On being known

I've heard that for a woman, moving is a major traumatic event, on par with death of a loved on and divorce, while for men, it's just an event. Given how differently Derrick and I have reacted to our last two major moves, I'd believe it. I have a very hard time moving, while for Derrick it's not that big a deal.

I'm back in Indiana this week working with my advisor in preparation for a conference next week. I flew in yesterday, and pretty much from the moment I got off the plane, I've felt more at home, more comfortable, and happier than I have in months. It's so good to be home. I wish this were still my home truly, but I'm happy to find Indiana still feels like a home to me.

It's great being here--I'm staying with my former neighbor, and while it's a little weird staying right next door to the house I used to live in, I love staying with my friends. I'm almost giddy, and it's very difficult for me to actually work or go to sleep because I want to visit and renew my friendships. I know, I probably should have announced I was going to be here on my blog, but it didn't occur to me to do that until people asked me about it today at church. So, sorry I didn't get the news out--I just didn't think about saying anything until I was already here.

Church today was wonderful. People knew me, and they were happy to see me. I didn't feel like I was anonymous (not that I'm truly anonymous in my new ward, I just don't know very many people, so I still feel like I could disappear and nobody would really notice). I know that the friendships and the comfort and recognition that go along with them will come in time, but it is wonderful to come back to a place where that foundation is already, to remember what it's like to feel truly at home at church. I know I will come to love the people in SD, and boy, it was so nice to be reminded how wonderful it is to know, to be known, and to love and be loved.