That’s my experience here.  These last few months have been somewhat difficult, because makign friends has been difficult.

Oh, believe me, I’ve tried.  But the culture of life here means people are in their cars more. Even dropping Phoenix to school, I don’t get out of the car.  Only at pick up do I “interact” with others, but if you don’t already know someone, you might be at the line the whole time without talking with anyone.  And of course, the fact we’ve been attending a large church hasn’t helped in us getting to know people, cause we’re always in large crowds, without many chances to talk to others.

So, it’s been a nice surprise to start to develop a friendship with one of Phoenix’ friends’ mom.  We’d see each other in line, and say hi.  She always smiled, and seemed friendly.  Then one day, I ran into her while going into a nearby supermarket, and we talked just a bit more.

About a month ago, we planned a play date for the Matt and Phoenix, and we met at the library.  It was the perfect place, as the boys looked at books, and we got to talk.

Since then, Sue and I have gone out for coffee twice, and the fact that she just moved to the area helps us connect to each other better, as “outsiders”.  I think we’re gonna make it a regular thing on our schedules.  It’s nice to have someone to go get coffee with.  It makes me feel at home.  It makes me feel like I have connections.  It makes me feel like I’m not isolated in my own house.

I’ve also now officially joined the choir.  I had to “audition” to see where I’d fit in best.  Then I’ve been attending chour rehearsals and sand on sunday morning for the past 2 sundays.  It feels great to be starting to get involved in something with the church.   It’s also nice to be in a choir setting.  It’d been so long since I was reading music, and singing with a group.  I didn’t know I missed it til I was doing it.

There are also some other famous couples , such as Romeo and Juliet, Lucy and Ricky Ricardo, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, who all are interesting and great in their own way, but here’s the real question: What couple offers to walk with your kids on the beach, while you ride a roller coaster…

Not too many people make you that kinda offer. The only couple I know, willing to do such a thing, who are not grandparents, are none other than the awesome Taylor and Susan Field.

Yes, they stayed with both my 2 boys, as well as Lisa’s boy, while we took a few minutes to ride what will probably be only a memory soon- the Cyclone in Coney Island. Keep in mind, this was the end of the day, everyone was a bit tired. Yet they offered to do this, so us 2 moms could have a little fun…

When we came back, Taylor was about to get them out to dip their toes in the water.

What was the last time your pastor offered to “babysit” your kid, so you can go ride a rollercoaster? This is just one of the many reasons why leaving Graffiti in particular, will be so difficult for me.

This is the wonder of Susan and Taylor, and they really have become much more than just my pastor. I am honored and proud to call them friends.