A Moving Story

Emptiness that only Jesus can fill
Rebekah in CA

The transition is going exactly like so many of the testimonies I have read online. We moved from Vermont to California, with two little girls and a teenage son. I left my two best friends since 5th grade and most of my family. I am so fortunate to have a wonderful sister, however, that lives 30 minutes away!!

Of course, I am lonely. The paragraph in that newsletter (Just Moved Bloom, Vol. I, issue 3) regarding friendship just hit me like a ton of bricks -- it captured perfectly what I have been feeling and I felt so validated. It's the part about being out of step with the world when you don't have those intimate friendships you long for. Nothing was solved by reading it, but I felt less burdened because someone out there understood.

There are two things I have underestimated in moving. One is that the feelings of loneliness are very similar to postpartum depression feelings. If you have ever suffered from that you will know it's awful. It's not just loneliness -- it's almost an irrational emptiness feeling that absolutely nothing but Jesus can fill.

The second thing that is difficult is that when you move and make such an enormous transition, it would be nice to have someone to share all of that with, to share what you miss, etc. But because you moved, you don't know anyone and so you can't share. I have to keep so much bottled up inside. No one cares that Vermont has better this or better that. No one really understands. I see now how I missed some opportunities in Vermont to minister to new people. I just had no idea! So that has been a real challenge for me. Again, the answer is Jesus. He will listen to me, and He will even groan and cry for me and with me.

I'm so glad I found Just Moved. I really want to start a group here but I feel quite unqualified. I figure I need to read the book first at least! But I really want to. Thanks so much for your service. This organization is truly a blessing.

(Editor: when God stirs a desire in your heart it is natural to feel unqualified. He will enable you for that which He has called you! We help every step of the way and starting a Moving On After Moving In group can be the best way for you to find friends and grow in your faith while offering the life line that another new mover needs! Call (480.991.5268; M-Th, 9am-4pm, MST) or email us at info@justmoved.org to find out more.