Finding your tribe.

So here it is, you took the plunge and moved to a new place where you don't know anyone.  Scary.  That is the only word to describe it, for me anyway.  I know there is people out there who could say moving was exciting and an adventure.  Not me.  Change is scary.  I am a very shy introverted person so going somewhere out of my comfort zone was terrifying.  Making that decision to take the plunge out of my comfort zone was one I went back and forth on so many times.  Fear held me back.  A change like this took me so long to commit to, if I didn't have the support of some really amazing people behind me I never would have done it.  I thank god for those friends every single day.  

    First hockey season here I met a few parents that we would be growing with year to year and this is where I found the first few members of my tribe.  First Amorita, the most outgoing and friendly person you could ever come across in your life.  She will walk right up to someone new and introduce herself and always make a point of reaching out to say hello every time she sees you.  She is a person who can just put you at ease and make you feel totally comfortable.  She was the very first person here to reach out to me and basically pull me in.  Our boys are the same age, and there has been times where she has messaged me for a ride for him, or take him to a practice she can't make and vice versa.  I never have to wonder if she would be upset if I asked her for help getting Carter around or a place to go if I won't be around.  She has been a true shoulder to lean on here while navigating our busy schedules.  I am so thankful every day for meeting her and having kids the same age.  She was the start of finding my tribe here.  

    Same hockey season I found Gage and Shawnie.  Turns out they are our neighbors down the road, who also have a boy around the same age.  The boys could dirt bike back and forth from houses, whenever I needed an extra hand getting Carter home from hockey, they were more than happy to help me.  Last year during break we put Carter into some hockey schools, and invited their son also Carter to join us, and he just fits like a glove in our crazy house.  He is welcome any time any day.  Sometimes he comes in and just flops on the couch and just blends right in.  Shawnie reached out to me and invited us to their wedding, and has always sent an invite to any gathering she has.  I am so thankful for to her.  We don't see each other as much this winter as the boys are now in different age groups for hockey, but I feel like we both know we could count on each other for a little extra help if asked for.  Shawnie has always made me feel comfortable and welcome around her and I am so thankful finding her, it made last hockey season so much more comfortable to be there.  I can't wait until the boys are back on the same team again. 

    This year was a slightly new time, some old and some new friends, and this year I found Leah and Austin.  Austin and Carter are two peas in a pod.  We love having him at the house and taking him with us on family outings.  It makes my heart so happy seeing those boys being goof balls.  Leah is a hard working mom who loves her kids and their crazy schedules to.  Times come, where her son needs a ride, you bet I am there to pick him up and again vice versa she has no problem taking Carter if I can't make it.  She has been such a breath of fresh air to talk to and chat about the boys with.  Looking at this blog it seems my tribe is all hockey related, and at this point its true!  Not working and only going into town for kids sports, that kind of leaves me at that.  These are the people I have met that have made a huge impact on my new life here and I just wanted to say how thankful I am for them.  I am sure as the years go on we will continue to meet more and more parents who become part of my tribe.  There is lots more we have met that I would consider part of our village but these are the stand outs for me.  Really to be honest Carters entire hockey team is full of amazing parents and I wouldn't feel shy asking any one of them for help if needed.  I am so glad we ended up with the group we are in.  

    I say my tribe but, I guess you could also describe it as creating a village.  You know the saying "it takes a village"  That is totally true, raising kids is hard, and it is challenging.  It really does take a village and I am so happy to have been accepted and welcomed into their village and I truly look forward to raising these boys within this village.  Moving to a new place and leaving your old village behind is so incredibly hard, finding a new village is scary and challenging, but totally worth it.  So I guess is closing I just want to put out there if you are in the same situation, new place new faces and trying to find your place.  If it happens for me it will happen for you.  Don't give up.  We are all out here just trying to do our best to raise our kids.