Belonging.

Today I was welcomed into the Fort Meade Ward.

For those not familiar with the LDS church, it is a world wide church, with the doctrine, organizations, etc. consistent throughout the entire world. You have a membership record that includes your contact information, and important dates (such as when you were baptized). When you move from state to state, country to country, etc your records go with you.

My first Sunday I filled out information about me (birth date, etc) so that they could request my records from my previous ward in Provo. I didn't bother transferring my records to Colorado because I was there for such a short time, and it has been two months since I was in Provo. I have felt like a wanderer in a strange land, disconnected from the world; floating.

I don't do well in limbo.

But today... Today I became a part of a ward family. They already assigned me home teachers (two men who come to my house once a month to make sure I'm doing ok and to bring a Spiritual message). And the home teachers already talked to me (they just happen to live next door; I get prime home teachers because I'm a *single sister*). My neighbors offered me a ride to church, not because I need a ride, but because they had room.

A woman who I'd seen two weeks ago in church, came up to me at my boss' Change of Command ceremony, THEN got us an in to a charter school (Mary's got an appointment with Kelly at ten am tomorrow with the Principal). I'm fairly certain that this might win me *Nanny of the Year* (and yes, I nominated, voted and made the award).

I'm getting there.

There are pictures on my wall (and shelves arranged on my floor till I get my hands on a drill).

So all I'm really saying is that I'm starting to belong.

And I like belonging.