Observations while traveling in Oklahoma and Texas

While driving nearly 4,000 miles the last three weeks, I've had a lot of time to think! I decided I would blog about some of those thoughts just for fun!

The first thing...

... that comes to mind, we have some amazing family, friends and supporters! I had actually feared this trip for some time now. I wasn't sure how people would react. We were received with great (undeserving) honor and love everywhere we went! Churches and friends spoiled us. Of course my family did too. Uncle Terry treated us awesome in T-town. We had a good time with the Null families too. Uncle Jeff and Dad took us to the opening day at Ranger stadium and mom and Bootsie hooked the girls up with some Cinderella tickets and TONS more! I shouldn't mention too many names, b/c I will leave some one out...EVERYONE was super cool to us during our travels!!

The sad stuff...

we saw a LOT of hurting people. So many people are divorcing these days. It was really hard to hear about so many good friends that have called it quits for one reason or another. The economy was bad, but relationships were worse I think. We have many things to be praying about upon arriving here in Leon.

Speaking of the economy...

I was told there would be some reverse culture shock when we return to the states in July...TOO LATE! I couldn't believe prices. We had planned on getting new tires for the Quest...once I get my kidney sold off I might scrap together enough to afford the nearly $700 tires!!! I was tempted to ask if a CAR came with that price....this was "discount" tires folks! I might become a Mormon and do the bicycle thing, but either way, I don't think I will be able to afford...well, anything when we return!

There's "pride" and then there's "TEXAS PRIDE"!

Ok, now let me start by saying I like Texas...not LOVE, but like it well enough. Apparently though, if you were born and raised there, something is implanted in your brain at birth that makes you OBSESSED with the state. We went to an art show and I've never seen so many "texas" tattoos in all my life. Tattoos of the state's shape, the name, the Lone Star, long horns, etc, etc, etc!!! There's candy, purses, jewelry, cars and every other thing that is formed, stamped and branded with "Texas"! That is one self loving state! If you are not from Texas and you are reading this, you might feel I have over exaggerated or perhaps this part was a "little too harsh", but if you are from Texas you might not feel like I said ENOUGH about just how GREAT Texas TRULY is :)!!!

Back home...

it has been great to be back. Everyone was excited to see us and we know that God has blessed us with a lot of loving people in Leon! Omar and Tana couldn't be cooler in all their efforts to help bless us as we leave. The church members are all wanting to have us over for dinner and in general we were received back with a super warm welcome! Barb and I have tried to hold the tears to a minimum and since we are crazy busy, there really hasn't been a lot of TIME to just cry or miss this place yet. We do ask that you remember us in your prayers as we try to find a congregation in Oklahoma or Texas to work with and finish up things down here. As always, we thank you for your gracious love, prayers and partnership! You have helped make this all possible!!!