We thought it might be fun to share a bit about yourselves too.
This is Maria:
This is Jerilyn: (In case it's not apparent, she's the one holding the candle salad...)
I'm Lisa:
We are you moderators/admins of MoFem Visiting Teaching.
Maria: I'm a Colorado native and live with my husband Nick in Buffalo NY. When I'm not thinking about cats or reading something, I travel around the US and work as an Opera Singer.
Jerilyn: I am a wife and a mother. I am full of shenanigans. I'm only here to make sure everyone behaves.
Lisa: I like Diet Coke, books, people who make me laugh and being photographed with my mouth open. I was also thanked for singing in church...as Sister Slut (instead of Stott, which is my last name) thus the nickname. When I frequent MoFem snackers, there is usually a resounding welcome of "Hi Sister Slut!!!" as I approach.
I also like visiting teaching. But (maybe like you) some of my visiting teaching moments haven't been so great. One experience required me to file a restraining order. Which reminds me, let's talk boundaries for just a sec.
Sometimes we Mormons forget them. The purpose of MoFem Visiting Teaching is to serve your new friends how they would like to be served. If your people have requested only online support, please don't show up at their door with fresh bread. (Come over to my house instead. However, if you ask me to watch your kids for a week while you gamble away your life's savings in Jackpot, Nevada, we're gonna have to have a chat about boundaries.) So, be aware, stay respectful and remember to communicate. If you're not sure what the boundaries are, ask. If you're too shy to ask your new friend, ask me, then I will ask them and we'll all celebrate that we are such great communicators and then head to Jackpot to celebrate--er--you know what I mean.
Here's some other important information:
This is a total no pressure commitment. There are no reports, numbers, visiting teaching interviews or other beauracratic nonsense. All you need is a willing desire to make some new friends. In MoFem Visiting Teaching there are no "teachers" and "teachees", each person should try and reach out to everyone else in whatever way they've communicated that they prefer. The point is to create connections and friendships, not check people off a list. Enjoy getting to know your new friends and we'd love to hear about your good news!
You can opt out any time. If you feel like MoFem Visiting Teaching isn't your thing, no worries. We're glad you came by and maybe we will see you again. Just let us know.
Ideas for visiting teaching include...supporting a friend on a Facebook thread gone south, leaving a post on their timeline, sending snail mail, packages, following a new friend's blog, getting together for lunch (should you live in the same area), and a million other ideas. Future posts will share ideas for making the most of your visiting teaching experience.
We hope you share your success. We hope to hear your good news. We hope you find joy in your new friendships and remember, we are here to support and love you.
Enjoy the ride!!
Why did you decide to join MoFem visiting teaching? What are you hoping to gain/give?
I love this! You three are amazing and wonderful and I love you so much for putting this together! (and I promised myself I wasn't going to cry *sob*)
ReplyDeleteThough I've had visiting teachers assigned to me for at least the last 8 years, I haven't had any visits in probably the last four. And before that, without fail, at the end of each visit, the sister who was clearly only there to check something off of a list would turn to me and say, "We have to ask: is there anything we can do for you?"
That's not what visiting teaching is about, and I'm excited for this because I can't wait to form new friendships and support systems, to have the chance to give without having to ask, and to have someone who will send me candle salads via European (or African) swallow whenever I demand it. But mostly the new friendships part!
Some of my current best friendships are with fmh peeps that I met online. I've been feeling a bit out of step with my current ward but my online ward is thriving and full of goodness. I'd love to share that goodness, continue to make new friends and be part of the support of wonderful sistern and brethren like you!
ReplyDeleteI am SO in. SO IN!
ReplyDeleteMaria -- I'm a professional singer, too, living in Ithaca, NY. However, I tend to work more on the choral side of things as a choral demo singer, editor, and proofer for a music publishing company.
My ward here is pretty heterodox, and I have WONDERFUL visiting teachers, but I'm most definitely going through a faith transition, as well as a divorce from an emotionally abusive, highly patriarchal spouse, and well, I feel very OTHER at the moment. Like I fit in NOWHERE. Everything in my life is up for major examination at the moment.
What I'm looking to gain: I am looking for other women who can support me through this faith transition and my divorce, regardless of the outcome on my membership. Support from other LDS women who have weathered abusive marriages would be especially welcome. But anyone who is willing to help me find my way through this mess is cool, too.
What I can give: I am a terrific cheerleader, a creative thinker, and a wonderful support person. I also have a child with special needs (Type 1 diabetes, dx'ed at ) and can offer support to mamas needing information about IEPs, parenting special needs kids, or just dealing with STRESS MANAGEMENT. I am a recovering perfectionist and can offer support to women overcoming the same challenges.
I can't wait to learn more and make some new friends!!!
This is a great idea! Love it!
ReplyDelete