My two children and I moved to the Augusta County area about five years ago. As a divorced, educated, professional, non-local female with two interracial kids – who was also a little on the liberal side of things – I have found the community extremely hard to fit into.

After getting the kids settled in school and other various activities, building a new home, and getting established at work, I decided it was time to get in touch with my spiritual side. I always knew it was there, but it was something I had not delved into in any depth.

I never truly felt welcome or comfortable in other churches I visited. Then, everything changed when I saw an ad in the paper for UUFW. I had attended two other Virginia UU Fellowships during previous stages in my life.

So, I decided to give it try again when I attended UUFW one Sunday, three years ago. I fell in love with the atmosphere immediately! I took a class with the minister to learn more and joined just a few weeks later.

My family and I were so welcomed. I was put on a committee right away and have been involved in various ways ever since. It is a support system that I did not have before. It also proved to be a place where my family and I feel safe with our thoughts and beliefs.