Moving......for Better or for Worse

This day has alternated between brilliant sunshine and clear blue skies, cool wind and black dramatic clouds, rain and gusts.

We went to the new center again this morning....we drove this time.  We almost wished we had walked!  There are one-way roads that make getting around a block very difficult and a lot of road construction....you would think we were in Gilbert.  We finally pulled up right in front of the center just to see if anyone was there...there wasn't.  The workmen were nowhere in sight.

We still don't know how much room we have in the new kitchen, and I am still trying to sort through what we have in the old to decide what to take and what to toss.  Everything I look at, I think about the replacement cost, which works to an extent.  At this point, it is all about space.

I taught Institute this evening, which proved to be something of an adventure.  There were comments the like of which I have never before heard or considered.  It was interesting, but a bit difficult to stay on topic.  There were also some excellent comments.

There was much laughter and visiting afterward for a couple of hours, even though the couches are mostly gone, and the rugs have been given away.  The place seemed bare.

I had some interesting conversations with YSAs afterward.  There was an investigator tonight who has been there before, a very nice young man who was born and raised in Denmark to parents from India who had moved here.  His parents have lined up a wife for him from India.  He traveled there last month and spent several weeks getting to know her.

He is not sold on the idea of the arranged marriage, but he sees much about it that it drawing him in.  He told me a lot about his trip.  He spent a great deal of time with his intended sightseeing.  Her parents and his parents all traveled around together.

He sees the value of a woman who has a good education, who is committed to family, who is willing to change for him (they spoke candidly about things they would like changed about the other.) who has the same values, and who is someone he can talk to and look to as a companion.

He told her frankly that there were a few things he would like her to change, and she was willing.   tried to be kind in the thoughts expressed but he was surprised at her kind response and agreeability. (That may not be a word....but you get the idea.)

He would like her to learn English better so they can communicate, and he would be happier if she could cook.  The day he left she had enrolled in an English class.  He feels that they could be very good friends, and they will work on that primary relationship.

They agreed to a year to think and prepare.  At the end of the year, (if all goes well) they will marry.  He will work hard and find an extra job and they will stay in contact.  He can see the value of someone who is willing to work to build a life together.

Isn't that interesting?  I can see where there is a great chance for success.

Now....if I could just get into that kitchen!  We'll check again tomorrow.