We left behind many friends in the US, and wondered how long
it would take to meet new people we could trust. Not long, I tell you. Before
we passed the driving test here and got out rental car, we walked all over the
Air Force Base, to the tune of 10,000-15,000 steps per day. I’m usually very
healthy, but between jet lag, so-so nutrition/digestion upset, and walking miles
every day, I did not go to the mid-week soup supper & church service our
first week here, even though I wanted to. It was a 40 minute walk each way and
I had already walked over an hour earlier in the day. Jeff had gotten a ride to
work that day, so he walked to the chapel, and came back shortly thereafter
with a very kind person to give me a ride to the service. I couldn’t believe
it! Another couple gave us a ride home after the service. Wow! I don’t know if
I’ve ever gone out of my way like that to be nice to someone else, but it’s at
the top of my list of priorities now!
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| One of our cats on the wall between our back yard and the town meadow |
Jeff’s cell phone fell out of his pocket while walking down
the street to meet with our new landlord/landlady. He obviously didn’t realize
it at the time, but after the meeting, we searched the house, car, and sidewalk
for 2 hours looking for the phone. Several hours later, my phone received a call from the person who found
the phone, and we were reunited with Jeff’s iphone. What a
wonderful neighborhood we have moved to!!! Oh, and our landlord gave us an
Easter basked complete with chocolates and 3 cans of German cat food!!!
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| Sunset behind our carport & tool shed |
I have been disappointed that several yoga classes at the
base gym were cancelled, but something good came of that, too. I had planned to
go to Tuesday evening yoga and then Thursday morning Bible study. When the
Tuesday yoga was cancelled, I decided to go to the Tuesday evening Bible study
instead. I was warmly welcomed, and when the group heard we were newly-arrived,
one person said “my colleague is moving away and the house will be available”,
and another person said “my office is hiring a social worker, do you want a
job?” Um, yes, please? Guess where we are living? Guess where I got a job?
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| Come on over and relax on our glassed-in porch |
When have you been supported or encouraged by a stranger?
Have you forgotten all the countless rides you gave a carless college student back in Boston? I sure haven't. You gave me many rides over the years and I still remember your kindness.
ReplyDeleteaww, thanks...if this was FB, I'd link to Art K, who always gave me & other students rides, too. Maybe I got more protective of my time over the years when I was working, commuting & stressed out. xoxo
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