One great thing about the church is the fellowship you receive as you attend. The ward family can easily become as close to you as your own family. They can also step up and help out in situations when your family is not there.
Currently we live far away from any family. Our closest family is three hours away by car. The next closest family is a six-hour plane ride away. We live in a ward full of other transplants. Most families in our ward have moved here because of their jobs. Since most people do not have family close by they come together to bring the family like feel to most activities.
One way that this happens is that the families in our ward will get together for Thanksgiving dinner or on Christmas Eve. There are always several groups that get together for the Fourth of July to watch fireworks. These were always times when we got together with extended family when I was growing up. I am glad that we can still have a memorable time even though we might not be with family.
Another time that the ward family really steps in is during times of crisis and illness. It is amazing how a meal will be dropped by without asking. Babysitting is always available. Children can be picked up or dropped off. The members really work together to form a network to help each other out.
You can almost always find an older couple to adopt as grandparents, and to ask advice from. You can look to the other women to receive advice on which schools are the best. The ward family can act like your family in providing to meet your day to day needs. It is wonderful that no matter where you go you can have the support and friendships that you need.
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