It takes a Village

When we moved here our oldest wasn't quite two.  I was excited about a new adventure!  Terribly sad about leaving friends and family behind, but I knew we'd find friends and have fun creating a life on the other side of the country.  I joined a local moms group the week we arrived and was at a playdate just a day later.  I knew I'd sink into sadness and depression about leaving home if I didn't get out and start meeting people.  That playgroup determined the route my life would take here in TN.  Since that time I've been part of 5 different groups and have had an active leadership role in 4 of the 5.  I don't work outside of the home so that's been a way for me to feel accomplishment and fill some volunteerism needs.  Those women have helped to create my village.  Those women have offered insight, words of encouragement and support, lots of fun nights out, playdates for my kids and I to attend, knowledge about the area, schools, churches, programs and fellowship.

Six months after moving here our best friends moved to the same town.  Since then, their families have both moved here as well.  We don't spend as much time with them anymore, we're in different places in life than we were in CO, but we still love them and spend time with them when we can.  We've also been very blessed to spend most holidays with them and their families.  Our kids feel like they have grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins here when we are at those gathering.  They feel like part of a family, which is so important and we are all so lucky to have.  

Between the friends I've made through mom's groups and the friends we've known, we've found a sense of home here.  It's not the same as having blood family close by.  I find it hard to ask for help and only a few people have ever watched our kids.  But the thing is, that's my issue.  In reality, there are so many people who would offer help if I really needed it and asked. 

All this rambling stemmed from this link my SIL posted on facebook this morning.  It talked about the battle between working and SAHM moms, but also about creating a village.  I've been writing this while listening to my friends dog run through the house.  They had to leave town unexpectedly so she dropped the dog off this morning.  So glad I could reduce a little stress for her by watching her dog and I know she would help me at the drop of a hat too...in fact, she has.  I'm so happy to have a village.