In the month since we've been here, I've noticed a few things about the local environment that I haven't experienced too many places before. Here are just a couple of my observation:

Dualies:
Moving south from NY, I definitely noticed a 1000% increase in the ownership of trucks. It makes sense given the jobs/hobbies people have and the need to have such a vehicle if you own land and do projects on your home. Now that we're even farther south, I have seen more dualies than I've ever seen in my life. I know it's all about having more power to pull heavier loads, etc., but they look so weird... Function over form, I suppose.

Front Porches:
Maybe it's that little bit of city still in me, but I like the idea of sitting out in front of the house and watching life happen. A porch is much nicer that a stoop most days, so I'm very happy that the folks down here like their front porches. Not to mention, it's one of my favorite architectural home features and is an absolute on the list of things my dream house must include.

[Non-military] Camoflauge print on any item you can image:
For hunting/fishing/outdoorsy gear, this is totally justified. On car seat covers, tank tops and dresses trimmed in baby pink, ball caps, furniture.... can't say I get it.

The yard with more vehicles in the yard than occupants in the home:
I understand the need for a backup vehicle. I understand if one of your vehicles is waiting to get repaired. But what's up with the rusted out Volkwagen and the other two that have been on jack stands for months? I live with a couple of gearheads so I'm learning that project cars are a way of life for some.

"What IS that smell?!":
Is someone burning something?
Is it swamp water?
Is it an animal (dead or alive)?
Is there a pig farm nearby?

We may never know.

Sunday morning

After a couple of weeks of settling in and getting oriented, we were finally able to start checking out churches in the area. We don't have any friends down here that attend a church, so I prayed then did some researched on the internet for a fellowship a lot like the one we had been a part of and found one that we should go to.

I was very nervous going in, as I usually am walking into unknown situations, but I had confidence that God had led us to a good place. It was such a relief when we were greeted warmly by a few people and then by the pastor and his wife. There were lots a young families, the music was familiar and even though they had a special service, we took communion at the end, which is a nice way to be "reintroduced" to church. We plan to return next week and hopefully we have found a church...