Upon being approved for our very own apartment, we also get our very own ward. And by 'very own' I mean that neither my parents, nor Steven's parents, go to church in that ward. It is our own, and that feels good. Good like climbing into a bed that's been freshly made and stretching your feet to the bottom of the covers and doing a stretchy jumpy-jack, wiggly toes making some room and getting comfy where the blankets have been tucked tight.
Our first day could not have gone any better, and I want to remember every bit of it. Every soft feeling of the holy spirit whispering truths to my heart, the friendly faces that said, "We're so glad you're here.", and the nodding smiles as Alaska quietly took in her surroundings.
My idea of being 'on time' to church is 10 minutes early. I like the no hassle, no finish-line-rush to find a seat before the opening hymn is sung and the prayer starts. I like the quiet whispers that accompany early-comers as they great each other and step from bench to bench shaking hands. I like the ability to get settled with the baby, the diaper bag, the coats and jackets, the quiet-time books, the quiet-crackers and then to take a peak around and smile at others, not worried that I am distracting anyone. I like looking around, taking stock of who is who, rehearsing names in my head as I search out faces. I just like being early.
We were able to sit behind a lady I already knew since her and her husband used to be in my parent's ward and we chatted easily about the dynamics of this new group of people and a few other things. We were introduced to the older couple behind us through Alaska's easy smile as they played an almost silent game of peek-a-boo over the back of the bench. They guessed that we were new and welcomed us with big smiles and a touch to the shoulder of "we're so glad to have you." Sacrament meeting was full of good talks that provoked thoughts in my mind and the holy spirit confirmed their truths and I am motivated to try a few changes in my life that will make things at home be more heaven-like.
The closing prayer was said and before we had a chance to get to Sunday School the ward clerk found us and asked for our information to get our records transferred and be officially a part of the ward. I felt like everyone was so excited for us to be there. They wanted us to stay. And stay we will.
During Sunday School, Alaska made Handsome Husband nervous as she wiggled out of my arms to the floor and proceeded to explore a little. I didn't hold my breath, she was being as quiet as someone her size can be and that is truly the most important thing. She would come back to me for a cracker and we read a quiet-book before she slipped away again and headed for the lady that was sitting ciddy-corner to us. She had a bag with some of her son's sacrament quiet-toys in it and Alaska brought me action-figure after action-figure until they were all in my lap and then she took them back to the bag and called the game done. Alaska quietly smiled at everyone who caught her eye and walked curiously toward the teacher but stayed her distance. A lady in the back gave me a thumbs-up when Alaska squirmed her way to the front for the third time and it let me know that it was ok. It was all ok. I am always afraid of Alaska being a distraction but one thing I have learned as a momma, watching other mommas and listening to old ladies, is that everyone loves a baby, distracting or not. Even I can appreciate a good baby when Alaska isn't with me needing attention herself, and they are as cute as can be.
Handsome Husband took Alaska with him to Priesthood and I was free to mingle myself among the ladies in Relief Society. And mingle I did. I just love meeting new people and as I moved from my seat, I introduced myself to everyone along the way before the lesson started.
I am so excited to be a part of this fresh group of people. To serve them and accept service, to share the gospel and make memories. Leaving church I couldn't believe how lucky we are to be so joyfully accepted, at least three times I was told, "I am so glad you are here. We need someone like you." And they don't even know me! But they know they need someone like me. That is the best part. To be needed.
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