Deep Fried and Covered in snow

That is a pretty good description to describe the highlights of Nashville, TN.

Lists seem to be the easiset way to organize my thoughts, so here goes.

1. Good home cookin is supposedly the best thing about the South... while I am not sure I would agree, there definitely is deep fried EVERYTHING. Even the fries taste more fried.

2. Here is the Forensics team at Crackerbarrel... the best place to eat where you are in this part of town :)

3. Another thing that has popped out at me is this phrase...

"It's all about you" I have seen it in BOLD letters at least 2 or 3 times in the last few hours... from the Grand Opry Mall to the bag that our dinner came in... and it made me think.

If this is truly what makes things sell... how much more contrary is the gospel to this culture it penetrates when it shouts things such as "Not to us, but to your name be the glory" and "All to Jesus I surrender" and "Christ in me the hope for Glory - YOU are everything."

These statements cannot be shouted at the same time... which one is our LIFE proclaiming through our actions, our words, and our thoughts.

4. Is it strange to be experiencing culture shock over half a year after re entry? With the topic of LD debate as "What should the United States do to aid the greater horn of africa" I GET TO LEARN about the issues that go around the people that I feel in love with this summer. Yet it is a different world... academic debate... and reality.

I prepare, and file my evidence and focus on the task at hand, and then think...

About Eveline and Sofia and Keith and Kathy, and Mathare... and still am processing how we are all living on the same planet - in completely different worlds. My thoughts struggle to wrap around the truth of Jesus Christ and the power that is in his ressurection, the harsh reality of poverty, the consumer culture of America, the desire to be educated in order to be strategic as a change agent for the Kingdom, the doubt about how what I am learning could be relevant, while still longing to be with dear friends at home.

5. I saw these giraffes in the airport... it made me think longingly of Kenya.

6. Cingular commercials are everywhere... raising the bar higher right?

7. I love getting to know new friends.

8. I am very introspective.

9. It has been a rainy day that turned snowy... what a change that makes on my mood

There are other thoughts in my head but for now...

It's time to sleep.

And pray to have energy to face tomorrow with joy - for the sake of the name of the Lord!!!!!

Missin ya'll in Nashville...