The only person I knew when we moved here was Jodi. She was the director of the Chamber of Commerce at the time, and let me tell you: she knew EVERYTHING. She was my lifeline to getting done all the little things that must be done when you move. Phone company, internet service, electricity, school enrollment, phone numbers, addresses --all that stuff-- I couldn't have done it without her.
And I continued to have questions for her even after we moved and most things were taken care of. I was trying to get my Zumba classes started up, and wondering who to call, and she put me in touch with a few people. One day when I called her, she said, "Hey, are you coming to town?" I answered in the affirmative, and she gave me directions to the chamber office and told me to come by, so we could finally meet in person.
Jodi met me at the door with a hug! A hug, y'all! After I had been glared at, stared at, and generally made to feel unwelcome by the patrons of Wal-mart, here was this darling sweet woman, welcoming me with open arms. If you know anything about me, you know I love hugs! She said, "Come on, let's jump in my car and I'll show you around town!" And that's just what we did. Jodi took time out of her day to personally drive me all over town, showing me this and that, telling me to go here, talk to this person, call that person.
Weeks later, she talked me in to serving on the Chamber Board. Technically, Reggie was nominated for the position, but I wound up with it. During my time on the Chamber Board, I served my new community with excellent people from all over town: An insurance agent, a realtor, people from both the big banks in town, a computer fix-it guy, a minister, and people in advertising. I enjoyed being head of the events committee and planning the Halloween on Main event. I've made some lifelong friends, people I trust and can go to if I need anything.
Along the way, I've made some really great friends. When I started teaching Zumba at a local gym, I met Kala. She is a trainer and yoga instructor, and so very much more. Kala's interests are as varied as you can imagine, and she's one of the most down-to-earth people I've met. Online, I met Kelli, the strongest prayer warrior in town! Through my Zumba class (which I no longer teach, another post for another day) I met Mary, and because of her, I have extended my family even further. Family isn't always blood relatives. Sometimes family is bound by something stronger. Again, another post for another day.
Jodi put me in touch with a local restaurant manager, and while I didn't stay long, I worked for him for a couple months and made numerous friends and contacts through that job as well.
All in all, my experience in this small town has solidified what I already knew. Everything happens for a reason. God has a plan for me, and he's put all these wonderful people in my life for a reason. It's all part of his plan. Ya just gotta have friends!
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