With God, you are never really alone

SOCIETY tells us that moving house is a big thing. As a life event it is ranked as stressful as childbirth or getting married.

But it was when we moved to Plymouth that I realised the stress was not simply in the physical process, but in the leaving of precious relationships and starting again. It is hard work making new friends! Although everyone in Plymouth is friendly, it's challenging to move beyond mere friendliness to deep friendship.

I've tried joining a sea-swimming group, but friendship goes beyond a cheery 'good morning' or a 'gosh, it's choppy today!! I've also tried participating in a craft group, a church, and an exercise class. Everyone is friendly, but I still feel lonely.