New Friends

I have been in Greensboro, NC for almost a month now. I have found the grocery store, multiply movie theatres, an amazing shopping center, a stylish couch for my living room, and many other things that appear to be daily necessities. More importantly I have found friends. With moving across the country I was prepared to be lonely and not to have people to do things with for multiple months. I am not saying that I do not miss those from Waco who know the depths of my soul, or that I don’t miss the ability to see my daddy and my sister. What I am saying is that I have meet people with amazing hospitality and a welcoming spirit.

It all started with people from the counseling department. Before I had even moved, I was welcomed in multiple ways; letters, emails, and genuine concern for my move. The first night I was in town by myself, I was invited to dinner with several people. Since then I have met all of the members of the great eight (the self-declared name of our cohort) and realize that each of us is an integral part in the puzzle. They will be my family and support for the next three years and I am anxious to learn each of their stores. They are all amazing women with such different gifts and talents. They showed their true care when they made sure to have dinner with me for my b-day. Although I was in a new town, I was not lonely as I turned 26!!!

Not only have I been welcomed by the school, but also church. I had visited FBC Greensboro when Leigh and I had come to find me a place to live. During that visit I felt a welcoming and inviting environment. From the moment I stepped into the church a month ago, I have felt part of the family. A seventy-nine year old woman in the congregation took care of me the first Sunday. She introduced me to multiple others and has kept up with me ever since. I have since joined a Sunday School class that is made up of women of varying life stages and ages. They too have shown me open arms. I was humbled when two of the women wanted to have a b-day lunch for me. They stated that I did not have a family to celebrate with, so my church family was the next best thing. I have received multiple calls and each time I am at church new people are introducing themselves and asking what I need.

I have been overwhelmed with the welcome I have received in Greensboro, NC. I had been in Waco for the last eight years and had forgotten what it was like to be the new kid in town. I can only hope that one day I will show others the hospitality that I have graciously received.