Be Brave

Guys, let's talk about my ward. The women of my ward are a phenomenon.  Every.  Single. One. is confident, brave and lacking any ounce of self consciousness. I know you think I may be over exaggerating a teenie bit, but I assure you... I am not kidding. There must be something in the water here.

Where does this leave me? Ha! They don't know how to take me. It's funny because I've been told many times that I am confident and self assured and also that I am a city gal who is a bit snooty. That last part was from a friend telling me of her first impression. I am being read 100% wrong.

Still, I love my ward and I love the people in it. No matter how they read me, they are making every effort to support me and my family. I. LOVE. It. Here!

Because the people of Gooding are so humble and kind, they are allowing me to grow in ways I've never had the opportunity to grow before. I now have two callings. They are easy callings, but one puts me front and center every Sunday. I don't enjoy people looking at me, but I'm growing and changing and learning that these people love me; faults and all.

My Bishop told me that I'm good for the women of this ward and that he hopes a little of my modesty (for lack of a better word) would rub off on them. Like I said before, this ward has a way of making people feel important and wanted. Plus, my Bishop and I are kindred spirits. I love this man so very much. I felt from the moment I looked in his eyes that he cares very deeply for the people of this ward. He has a similar personality to mine. He is shy to a fault. What a calling for a shy man. But even shy people can be great leaders and I love that he doesn't just write me off like past Bishops.

I've decided that the abundance of self confidence here in my ward must come from the amount of love that is shown on a daily basis. If you want a lesson in service and kindness, you have got to come visit me. People are constantly stopping by and doing nice things for us. Everyone waves as they pass by. This is absolutely the friendliest place in the world. I truly feel blessed to be living here.