Dear Bro. Ed,
I know exactly how you feel. I was initiated overseas; and at the time, I was hopeful that my brethren would open their arms to me and their social life. 17 years passed and I only get calls from an elder PM. I love him very much, but the age difference does make it difficult to relate in many things. With the rest of my mother lodge brethren, I had zero relationship. Now, here masons work in the 1st degree, unlike in America; so a member must be an EA for at least a year before taking the CF exam. My situation was so bad, that instead of going through the FC ceremony, I affiliated to another lodge losing time credit & must start from scratch, if you will.
I am a bit happier now in my new lodge because I came to understand that masonry is about self. We masons are supposed to better ourselves with the tools given to us, such as but limited to, the square, compass & 24 inch gauge. This is what makes masonry unique & beautiful. Where does the fraternal love come into play? Easy - the opportunity to share with the brethren your experiences and what you have discovered within yourself & how have or will use in your life. That's it - nothing more, nothing less. Yes, you shall cultivate great relationship with brethren, not necessarily from your mother lodge and you will, in time, create your masonic social structure; have no doubt about this. Go to the lodge, help children & the elderly, commence a masonic family awareness and have your dear wife participate in the process. At the end, when you are opening the doors of the "Eternal East" you will realize that you had a good life, something that many could only dream of accomplishing.
At any rate, I hope this message finds you & finds you well. Furthermore, my thoughts & prayers are with you and your wife. I will request my WM & Chaplain to perform a special prayer at the end of our meeting next week, and our thoughts & vibes will be with you Bro:.
fraternally - peace profound
ralph
Dos de Mayo Lodge, #92
Lima (Callao), PE