Our New Ward

Last Sunday was our first week in our new church ward. It was interesting to meet many new people and be welcomed in. It felt similar in many ways to our ward in Provo where if you wanted to make friends you had to reach out and meet people because members moved in and out so much. Here it is very similar. Not only do we have somewhat of a student ward due to Hopkins and UMD, but we also have many members who are converts. It is recooperative to my spirit to see and get to know the wonderful black members as well. Since losing Alicia almost 3 years ago, it has been difficult to even see black people...some more than others...because they reminded me so much of her. She was my best friend, next to my family and we shared a bond like no other. Part of it had to do with the cultural background she had and thus, when I met and got to know my sisters in the relief society it was warming to receive hugs and be welcomed in as family.
On another note, because there was only one child going into Sunbeams this last January, they moved the kids who's birthdays are at the beginning of the year up to be in class with the other child. This means that Jarom is also going to be in Sunbeams beginning tomorrow! I think he will enjoy it, but may have a harder time transitioning since he didn't change classes in January. Courage loves nursery and had no problem going into his new class. We met the bishop and will probably get callings soon. There seems to be a need for musical talent since the first thing the bishop asked is if we had musical skills. I guess I may need to start to practicing the piano! Matt is a more likely candidate for that though!