This last weekend, Brent and I moved apartments. We are now in a 2-bedroom on the second floor (instead of a 1-bedroom on the third floor), and we're 15 minutes closer to Brent's work. Plus we are right next door to our chapel-- I mean right next door. If I stick my head out my bedroom window, I can see it. With all the church activities and meetings we attend, we'll probably save a few tanks of gas over the course of the next year. And the best part is that the neighborhood is quiet and beautiful. We wavered back and forth about whether or not to move, but we are so happy we made this choice.
One of my major concerns was moving so late in my pregnancy (I'm 32 weeks), but it went better than I could have imagined! Not only did our friends help us move out and then into our new apartment, but they also helped me completely clean the old apartment-- in under 3 hours! We had 6 men show up and 5 women--plus me and Brent. (Although I have to admit, I was the least helpful. I actually didn't move a thing.)
When Brent returned the truck to U-Haul 5 hours early (I reserved it all day just in case), the woman working there was surprised. Brent told her we had about 12 friends come over to help us move. In shock, she asked, "What did you pay them?!" Brent said, "Oh we bought them some kolaches." (Kolaches are rolls filled with meat, cheese, and/or egg that are sold at doughnut shops and are very popular in Texas.) She said, "THAT'S ALL??!"
While we were cleaning, one of my friends told me that a co-worker asked what her plans were for this weekend. When she said, "Oh, we're helping some friends move," the co-worker couldn't believe it. It seems like no one helps each other out these days.
When Brent and I told each other the stories, we laughed-- but also felt sad that some people don't have a network of friends they can rely on for service. This is one of the greatest blessings of being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to me. In the Church, we friend each other in a culture of service. It is not weird or strange to ask for help when needed because not only is it expected, it's also reciprocal. Our friends know that when they ask for our help, we will be there!
Obviously this kind of network of friends is not unique to our Church-- and there are many people who have this kind of service network who may not attend any church. But I feel like especially in the big city, where people live so independently, this kind of community network is rare. And I think that's unfortunate. I wonder how many social problems would be cured if we just took better care of our neighbors, of our friends-- if we watched out for each other.
3 comments:
We used to live in a 4 plex across the street from our church and it was awesome. Until for whatever reason they moved our tiny ward into the stake center so then we had to start driving. We are at least within 10 min walking distance of our church now but its so convenient! Oh and kolaches are awesome! They're Danish... yay for Denmark! I've made 'em with fruit filling and they are pretty scrumptious! 8 weeks or less to go! Woohoo! Can't wait to see pics of your little guy!
Glad you got all that help with the move...I was wondering how it all went! Hope you are still feeling great and things continue to go well! I think I remember you saying the hypno-birthing classes start soon, would love to hear about them!
So true! We need to help each other more! Jeff and I occasionally walk around our apartment complex at night, and we have been grateful to find service opportunities down each new stretch of sidewalk. We have met neighbors and have been able to extend a helping hand to people who say they don't need it, but secretly want it. I am glad we were able to help you move! And we will be glad to babysit in a few short months so you can have a change of pace. We love the Monsons!
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