Small town life
Before our move to Manila, many people gave us advice about the challenges (and benefits) of moving into a small, well-established community. They warned we would forever be “the new family.” Having never lived in a small town, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. Does that mean people wouldn’t accept us? Would we feel isolated? Would I find anyone to connect with? Would our kids develop rich friendships? Would people even talk to us?!
After nearly three months here, I can confidently say we have received an incredibly warm welcome to the community. People have invited us to parties, had us over for dinner, started new programs for our kids at church, shown us new places in the area, stopped by the house just to chat and connected us with great resources nearby. Heck, we were even invited to a wedding our first weekend here (where ironically we didn’t know either the bride or groom…that was a first)! While it has required us to step out of our comfort zones at times (like deciding to go to a party by myself, not really knowing a soul), it has been so worth it to start making connections in the community. I’m trying to embrace the improv principle of “yes and” – always leave yourself open for the possibilities!
Friendship
While no one here knows me as well as my friends back in Denver (and really my closest friends are all around the globe!), people have still reached out to connect. To see how I’m doing with the move, settling in, if I’m experiencing culture shock, helping me make connections, etc. In many ways this is the first time I’ve really had to start fresh in establishing new friendships. Since we stayed in Denver after college and I even stayed working in the same office I had been in all through school, I haven’t had to work as hard to cultivate new relationships.
This has been a good reminder that we all experience the same emotions, fears and insecurities when we enter a new environment, no matter how old we are. It’s important to take the initiative and reach out, even when it would be easier to stay in our own little cocoon. Every time I’ve stepped out to make a new connection, I’ve been rewarded with genuine kindness and interest in fostering a relationship.
Before we left Denver I reconnected with a former student who happened to know the area and connected me with a great ranching family nearby he thought I should get to know. I felt a little awkward emailing out of the blue to introduce myself, but received such a warm welcome that it still makes me smile to think back to her email response. Her enthusiasm and excitement about having us move here (she used multiple exclamation marks!) and her genuine offers to help with anything we needed reassured me we were going to be okay and we would indeed make friends. It made me rest easier during a hectic time when doubt and self-questioning could easily lead me down a path of insecurity about our decision to uproot our lives and friendships in Denver.
Relationships are still a two way street, we just drive a little slower here
So, even in our short time here we’ve started reaching out more proactively – inviting others over to the ranch or offering to help on a project. We don’t want to just passively receive, but also reach out to provide encouragement or make a connection with someone in the community. Part of our vision for our life and our business is to build community, and that is an active, not a passive, process.
A few years ago I took a course requiring us to spend time developing a life mission statement. After a few nights of noodling over my passions, interests, skills and abilities I decided “To nourish my family and my community – mind, body and soul” was the right place to start. While I’m sure it will continue to evolve over time and take on different forms, I feel like it’s an accurate depiction of what I am called to now. Moving here and receiving such a warm welcome has reaffirmed the importance of engaging deeply in community and making it a priority, even when a million other projects creep up to vie for our time. We have to ruthlessly prioritize and keep coming back to what’s important. So for now, that means continuing to step out of my comfort zone, to say yes to invitations and to proactively cultivate community. So yes and…
Lovely! I so appreciate the quality of your photos, video, and the general presentation of your farm, friends and family. It’s all so beautiful. And I know from my experience there, it’s all so genuine. Can’t wait to see the coming seasons through these media and your talented eyes. Love to all.
Thanks Marjorie! It’s been fun to capture as many of the little moments as possible. We’ll definitely keep it coming!
Love your posts and can’t wait to visit the farm! I pray for you all as you build relationships there that you will not feel lonely or isolated. Xo
Thanks Sam. We know winter may be a more challenging time, but thus far there has been a steady stream of people coming by! We can’t wait to have you visit in a few weeks!
Yes! I can completely relate moving to a new state and community. We are so thankful for you guys taking a chance on us and so graciously welcoming us to your home! That has definitely made this transition easier and a lot more fun! 😊