Why I Love Visiting Teaching

Our family moved two months ago. The move has been a good thing in many ways and a hard thing in many ways. It's great being with Ron every night. It's great being closer to family. However, I have been mourning my old ward. I knew everyone in my little ward. I knew probably half the active people in the stake. Here, I know very few people and attending church and trying to figure out who everyone is and who is related to each other has been somewhat overwhelming. We have moved into a large, strong, active ward, which is good. But it also means that it's going to take a lot longer to get to know everyone. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed trying to remember the names of those I have met.

Today, I was saying my prayers (again) asking Heavenly Father to help me find a friend. I asked Him to help me feel of His love. I was starting to doubt my own worth because I don't know if anyone in Morgan Hill (except family) really even know me, much less care about me. I knew that if I could feel my Heavenly Father's love, that it wouldn't matter if no one else knew my name. It would be enough.

A few hours later, my prayers were answered. It doesn't always happen that fast.

First, I talked to a woman back in Stockton. We were never in the same ward, but I have enjoyed talking to her at various stake functions throughout the years. Before we ended the conversation she said, "Loralee, I just want to say how much I love you! You have always radiated such light and goodness and I'm always happy to be around you." I expressed my thanks and told her that I admired her very much also and we hung up. Amazing how that brief conversation could lift my spirits! It also seemed like a very tangible answer to prayer--that Heavenly Father was answering my prayers through another. It works like that a lot.

A few minutes later, one of my visiting teachers showed up. I had met her for the first time on Sunday. I didn't know anything about her except her name. Her companion wasn't able to make it and our visit turned into a two hour talk-fest. We connected in so many ways. Finally, I feel like I may have met someone who can turn into a very good friend.

I am so grateful for the visiting teaching program. Heavenly Father knew I needed a friend. I am also grateful for an inspired Relief Society president, who just happens to be my sister-in-law, for being inspired in who I needed at this time in my life.