Relocation Loneliness

This is not the first time God has relocated us geographically.  In fact, I think maybe our earlier moves were preparation for our children to be military in their adult lives.  And maybe preparation for our more transient season now.

But I always experience a degree of loneliness.  I don’t share this looking for pity, I’m fine.  But if I can be transparent, maybe there is someone else out there that feels this too.

I love people.  I would consider myself sociable.  When you move suddenly you lose your inner circle.  I am also a hugger.  If you attend church anywhere, I am sure you have been hugged.  Imagine having a church of huggers.  Now imagine not having that church of huggers anymore.  I miss hugs.

I used to go to work in an office down a hall but even then I saw people, interacted, caught up on life.  You know, regular peoply things. 

Now, I have had more phone conversations with friends in the last two weeks and for that I am thankful.  I have kept in touch with friends from Pennsylvania for years without seeing their faces or hugging their necks.   

It’s the day-to-day human interaction that is missing.  And it’s weird.  It’s also going places and seeing people you recognize. After almost seven years in Phenix City/Columbus I was finally getting to the point where I ran into people I knew when I went places…now we start all over.

But God.  Sweet God, who knows me and created me…provides for me.  I met a lady at church the first week we attended in St. Mary’s.  She was traveling so I didn’t see her for another two weeks, but we connected and she asked me to lunch.  Today I had a lunch date with a real live human.  Thank you, Jesus.

I have met some people in the RV Park but it has been slow going.  Gary has spoken to a few folks while I am working.  I’m getting there.  I find that food has been a good draw.  I have the young men across the street.  Austin will chat with me almost daily.  Today I took a loaf of bread to the young couple next to the construction guys.  She was so sweet, in minutes she was back and asked me if I wanted a basil plant.  She grows plants inside and outsider her RV and she has a basil growing like crazy.  My basil on the dashboard is stunted.

My basil from my neighbor

So, gradually, I am meeting people.  Getting names.  And even getting a hug or two.  God has been kind and I am thankful.