Whelp, it’s getting to be my first year here in Texas, and a lot has happened…too much to tell. But, alas, I will try. First of all, I just want to say how extremely blessed I am to be in little ole San Marcos, doing everything I’m doing and meeting so many new, interesting and fun people here. I knew coming out here was God’s plan for me (evident in providing me with an apartment, an amazing church, great roommates, a car just before I moved out here, being accepted into the program and getting an assistantship etc.), and it’s just been really revealing of my strengths and weaknesses as a person. Going to a new place alone is pretty tough but worth it if God’s calling you there.
Secondy, I would like to point out a few key differences between the Pleasant Peninsula and the south-central region of the Lone Star state:
- No one knows what I mean when I say “moose tracks ice cream,” “euchre” or “pop.” In fact, when I went to Taco Deli the other day and asked for pop, the guy leaned in and whispered, “Dude, we don’t sell pot here.”
- It gets approximately 100 degrees daily in the summer, and it’s extremely humid. In Michigan, everyone went down to the basement as soon as the temperature went above 90.
- Everyone is laid back. EVERYONE. Besides the southern drawl, things seem to get done a little slower. Not that I’m complaining.
- You can literally drive for about 14 hours in one direction and still be in Texas. Just make sure to drive on the shoulder if someone starts tailgating you. Lesson learned.
- Most people have grown up with a pretty general knowledge of Christianity since it’s still considered part of the Bible Belt,which can be both good and bad.
- While not EVERYTHING’S bigger in Texas, many of the bugs are the size of my hand. No joke.
- People use “whenever” and “when” interchangeably
- There’s this thing called a “beverage barn” – basically a drive-through party store.
And some similarities:
- “Y’all” is as common here as it is in downtown Detroit
- Tattoos abound. They’re just more visible in Texas
- Lots of opportunities for live music
I’m sure I’ll think of more as time goes on…
Anyway, this blog is really about my journey with Christ out here in the “wilderness” – that’s kind of what I’m labeling this section of my life (Luke 1:80, Luke 5:16). It’s a time of refining and definition. I really have no idea what purpose God has for me right now, but He is revealing that to me little by little. I know I’m here for a reason (countless stories of how He has provided me with the right thing at the right time), and I intend on finding out more about His character and who I am in Him though this stage of life. I feel like I really have failed a lot this past year, but His mercy endures forever, and I know I have accomplished a lot as well. I can only get up and keep walking with my eyes on the prize!