Deep in the Heart of Texas

Word on the street is that East Texas (and El Paso) is not considered Texas by Texans. This is because (according to a source) we are too redneck. Too redneck? Is there such a thing? And if that's really the reason, isn't that something Texas is proud of? 

These are the questions that keep me up at night ... 

not really. But if you happen to know why East Texas is not Texan enough, please comment below. 

I had the opportunity to journey farther into the state and experience a whole new area. I was invited to attend a Pastors' wives retreat on a ranch somewhere in (real) Texas. I think I was somewhere near Austin but I'm not sure. There was cacti. So it was legit. ;)

Now before I share with you how wonderful this new group of ladies is, keep in mind how much I love the p w's I already know. The bar is pretty high!! I may have called Karen in Ottawa midway and cried because I miss her so much. That's beside the point. My point is ... there's still room in my heart for more p w's and people to love. 

It was a rustic atmosphere but comfortable which is wonderful! We were fed delicious food by some lovely ladies and a guy who knows his way around a smoker, deep frier, and grill. We studied God's Word led by Naomi who facilitated our conversation and kept us pointed to Jesus and the cross. 

It was just so peaceful, contemplative, and refreshing. I kept having to stop myself and wonder again, how did I get here?! As Wayne and I struggle to learn a whole new mission field, I soaked in all the wisdom these ladies had to offer on what makes Texans unique. I also related to another pw recently new to the area like we are and starting life over in an all new place.  One gal is Chinese and we bonded over conversations about Chinese New Year food and celebrations. I shared my ride with one of my own members who is a former pastor/district president's wife. This lady makes the walls crack with her laughter and is the epitome of encouragement. I was surrounded by a variety of uniquely gifted and talented women!

The one item not on the agenda was feeding the cows. I found myself riding on the back of a pickup and holding on for dear life over the bumps and ruts in the road out to the acreage where the cattle was kept.

Seriously, the sensation of the cow's tongue was a mixture of sandpaper and drool. A lot of drool. But the babies were so cute!

This bull was getting a little aggressive for my comfort level. Apparently he's never heard of personal space!!! 

After all this country air and the Word of God refreshing my soul, this city girl could not ignore what was sitting and waiting for her off of Interstate 35E in Waco on the way home. 

The dream is real.

Yes, it was every bit as wonderful as you've imagined in case you're wondering. 

Were were told by more than one person (so it's a thing!) to get a cupcake at the Silo bakery. They were right. I may have ordered 6. 

I also got a tea from the Alabama Sweet Tea Company which is one of the food trucks on the property. They serve their tea in mason jars with their logo and the shape of Alabama waiting for you to finish at the bottom. Unfortunately for me, I bought if before we left for home and it wouldn't fit in my car's cup holder. Add to that tea makes me pee so I may have not made the wisest choice for the three hour drive left for home. But it looks good on my kitchen counter!!! 

I have so much more to share about how other things are going here. I'll have to make it another post but all I have to say is - God provides!!! Zanna and I are part of things around here I didn't even think to pray for! It's all so exciting! We continue to laugh at each other's "quotable quotes" as we get to know the area and make comments we never would have uttered six months ago. For now I leave you with the photo that Wayne sent to me while I was away at the retreat. Some father/daughter bonding Texas style.