Adjustments to the South

Within a few days of moving here, our closest neighbors had stopped by and gave us a warm welcome. We continue to enjoy them and appreciate all the kindness they show us. The very first time we were here to see the property with our agent, as we were leaving I noticed an older gentleman waving at us. He was more than glad to let me know all about the neighborhood and the people that originally lived here. As we left we still had not decided for sure if we like the place but deep down something kept telling me that we wanted to live here. Mr. Horton was that neighbor and I believe God used him to confirm that this would be a good place to live. To this day he and his wife, Miss Vonell, are more than a neighbor, they are our friends. He makes sure everyone on the street is taken care of, he basically is the local hardware/borrow anything you need store. He has been so helpful.

This is our dear neighbor Jean Morgan (known as Miss Jean to the children), her husband passed away 2 years ago. She loves our children and the boys have warmed up to her real quick. Quite a few times she has called and offered us food that she had been cooking, the best yet was her cornbread salad. This picture was taken on a warm saturday, the boys were out front and she told them to come swing with her. She was embarassed with what she was wearing for the picture, I assured her she had nothing to worry about.



Since we have been here we had 3 different occasions of visitors. The very first of those was mom, dad and Steve. Steve and dad helped with the Crusade and mom stayed with Charmaine and the children as I went into the prison. They came within the first week of being here, which was nice because it gave my wife company. Dad spent a couple of days helping me with some projects the worst of those being some spackling, finished some painting, and hanging out our birdfeeder (and he was sure to fill it). Mom was willing to entertain the children and read books with them. We were very glad for them being here and helping us get settled in, it was hard to see them leave.



Phil and Shelly Nissley, along with Dietrich and Claudia, were the next to stop by and visit. We always enjoy them and the few times a year we spend with them at the cabin. They were willing to miss the big snow storm in pa and instead be here. We spent the evening at home, letting the boys play guns and us parents catching up on the latest; solving the worlds problems. Thanks Phils for taking the time to stop by even though it was a short visit.


Dave, Sonia, and the clan were the next and last of the visitors we've had. We met them in Nashville for a day and then drove with them here for the rest of the weekend til Tuesday morning. Dexter had great fun with Michael and Cedric, his latest heroes. A lot of that had to do with them giving him an album to keep his baseball cards.


We did a lot of relaxing and enjoying family who we had been looking forward to having here. Even with our small house, it was no problem putting up a family of 4. So anyone who wants to top that number we would love to have you here.




Getting back into a routine after visits is the only negative, but we would rather deal with that than do without family and friends visiting.

As life continues here we keep learning more of the culture and seeing how people live in the south. So far we love the culture and early on someone warned us not to "get dirt between the toes" if we don't plan on being here for long. I would say that will be hard to avoid. Maybe we are still unwinding from our busy lifestyle, but right now it seems life has never been so stress free. That is another blessing from God and a confirmation that this is where we are to be.

A few interesting things about the grammar of the south here is that its not tornadoes that frequent here but tornaders. Nor is it tomatoes but tomaters.

This is at a local restaurant, Jacks, that was advertising their latest deal. People keep telling us that we have an accent, which I always thought they are the ones with the accent. We are "yankees" they say, so maybe we do have the accent. In the prison I often find myself asking the person I am talking with to explain what he meant or what he said. As we continue learning and adjusting to the southern culture, people here are forgiving when we misunderstand. In the public with the children it is nothing new to be recognized or have someone stop to talk to them.

God's goodness has taken on a new meaning as we live and become adjusted. Psalm 13:5-6 says, "I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me."