at the first opportunity. Apparently it is nearly impossible in a group of LDS folks to not complain about how much it sucks to be in charge of the Boy Scouts at your ward when you get together.
The point of this is that it was hard for me to find new friends outside of the church. Part of it was helped by moving to CT, but it will happen in time. The less headstrong members from the church that you consider friends may actually be able to accept you as a friend; it just might take a while.
Hey! You have another follower! LOL
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that you had a blog. I was going through some stuff on my blog and saw your comment, which led me to your blog. Yay!
So do you miss Alaska at all? So much seems to have changed since you left, yet other things are the same.
I found out your brother, or is it your brother-in-law is in my ward up here. The Oaks! They're super nice. I've really enjoyed getting to know Jodie.
Any fun head shavings lately? :D
Jill, no head shavings. Lots of changes though!! I'm glad that you've gotten to know Jodi, she's pretty awesome. I don't think she reads my blog though. I follow your blog pretty regularly. Congrats on your new addition. I wish you luck on beating those baby blues. I had the same issue after I had Ryan.
ReplyDelete