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July 13, 2005
Midwestard Ho!
This past weekend I discovered the midwest. Although I do not originally hail from either mainland coast, I admit that the midwest has long been a mythical place to me, one of corn fields, cows, and casseroles, and a destination that never figured prominently in childhood dream vacations. Still, I went. And it was good. This trip was a "socialization tour" of sorts (in the interpersonal rather than economic sense), the presentation of the bride to Noel's sometimes-hometown of Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
The Journey
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix chapters heard: 26
- Favorite sign: Toad Suck Park
- Funny looks from semi drivers as we filled the Jetta up at the huge diesel pumps: 8
- Greatest discovery: There's a Jack in the Box in north Nashville!
The Midwest
- Biggest surprise: The gigantic Wal-Mart freezer building that's recently been built outside of Bartlesville and looms with menacing iciness as you drive closer
- Biggest bonus: The Casselberry's pool is salt, not chlorine, water!
- Strange resemblance: The contents of the Casselberry's library are eerily similar to that of my parents' in Hawaii
- Favorite repeated comment: "Well, we've heard so much about you, ever since Paige gave her approval."
- Blenders received: 2 (albeit they each have their own specialty)
- Favorite "I've heard so much about it and now I've finally seen it" moment: The Starr's backyard, with its five storage sheds, one of which is equipped with a rain gutter and two of which have spotlights.
- Coolest gift received: Yummy loose leaf tea from Becky and Ryan.
Upon Returning Home
- Cockroaches killed in our absence: 3 (we're a little disappointed)
- Unexpected backyard occurence: The blackberries are ripe!
In the eternal child-development question of nature vs. nurture I tend to pull more strongly to the side of "nurture;" your atmosphere and companions are an incredibly shaping force. Visiting Noel's high school haunts, meeting people that mentored and played with him, and worshipping at his old church all tie me a little more closely to Noel as he is now. The binding twist of marriage seems to be extending backwards, too, like strings wrapping around themselves. The sovereign God who ordered our entire lives now graciously lets us joy in His faithfulness by allowing us to know and love people in each other's pasts.
Carefully Dramatized Life Accounts , Faith | By elissa | 05:34 PM
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Comments
Ahh...the midwest. For a long time I have wanted to distance myself from my midwestern roots (Iowa), but I am starting to enjoy them a bit more. I wouldn't go so far as to say I'm "embracing" them, but perhaps with time...
Posted by: justin at July 14, 2005 04:22 PM
