A Tribute to my D.C. Friends

When I moved here on January 1st of this year I was very very nervous. I didn't know anyone and honestly I was almost dreading moving. I was comfortable where I was in Provo but I felt so strongly about moving to D.C. and very specifically that I should be a nanny for the Satterlee family. But I figured everything would be fine because I was sent here and the Lord would provide for me. I should have known not to expect things to turn out the way I pictured. Things didn't turn out the way I thought they would, but the way things happened turned out to be better for me than I could have imagined. Prayers are always answered in unexpected ways. :)

There were two or three times when I seriously considered getting on a plane and moving back to Utah or Tennessee this year. I just wanted to give up. But I knew this is where I needed to be and I'm glad I stuck it out. I know that I would have given up if it wasn't for the friends I made here. All of my friends (except one that I knew from BYU) I met because I went to the family ward. When I moved here there was no question in my mind that I wasn't going to go to a single's ward. I knew I was going to. After all, the Lord sent me here to get married! (hahaha! That's what I was hoping anyway). But once again, things didn't turn out the way I thought and I felt pretty strongly that I needed to attend the family ward. I resisted for a month or two but I finally realized that's where the Lord wanted me. And I'm so glad that I did. My calling in the Young Women's presidency taught me so much and I really grew to love the girls dearly. Not to mention all the great leaders!

Basically what I'm saying is, if it wasn't for my friends this year I would have gone crazy!!! Let me introduce you to a few of them:

Ruth- I actually met Ruth at the single's ward because that's where I was planning on going to church. (I even got my picture taken and everything!) I saw her sitting down and thought "that girl looks really nice, I think I'll sit by her" but then I realized someone had their stuff there so I sat somewhere else. I mentioned that I was here as a nanny and Ruth came up and told me she was a nanny too and gave me her info. Then I decided to go to the family ward instead. I walked in and guess who I saw sitting there? That's right, Ruth! It turns out she moved into the family ward boundaries. We made plans to eat dinner together and realized we have a ton in common. Ruth has been a supportive and uplifting friend who I could call and cry to when I was having a problem. She was the first friend I made here and one of the best! I've asked her advice on many things and plus she has great style! :) I've enjoyed our shared interests and shared profession.

(Ain't she cute?!)



Jill- I would seriously have been lost without Jill this year! She rode the metro with me and helped me figure it out. She told me about the single's wards and answered all my questions about D.C. She was the ONLY person I knew here. She was basically my lifeline. She invited me over to her house several times to dinner and to hang out with her friends because I didn't know anyone. One of the times I was considering going home she metro-ed over to Eastern Market just to come and talk to me and make me feel better. Also, I'm moving into her room because she's getting married. If it wasn't for her, I don't know where I would be living next year! Jill also invited me to Thanksgiving dinner with her and her fiance. I'll say it again: I would have been so lost without her!

(Jill, half of me, and a man's stomach on the Capitol lawn for the 4th of July)



Christine- Christine has been my movie buddy this year! One thing I love about Christine is that she's always up for new fun experiences. Christine has also been a friend that I've been able to have wonderful and meaningful discussions with. She has experienced a lot of things that I've been going through and has been able to help steer me in the right direction with new things I'm learning. Also, we've enjoyed a few delicious cupcakes together! And if I ever need anything all I have to do is mention it to Christine and she's got it covered! :)

(Me and Christine laughing at the pumpkin patch)
Wait... you can't really see her purdy face...

(Here's purdy pic of her purdy face! I stole this pic from facebook...)


Andalynn- I met Andalynn in Eastern Market through people from the ward. She invited me to a movie that night! She was always up for doing something fun and totally accepting of me as a person. She hooked me up with anything I ever asked her for. I did not deserve her as a friend but I am so grateful that we met. :)

(Hot! Once again, I stole this pic from facebook... hope you don't mind!)



I also have to mention all of the Young Women leaders that I've worked with this year have been AMAZING friends and are such wonderful examples to me. Lindsay, Sui Lang, Hannah, Lisa, Sonja, Jjana, Emily, Lindsay, Julie, Rachael. (Whew! that's a lot of leaders!) Also my wonderful home teacher Meredith. :) All of these amazing women have helped me make it through this year and have taught me many amazing lessons.