A Social Event
Last weekend we were finally noticed when we milled about outside of church, trying to look friendly (or at least non-threatening). Our overtures of shy smiles and timid hellos were not essentially ignored as they have been for the last several months, but instead someone actually introduced herself and then proceeded to introduce me around to a number of people. I had long suspected that at least half the people who go to this particular service knew each other from other places, and I had that confirmed last Sunday. Many of them are even homeschoolers and were pleased to hear that we homeschool as well. We met two families who have girls about Emma’s age. I had a nice chat with several people, and we were invited to a lunch potluck out on someone’s property tomorrow. I’m excited about it, and I hope this marks the beginning of actually getting to know some people up here. Perhaps I’ve even found a homeschooling community we’ll fit into better than what I’ve found so far. I guess I have high hopes, but I’m trying not to be too overly optimistic. We’ll just have to see how it goes - I’ll be sure to report back.
Emily on 15 Mar 2008 at 2:15 pm #
I’m so glad you are making some connections (finally!)
This type of experience (milling around and hoping someone will notice you after church) is why I do a visual sweep of the church every time I walk in, and mentally tag anyone I don’t recognize, particularly if they seem to be about my age/walk in life. Then I head straight for them after church, because I just think it is awful for the BODY OF CHRIST to do such a horrible job making people feel welcome. Pant, pant. 
amber on 15 Mar 2008 at 9:25 pm #
Good for you, Emily! I hope that once I’m a little more settled in my parish I can do the same. I agree though, I don’t know why it seems so hard for people to go up and say hi to someone new, especially when they are at church.