it's been a year, part i

It's been a year. Since we moved. I remember I was told that "it takes a year" whenever I was struggling with the idea of making new friends, finding my way around a new city, feeling connected in community, etc.

Last week, the final week of our first year here, I thought to myself, "yeah, right. It's going to take more than a year." But maybe I was wrong, or maybe I needed perspective. Perhaps I just needed one more week.

We had a house full of guests this weekend, and more are on the way. The Kenobi B&B is getting booked up, I like to say! :) We're finding ourselves in the "building" stages of friendships - beyond the awkward meet & greet of those first months - more and more. The sidewalk is getting full, as is the yard, with impromptu gatherings. I can refer to them as "friends," not just neighbors, now. I can give somebody directions to my home, as well as to major area landmarks, and I can find myself in and out of most places in the city. We know the samples lady at the local Trader Joes, and the favorite vendors at the Famer's Market.

Obi-1 is in his first week of VBS camp, and this morning I trekked 3 neighbor boys off together in my minivan. When I returned with the kids, our neighbors had us over for an impromptu lunch. Those types of things make me feel like perhaps we're getting comfortable here.

I'm starting to feel like this place fits. We are getting our stuff mixed in with others' stuff (the way it should be, in my opinion). We're sharing what we have, and blessed by others who do the same. Our oldest boy rides a neighbor's bike, given to us on a long-term loan. Hand-me-down clothes have been passed around between several people. Dishes are left at homes where meals or snacks were shared, as are children's toys and socks.

Our schedule is starting to reflect connectedness, too. We are planning a camping trip with a few other neighbors, as well as a weekend with our church. I helped throw a baby shower for a new friend. I have play times, and berry-picking outings, and a variety of dinners planned in the coming weeks. We're working our tails off to organize and participate in work parties for the church nursery. We know the art shows in town, and when the children's museum exhibit changes.

Life is busy and full, and I'm feeling like maybe this whole "it takes a year" thing has some merit. It's been a year, and while we're not fully unpacked, perhaps we're getting settled here.