"Split happens"

that's a direct quote from our newly called branch president at church when he spoke in church Friday.  

Rumors have been buzzing around since I returned from the States a couple weeks ago that our ward at church (congregation) would be split in half because it's getting so big, we can't all fit in the building and the growth is expected to continue.  Admittedly, I didn't like hearing the rumors.  You know me- I love crowds, big groups, the more the merrier. I also love seeing lots of friends for the primary and teenage kids.  Splitting would change that, no matter how it was done. I was so sad hearing the rumors.

However, last week the Stake Presidency flew into town and on Friday they split our very large ward into two congregations- a ward and a branch.  We are in the branch which isn't much smaller, it just is easier to form than a ward and we are told we should be a ward by the first of the year.  I'm still a little sad, but mostly I have been surprised at how optimistic and positive I feel about these new changes.  It gives us a chance to get closer as a smaller group, I can still socialize with the same people in either congregation of course, and Asher's primary class was cut in half, but is still large (6 kids), Ivy will also have a good size nursery group.  I'm hopeful that both the branch and ward will continue to grow in numbers and I am amazed that here in Dubai we now have 3 church congregations (they split this ward just 2 years ago as well).  I can thank prayer for my change of heart about things.