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When I first heard that I was gonna do my vicarage in Texas, we didn't know
what to think. My wife and I had went right from LSU to
seminary and the students at the seminary from Texas seemed more than a little
bit different. They were so very proud of their state to the point of
arrogance. Who is like that? Well, Texans.
But, we wanted to be open-minded. When we crossed into the state with
our U-Haul and saw a giant Lone Star at the rest area. We were bit taken
back. We drove through Big-D and down I-45 toward Conroe. We passed
through Huntsville and were only about 30 miles from Conroe.
Then, there was this
Sam Houston Statue on the other side of the interstate. I looked at
her and she says wide-eyed, "Was that a giant statue?" Oh yes, it was.
Giant. That statue is also known as "
Big Sam." You see, everything is bigger in Texas.
We got to Conroe, which is just a wonderful town. It's called
"Houston's playground" by some, but it is just perfect. Our apartment
wasn't ready, so we went to the Home Depot to call my bishop. What do we
see as we walk in? A stepping stone shaped like Texas. Have you ever
seen a stepping stone shaped like your home state? I've never seen a Louisiana
one!
We learned alot on vicarage. We learned that no matter which direction
you go from Texas, you are always going "down." When you come back to
Texas, you are going "up." Everything is bigger, badder, tougher, and
larger in Texas. It was quite an education. We've never cried so
hard as we did at our farewell dinner.
It was quite ride back to Missouri. We had heard St. Mark was calling
an assistant. But, that was just nuts. So, I had told the seminary
that I didn't want to be an assistant, but if St. Mark called I could never tell
them no. When Call Day finally came, I had no idea where I was going.
The friend of mine in front of me in line knew he was going to Oklahoma.
So, when they called his name, I leaned forward and said, "have fun in OK."
When I heard my name and "Texas District" and "Assistant Pastor," I
immediately thought, "They didn't!" Oh yes, they did. My wife met me
in the narthex of the chapel with tears in her eyes. "We're going home,"
she said.
Still, it wasn't like I was becoming a Texan or anything. I mean I
still pull for LSU and against UT and A&M. But about two years ago, I met
a friend of mine name Landon "Part Time " Reed. Next thing I know, I'm
HUNTING and FISHING. I was given a pair of black boots. Not only do
they look nice, but they match my clerical (wink).
We rode up to Chicago together and he force fed me a steady diet of country
music. I hated country music. But yet, the more I listened... the more it
started to grow on me. It was painful. But, it's starting to grow on
me....
Then, my southern accent that I had so fought to suppress from Louisiana
started resurfacing - especially when I get rattled or upset.
I killed a duck with Marcus Zill. Y'all know Marcus, he's the one that
doesn't update his blog. Last week, I kayaked the Frio River. And today,
I'm listening to George Strait singing "Texas."
Am I repulsed? Nope. I find myself singing! What is
happening to Bloghardt?
Edited on: September 06th, 2005 11:28 pm
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