AlaskaJoe

Anchorage, AK. Got all of the benefits of a major city while still living 15 minutes from the edge of the world and last frontier. We have parks bigger than most states. Texas would fit inside of Alaska, comfortably. We have a thriving and accepting LDS community. We have wild life, tons of it. Some people go to the park to feed the pigeons. Up here, you can feed the bald eagles (may be illegal). They are everywhere. We have glaciers you can walk right up to and have a picnic on, if you like. We have more lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and trails than you can shake a stick at. All of it is just a few minutes away. We have wonderful restaurants and shopping. Seattle and Hawaii are a short plane ride away. It's easier to find a job as the economic downturn didn't hit up here. We even have our very own temple 10 mins away Anchorage Alaska LDS (Mormon) Temple and http://webspace.webring.com/people/or/rgpassey/pages/anchorage/anch1.jpg and The Anchorage Alaska Temple (HD) - Mormon Temples - YouTube.

I am a very recent convert to the Church and I understand what you are going through. Perhaps it may help you if I describe the difficulties that I have had and what has helped, and continues to help me, get through every day, one day at a time. So, here are the issues I am working with. I have recently been baptized and even more recently received the aaronic priesthood. I am still wet behind the ears, so to speak. There is no strong childhood foundation for me to stand on. Sometimes, I wonder if my testimony may one day come crashing down like a house of cards around me. I have faith it won't. In fact, I pray twice a day, on my knees, because I have a testimony. The day before my baptism, my wife left me and moved back down to the lower 48. I was married for 18 years, and now I am not. I kept it to myself and didn't tell anyone. It was awkward in church when people would ask me about my wife. It's oddly ironic that my marriage ended because I strongly believe in the words contained in "Family: A Proclamation", and she doesn't. To be divorced after 18 years of marriage is earth shattering, to say the least. Yet, I still have a testimony. It was difficult to listen to my wife to tell me that I am joining a cult. It was difficult to listen to my wife say the LDS church is a man-made religion. It was difficult to look at her when she laughed in my face like I was some kind of idiot. It was difficult to listen to her tell me she is happy our marriage is over. Yet, I still have a testimony. I can understand the loneliness that you feel. For me, it's hardest in the evenings. If I didn't have the Church and a ton of prayer, on my knees, I would self medicate every night with lots of alcohol. It would have to be hard liquor. Beer just doesn't work strongly and quickly enough. My poison of choice would have been vodka martinis because they get right to the point. But, I don't drink because I have a testimony. My family lives in Salt Lake City. They don't know about my beliefs. They are atheists and dislike Mormons. Oh boy, how am I going to explain this one. How am I going to decline having a beer with my sister on the porch the next time I visit her? Yet, I will. I can imagine her jokingly saying, "What? Why? Are you a Mormon?". Then I can imagine her realizing that I am when I blankly stare at her and can't deny it. Then I can imagine her cussing me out and calling me stupid and asking me what I am thinking. But, I wouldn't be upset with her, because I have a testimony. My business partner and boss does not know that I have become a Mormon. In December, I have to go down to Mexico for a three day "management retreat". In reality, it is an excuse to party, hang out on the beach, and get really hammered with the guys. I have no idea how awkward it is going to be when I can't drink with them. I have no idea how it is going to affect my career, but I will get through it, because I have a testimony. When my wife left, she got everything. She also gets a ton of spousal support because it is the law, and the right thing to do. She could literally not work for the next two years and not have want for anything. I should be driving a brand new BMW. Instead, I drive the cheapest Honda they sell. But I will get by, because I have a testimony. I recently wrote my first tithing check. Guess what, it's on gross wages. Ouch! After talking with my bishop, I realize that it really is the right thing to. When I wrote that check, I almost choked. I couldn't even bring myself to sign it at first. It took allot of prayer. But, eventually I did sign it. When I handed it to the bishopric, I felt much happier and I knew it was the right thing to do, because I have a testimony. Look, I know that you are having a rough time too. I can relate. It is hard. It really is. But, the reason we do this is because we have a testimony. Pray. Listen to our prophet and the apostles. I promise that, contained in their words, you will find something that is especially for you and your situation. All of their general conference talks are online. Don't leave the Church. I promise you are not alone. After all, you're a sister. I guess that means we are all family in some way.