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Saturday, July 12, 2008

Community - It Takes a Village . . .

We moved to Georgia September of 2007.  As everyone knows who has ever moved to a new place, it can take a while to make friends and build community.  Having 5 little ones in tote can sometimes make it a bit harder, because all of my time is focused on them (mothers with more than 5 - you leave me in speechless awe).  I really don't know what I would have done if it was not for the help of our new church.  They have really cared for us in an amazing way.  

There have been a few times since our move where I felt a little panic rise within - I have NO family here.  What happens when we really need a favor or some extra help? Well, I can confidently - and with a little surprise - say that God has been faithfully providing some great friendships & solid community to surround us and live out what it means to be a family in God.  Cheesy - oh yeah baby - screaming velveeta!!  But I am a mother of 5 little ones, so some help in maintaining my sanity is a divinely sweet thing.
I know that I should NOT be surprised at how God cares for us, but it seems I am forever learning the extent and length of His love.  And also realizing that if I can let go of my stubborn habit of trying to be self-sufficient, there really are some amazing folks to claim as my friends.  My soul begins to warm up to & get reacquainted with one of it's original designs - community.  The Godhead - Three in One - the Trinity - is community, and if we are made in His image we as well are made for community/fellowship.  An incredibly scary  & wonderful thing.
Living in the Dominican Republic forced me to develop community, and living in Georgia with 5 small children is forcing me to look for community.  It takes a village to raise kids, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Our great friend, Alexa, with Chloe & Claire

8 comments:

jenni anne said...

what a great photo!!! you should get that one framed and give a copy to your friend, i bet she will always treasure it, and can show your girls when they get older and say things like "i used to change your diapers!"

Debra said...

Amazing... I was JUST going to post about this same topic!!!!

I too could not imagine living without my church family and my friends in the community. I often think of the song by Alabama "Angels Amoung Us"

Unknown said...

Well put, Tracy. We've moved 4 times since 2002 (make that 5 come Aug. 1). I don't know where we'd be today if not for the help from our Church families along the way.

Lala said...

Isn't that so true? I wish there was more of a sense of community here in our town. We're working on it though ;) (but hey at least I made a friend! Teehee)

Jaime said...

I'm glad you have some good friends! We had a family move in next door that we just love and that has made such a difference for us!

Claremont First Ward said...

Such an adorable picture. I really liked your thoughts on this topic.

Lyndsey said...

Isn't it amazing how the Lord provides! That is so awesome how you have found such a great church and community. I can relate so well having moved away from our family last year.. though we are only a few hours away it is hard to have no friends.. or though it can feel that way.

Laurie said...

That picture is too cute. I am glad that you have been able to find some relationships and friendships with people that are God loving. It can be very hard. We have lived here now for almost 7 years and we are still trying to seek friends and grow relationships with people. I have so much respect for you and for being able to move with 5 little ones to a place where you know noone.