I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormons. When possible on Sundays, I discuss some things related to my faith and what I believe. With respect to your own beliefs, I hope this gives you a chance to get to know me and my religion a little better. For previous installments, click here.
One reason I was not afraid of moving to Japan was that between the Navy and the church, we already had a built in community of people that we could rely on for friendship, help, and whom we could also serve.
In fact, Blake and I already knew people here. I have a friend from college (whose husband teaches at the on base high school) and a former singles ward friend (whose husband is a pilot). Blake knew of another Mormon JAG with whom we shared mutual friends and two other non-Mormon FTJs (First Tour JAGs) who either came out a week after us or will be here within the next couple of months. Plus, the Personnel Development Officer (PDO) from Blake's command served as our sponsor and helped coordinate the Japan side of our move.
In short, a number of people knew we were coming and were excited to see us and an even larger pool of people were here for us to meet. So, we have been able to jump right in. We may both be introverts who need quiet, alone time to recharge our batteries, but we still like having friends and social activities!
Church has been really great so far. Some new friends from Blake's command are also in our ward (congregation), so they gave us a ride our first Sunday. The high school teaching husband of my college friend is our bishop (congregation leader). And, as predicted, our new church family and the Navy family, especially the other JAGs and the small intersection of other Mormon JAGs, have given us immediate opportunities to serve, be served, and make friends. We've had social engagements, rides, and we both already have callings and other assignments.
We meet in a converted office building, on the 3rd, 6th, and 7th floors. We are in a military ward of mostly American sailors, military contractors, and their families, and we share the building with a Japanese branch. Our services are in English and theirs are in Japanese.
I am grateful to be here and not feel so alone. I know other people do not have the same proximity to so many other members of the church, especially in their own language, so we are definitely blessed.
One reason I was not afraid of moving to Japan was that between the Navy and the church, we already had a built in community of people that we could rely on for friendship, help, and whom we could also serve.
In fact, Blake and I already knew people here. I have a friend from college (whose husband teaches at the on base high school) and a former singles ward friend (whose husband is a pilot). Blake knew of another Mormon JAG with whom we shared mutual friends and two other non-Mormon FTJs (First Tour JAGs) who either came out a week after us or will be here within the next couple of months. Plus, the Personnel Development Officer (PDO) from Blake's command served as our sponsor and helped coordinate the Japan side of our move.
In short, a number of people knew we were coming and were excited to see us and an even larger pool of people were here for us to meet. So, we have been able to jump right in. We may both be introverts who need quiet, alone time to recharge our batteries, but we still like having friends and social activities!
Church has been really great so far. Some new friends from Blake's command are also in our ward (congregation), so they gave us a ride our first Sunday. The high school teaching husband of my college friend is our bishop (congregation leader). And, as predicted, our new church family and the Navy family, especially the other JAGs and the small intersection of other Mormon JAGs, have given us immediate opportunities to serve, be served, and make friends. We've had social engagements, rides, and we both already have callings and other assignments.
We meet in a converted office building, on the 3rd, 6th, and 7th floors. We are in a military ward of mostly American sailors, military contractors, and their families, and we share the building with a Japanese branch. Our services are in English and theirs are in Japanese.
I am grateful to be here and not feel so alone. I know other people do not have the same proximity to so many other members of the church, especially in their own language, so we are definitely blessed.
1 comment:
It really does make the world a smaller place, doesn't it. :D
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