Bible Study Group Fall 2011

From Left to Right: Lingling, Rhonda, Kathy, Lori, Kacey, and myself (we are missing the second Lori in this picture)

These are some of my favorite women.  About 18 months ago I received flyer announcing a neighborhood Bible study group.  Initially I was nervous to attend but was desperate to get to know more people, especially women.  Studying the Bible was a plus.  It has been one of the best things that I did in Minnesota.  

These women were my friends.  We knew each other only as women studying truth can.  I have learned so much from them and have learned much about myself.  It was so fun to walk around the neighborhood with the kids and see these women and to just have a close neighborhood feeling.  Minnesota was such a lonely place for us (and me specifically) but these women changed that for me.  

Looking back on the move, a few things stand out for me and this group is one of them.  I was unable to attend the last study because Ainsley was sick and Marcus was in Utah.  Originally the plan was for me to bring the kids for a farewell.  I emailed our awesome leader (Lori) and she asked how she could help.  I can't even remember my response but it was not one asking for help (why is that so hard for me?).  

Monday night Lori showed up at my door ready to do whatever I needed.  Marcus had come home that weekend and we were scrambling to be ready for the movers the next day.  Marcus also informed her that it was my birthday on Tuesday.  We really were at a point where we needed to pack our traveling items and not much else could be done.  She said she would be back the next evening.  Sure enough, she contacted the group and they (not just her) showed up to clean my house with brownies, gifts, and cards.  It completely surprised me.  They didn't have to come.  There wasn't any RS sister calling them and asking them to help.  They did it all on their own and for me.  It meant the world to me.  

That night we tackled my house.  It wasn't too hard because Marcus and I had spent so much time preparing to show the house but man the kitchen is still such a big job when you are wiping everything down.  Even Kacey came and she hates to clean.  It was a pleasant night chatting with women I have come to love.  I hope I can be more like them as time goes on.  

It has been very fulfilling to look back and remember the first time I attended the study group and the look on their faces when I introduced myself and said that I was a Mormon.  I am sure they hid their expressions the best they could but there was an obvious difference between the reactions to me and the reactions to the other women.  I was very nervous that they wouldn't accept me or want to get to know me.  I was very wrong.  Over the last 18 months we have all grown.  I have learned about them and their faiths and the same has occurred with me and my faith.  It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.  

I love these women!