[blossy]

Hey Everyone

I'm in need of some ideas. I like 50 km (31 miles) away from my chapel and it takes about 40 minutes on the freeway to get there. Our closest family/friend from the church is about a 20 minute drive away in another town. We're relatively new to our ward after being inactive for so long and then moving from the city to where we live now.
I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on how we could best be with like minded people and participate more in activities from church.We're on an extremely tight budget that doesn't allow for much at all and we struggle to even put fuel in the car but somehow we manage from week to week.
I love living in the country but it certainly takes its toll on you for social activities epsecially when you live so far away from everyone. I would love to get to know the sisters better in my ward.
Any ideas would be appreciated.

HugZz
Jo (blossy)

[writerchick]

That's a tough situation. The new enrichment program is supposed to better serve the needs of the sisters. Maybe you could suggest to the presidency that some of the activities could take place closer to you....like a potluck at your house or at a halfway point or something like that. Or how about forming a Yahoo chat group with the sisters in your ward? Good luck and don't forget to pray about the problem--I'll bet you will find some help that way!

[babydawn]

I was thinking along similar lines. First, I was thinking why not throw a BBQ or something at your house. Everyone bring their own grub to share with everyone else. Also, you made a comment about the closest friend being 20 minutes away....does that mean that there are no other sisters in your town? Obviously I don't know your exact situation. Also, you have to remember that just because someone isn't a member of the LDS church, doesn't mean that they don't have the same morals and standards we do, you can form amazingly strong friendships with non-members and have an opportunity to share the gospel with them once you feel comfortable enough. Don't limit your friendships to just members. It is sometimes hard to go from inactivity to activity....I know that it was for me. I am sure that if you feel you need to be at an activity, that the Lord will provide a way for you to get there....another reason why I asked if you were the only member in your town, you could carpool. Let us know any other useful info and we will do our best to keep brainstorming with you on how to get more involved....Hopefully your ward (or is it a branch?) is progressing in the new Enrichment program. Like writerchick stated, that is another great way to make friends in a new ward. Good luck and let us know how things go and if there is anything else we can do.

[Mim23]

I agree with the previous posts. I think it would be a good idea to invite some ward members over to your house. This is a great way to get to know people. You could set up playdates with other members, and put the meeting point at halfway between you. I was in a ward once where we the farthest members out were about a forty minute car drive. It was hard for those in the outskirts for lots of reasons. If you do your visiting teaching this will also help you to make friends. Hopefully, your sisters will not be too far out of your way. I will keep thinking about it.

[writerchick]

Another idea I just had was make sure you ask for visiting and home teachers that will be make it out to your house. They are both strong connections and they will watch out for you, but it's pretty useless if they assign you people who are wary of making the trip.

[blossy]

I love the sound of a barbecue. That would be a wonderful and relaxing way to meet people. It might be a bit difficult weather-wise as I live in Australia and we are heading for winter right now but it is certainly something I shall keep in mind for when the weather becomes warmer.
I didn't think about asking for home teachers. In fact I thought it may be difficult for them to come and visit because of the distance. I'll definitely talk to someone about it on Sunday I'm not sure who but I'll work that out.
I was reading the thread about the enrichment program and I really like the sound of it. I'll talk with our Relief Society president on Sunday about it to see what they have available in our Ward. I know they do some activities but we don't always have the fuel in the car so that we can participate.

Oh I forgot to add that we live in a cabin in a caravan park (trailer park I think you call it in the US). I honestly have no idea if there are any other families that are close to us from our Ward.

Thank you for all your input so far. I really appreciate it.

[newbiemum05]

I would ask the RS Pres to assign you some strong VT who are willing and able to travel. Also see the Elders Quorum President (or even the Bishop) about assigning some Home Teachers - bothe are invaluable - especially to make those much needed connections in your new ward.
Also don't forget to ask for a VT assignment yourself. What a blessing. I am new in my ward and my VT companion has become a great friend. If you can't arrange to be a companion due to the distance and travelling, ask to be put on a mailing/phoning route - that way you will be able to have gospel centred conversations as part of your VT (remember VT once a month is the minimum - you may find there is a sister in your ward, again the RS Pres will know, that could use more contact that you could call weekly ???)
Hope this helps.

[primaryleaderidaho]

I think you now have some good ideas here. There may also be other LDS near you who aren't currently attending. This would be a good question for your Relief Society Presidency. I use the telephone a lot to feel close to my sisters and friends across the country. In the U.S. we can have unlimited calls for just a bit of money, maybe that is a way to not feel so isolated. I think the internet is wonderful also. I love reading ideas and getting encouragement from others to help me in my family life, calling, and personal study. Some of the articles at LDSGreats.com have been awesome to read for a boost. Good luck. You sound like a networking kind of person, so I know you'll find some ways to make it happen.