Bringing Friends Back Into Your Life

Three years ago my family and I moved from Boulder, Colorado to Scottsdale, Arizona. I like to say that we traded ski slopes for the Sonoran desert and the Mile High City for miles and miles of heat. We also traded my husband's 70-mile daily commute for one that is less than 7 miles and in the process gained 2 more hours of family time each day! Leaving our home of 13 years meant leaving good friends behind and I was eager to make new ones.

Below are a few of the ways I met friends in my new city. I hope that these ideas will bring friends back into your life too!

1. Find a church to call home
Stop by the Women's Ministry office and ask about Bible studies, conferences and other chances to meet women. I was fortunate to find Susan's Newcomer's Class at my church and met 35 other women who were unpacking their boxes at the same time.

Do you have musical talent? Worship Ministries will welcome you with open arms! I play the violin and it wasn't long before I felt like a regular in our church orchestra.

2. Look for 'love' on the courts
Call your local Parks and Recreation department to find out when the next tennis leagues and lessons begin. I was able to join a group lesson in progress and met several women who shared my average ability but unwavering enthusiasm for the sport!

3. Put your best foot forward
After unpacking boxes all day, schedule a pedicure (or manicure) to get those tootsies back in shape! I did and found the local nail shop to be a great source of information about where to shop, dine, get a great haircut and buy the best annual plants.

4. Borrow an egg (whether you need it or not!)
Susan recommends this and I guarantee it works! I live in a cul-de-sac and a few of my neighbors rang my doorbell with goodies and greetings. After a few weeks I called on the neighbors I hadn't met and exchanged index cards with our names and phone numbers. Three years later we all know each other, we take care of one another's homes during vacations and those of us who have a common faith share prayer requests at the mailbox.