New Friends and Food Tidings

FACT:  SHE wants to hang out with as many people as possible and desiring to make more friends. HE is tired and just wants to relax, not spend more time with the people he's with all day.

I say "fact" because we have had arguments on more than one occasion about this and in our household it just needs to be recognized as a fact. I am constantly trying to get him to rally up a group together for dinner, a movie, or day at the lake. Right now, our friends consist of other StuDocs and topics revolve around medical school this and that. And he just wants to come home and relax with his wife. We are learning to compromise on this.

Our church recently made a posting about a Kickoff for new young couples community. I jumped and dragged my husband! Just kidding, he was excited to go too. We hate entering groups in the middle. So much, that we even hate entering an event late (in the middle) and everyone is already clicked off in groups . So when they say "kickoff" I knew we better go this week so that we are joining at the beginning and with other newcomers too. We show up to the kickoff, and let me tell you, we have never felt so welcomed. Immediately someone came up to us and introduced themselves, and before we sat down we had already met a bunch of people. And it wasn't that awkward pity "I'll come talk to you because you look lonely/pathetic" introduction, everyone was genuine and offered for us to sit with them. Never once were we by ourselves or felt out of place.  Just a reminder of how much making others feel welcome and being sincere can truly go on first impressions.

Now a little about the group.. A few things that stuck out to me - this group of 25+ married couples really take care of each other. For example, if you are sick, have surgery, a death in the family, or just had a baby the group quickly orchestrates a meal plan for you and couples volunteer to bring you food. They do this by using a website called Food Tidings. Ever heard of it? Me neither, so I checked it out. This website is a place where you can put together a calendar for people to sign up on what days to bring the family food, you put a place with what you're bringing so you don't make the family eat lasagna three nights in a row, it will have the family's address, list any food allergies, and any likes or dislikes. How cool is that? The group also throws diaper baby showers, have girls night, and guys night. I especially like the idea of the girls night because it will be the solution to our "fact" :) The group seems to be well organized in the sense that they are not all 'talk' but actually take action and are consistent.

We explained to them our situation - I may have to come alone sometimes - and they said that happens a lot.  We even met a doctor from Scott and White who is in his intern year. I'm sure we will flag them down eventually and ask them questions.

God puts friends in your life for a reason, even if it is only for a season.