The New Kid

I remember in 2nd grade we got a new girl in our class half way through the year. I had been on vacation with my family and came late my first day back. Everyone was obsessed with this girl, whom we will call Jennifer. All the boys had a crush on her and all the girls were inviting her over to play at their house. Everyone wanted to sit by her in class. I was kind of taken back by it all, although she was adorable and seemed friendly. At recess, as a group of us were trying to get to know her, I asked another girl, "So how long had she been in our class? When was her first day?" Remember I had been out of town, and I felt way behind. The girl said, "Today."

WHAT?! This poor and very lucky girl! We were all smothering her! I later became friends with her and she was quite delightful. I knew her all through high school even. I just think it was so funny how we were all so intrigued by the unknown. Who was she? Where did she come from? Why did she move here in the middle of the year?

So, when I moved just before starting 6th grade I didn't know what to expect. Would people want to be my friend, too? Nope. Nada. I started my first day a week after everyone else and the whole year was torture. To this day, I remember it as one of my most lonely and difficult years. I was awkward and shy and spent the year basically alone. ALL alone.

I have since recovered, but my point is that I have never had a good experience being the new kid. I bring this up because my husband and I just moved to a new city less than 2 weeks ago. Our last home, in Phoenix, had finally felt comfortable after 3 years there. We had friends, we had lives, and we had a home that was now worth nothing near what we paid for it so we decided to get out. We were lucky and did get out, but it was a really hard decision. It's the first place in our marriage that felt like "home" and held so many memories.

Now that we've moved on, we are trying to adjust to our new surroundings. Today was our first week at church. I love/hate that day. Church has always helped us feel settled, no matter where we are and brings us to meet people quickly that we get to know and eventually love. No matter how many changes we encounter, church is a constant. The difference is the people at church and sometimes getting to know people and feel welcomed and accepted is REALLY HARD! It took me a long time to feel that way in Phoenix. I've tried to open up and put myself out there and hopefully make friends, but it can be so frustrating.

Nevertheless, we are moving forward. I just wish people were more inclined to treat us like Jennifer from my 2nd grade class.