Change Is Hard

Our ward boundaries were changed yesterday. A small but highly populated section of our ward was lopped off and moved into a different ward. We're in that section. Instead of our church building being a thirteen minute drive away (and close to the library and most of the schools) it's now a 20 minute drive away without traffic, but will likely be closer to thirty most of the time. And the only thing it's close to is the mall.

They also realigned the Stake boundaries. Both wards in our old building were pulled into the Stake north of us. The Stake Center is nearly two hours away. We're now close enough to the Stake boundary that we can walk to it. Our elementary school is in the other Stake.

We're heartbroken. I think I'm going through the stages of grief. This is the longest we've ever been in a ward. And it was a really good ward. And because they're in a different Stake we won't even see them at Stake activities. 

I only got to serve as the Primary president for six months. I joked that I either nailed it or bombed it. I had to make a joke because I'm so sad I don't get to serve in that role longer.

Topher's two best friends at church are in the other ward. Sophie's best friend is in the other ward.

I know I can still organize activities and invite people over to see them, but I'll be honest, those are not skills I readily possess.

Many of the people in the old ward assured me that we'll be a blessing to our new ward and that we'll have opportunities for growth. That may be true, but all I want is someone to mourn with me right now and let me be sad. And that's how most of the people in our position feel.

I know wards get reorganized all the time. But knowing that doesn't help much.