Thoughts

I've been thinking a lot on that whole hospitality thing. I realize most of what I wrote pertains not just to the south but it is universal. But you often hear of the south being inviting, with friendly smiling people who open doors and say hello as you walk down the street. I have not seen that while living down here. It's a totally different world than where I come from. I was talking with one of my friends about it today. She is originally from Alaska, but being a military wife has traveled around as well. She agrees that she has not seen hospitality down here like you hear about. And she is in the same boat as I am- really ready and excited to move this summer.

In conversation with another friend it was brought up about a mutual woman we know. This woman has a wealth of friends here but she also has more income than what some have. I love this woman- she is open and friendly to whoever regardless of race, class or whatever and has been so dear to me. But I have noted that because she is more of the 'upper class' as the town is that maybe she is more welcomed. Even my Alaska native friend noticed this with herself. While she's not necessarily 'rich' or 'poor' she lives in a nicer neighborhood and drives a nicer vehicle. Once people discovered where she lived she was 'accepted' (these were her words). I also think part of it is the area we live in. Ocean Springs (the town we lived in until we moved to military housing) is a more upper class society. But then you have Biloxi with its casinos and that is a whole different spectrum that you get of 'southern living' as well.

On to another thought. Alaska friend asked me a few weeks ago if I've noticed people treating me differently since they found out I'm moving. At that time I answered no. But I did tell her that I felt like I was pulling away from things and people a bit, though not intentionally. I think God was really preparing me to move and was slowly drawing us away from certain things to make the move easier, even before we knew we were moving.

But now I notice that I am being treated differently. I feel like people get offended that I'm excited about moving. Sure, I will miss the friends I've made, but at the same time this will by far be our easiest move. I have friends here but they're not like the close relationships I've had in NC and ND. Maybe its best that hospitality wasn't granted to our family!

Oh, another thing on hospitality that was in the comments... I shouldn't have said about inviting a family for dinner! It doesn't matter if you invite a family to dinner, dessert, games, snacks, whatever. The thought is that you are reaching out and being hospitable. Sure, some people can't cook or don't like to cook (I've come a long way in that department). Some people may have a larger family and can't fathom the thought of adding X amount of people to the menu, but they would love to invite a family to dessert or just for some fun fellowship. It doesn't have to be dinner. It's the thought of being hospitable and fellowshipping together as families, not about feeding a belly! After talking with Zach about this whole subject we figured we can only count 5 or 6 families from here who have invited our family to their home- in a total of 4 years. So very sad. Can you blame us for wanting to leave???

About Easter. I must be a bad mom. I didn't snap any pictures of the kiddos. I think the two oldest ones wore the same thing this year as last. We just didn't have money to go and buy a cute new dress or outfit. I was wearing some clothes that were quite tight on me with my expanding figure, but it was the only 'spring' type of shirt I could find! I craved a ham and mashed potatoes but instead made a pasta dish. At least it turned out well- and it was so healthy with zucchini, asparagus and red peppers. Yum! I hope there are some for leftovers!