Christmas is almost here!

(not a great picture because I took it with my iPad)

This is my lone Christmas decoration! I don't currently own a Christmas tree and after all of the packing and unpacking I've done in the past few months this is the extent of my decorating this year.

The poinsettia and card are from the family ward. I was pleasantly surprised to see it on my door step last Sunday after I came home from a Christmas concert for a neighboring stake. Since I'm in a new place and don't know very many people yet, I've been extremely touched by the kindness of those that have made an effort to remember me. I've been lucky to get several Christmas cards from family and friends. A few people at work gave me treats (I didn't even think to bring treats for them...bad Ann-Marie!) and it has just meant much more this year when I'm feeling a little lost and lonely without my friends and family around me.

It has made me reflect on how I want to make more of an effort to seek out those that are a little lonely or forgotten. I have learned in the past month or so how important it is to look for those that are new and to fellowship them right away, not wait for someone else to do it. There is a family in the family ward that I'll be attending that has been so sweet to me. They've had me over for dinner, checked in on me during the Hurricane, and invited me to watch the First Presidency devotional with them. They are even taking me to the airport tomorrow. So this Christmas I'm extra thankful for the kindness of those around me and am committing to being better myself in including those that need a friend!