Texas is pretty much all it’s cracked up to be. 

Easily one of my favorite states, Texas offers exactly what it markets — wide open spaces, cowboy boots, legit barbecue and southern hospitality. The local bravado seeks to always outdo itself, whether it’s placing the “lone star” on highway overpasses or flying a Texas flag above the American flag. The spirit of independence swells with every rolling hill and blows strong across every dusty plain. Texas. A place of solidarity and purpose and belonging. Natives want everyone to love their state as much as they do so there is no shame in promotion or recruiting. It makes me laugh. And want to stay forever.

I spent three weeks in Texas, the first in the Dallas/Fort Worth area staying with sweet friends and meeting up with a different person each day of the week. I am grateful for the lovely Cox family who let me crash with them on short notice and for Rosie Watson letting me borrow her car. I had fun times with Carolyne, Maegan, Lydia and Bryn as each day I traversed the DFW metro area in search of local coffee shops and delicious foodie spots. 

As I packed my suitcases and prepared to drive to Tyler, TX I began to crave home. That need to sit in one place and not move. And everyone is okay with that. I was ready for my Texas retreat. My heart has been inexplicably woven into the community and families there. In particular, I knew that going to stay with the Baber family would be sweet, safe and restful. I knew it would be home. 

We had many Texas adventures together, some monumental and some mundane. They included…

• Roadtrip San Antonio to see the Alamo and the River Walk
• Went to Mesquite for my first rodeo
• Watched the farrier trim the hooves of the horses
• Helped lead worship at church
• Made spoon rings (and then promptly lost mine at DFW security. Gah.)
• Cooked new recipes we found on Pinterest
• Watched John Wayne blow up the Alamo
• Became BFF’s with Baby Lou, the three legged dog
• Observed guys practicing a choreographed sword fight
• Saw “Camelot” at the Texas Shakespeare Festival
• Experienced Canton Trade Days
• Got to see Bryn, the Sherrods and the crazy Pine Cove staffers
• Sat in the back of a truck to look at the stars
• Lunch at the Gristmill in Gruene, TX where many TeenPact staffers have been
• Coffee with my beloved friends Rhonda and Rachel
• Got to visit with other local friends like Lydia, the Byrds, Brandon, Hannah, etc
• Had my first Whattaburger meal

In the midst of all the Texas adventures, I drove up to Oklahoma City with Nathan, Rachel and Will. Our goal: to see the Halls and to make Halls pizza on the infamous food truck. Seeing these dear friends was therapy for my soul, for these are my Oklahoma family. We experienced local food, summer events, good conversations and — much to our delight — got to work on the pizza truck. It was quite an operation to fit 6 people in a small truck with a 700 degree wood-fired oven. But oh man, it was such fun. If you’re EVER in OKC, you must look up The Hall’s Pizza Kitchen! Our trip was topped off with my first visit to Tulsa, OK to see some beloved friends and have literally the best ribs I’ve ever tasted at Burn Company Barbecue.

My Texas weeks were more simple in a lot of ways. I’ve been processing. Applying. Obeying. Walking. Pressing in. Seeing answers. Talking out options. There’s a lot on my heart and in my mind these days, but I am slowly moving forward. More on that later. 

Texas, you have been good to me, as always. You can keep your heat and humidity, but I will take your love and passion. You will always be in my heart.

God Bless Texas.