Moving to Vicksburg

We have been in Vicksburg for 6 weeks and I feel very much like we made the right decision coming here. I was a little hesitant. We could have gone to San Antonio, TX, which seemed like the "better choice" location wise, school wise, shopping wise, wise wise wise. But we didn't. We came here and I have no regrets. Erik is adjusting to his job. He is meeting new people and learning new things and enjoying the atmosphere of his office.

Alyssa first.

Now add Erik.

I have started going to MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and that has helped get to know women in the community. I also fulfilled my life long dream and started a preschooler music group. It has been well attended these first two weeks and the mamas sing so beautifully! I feel like I am doing what I love to do, which is being with kids, teaching them, and helping them have fun in the meanwhile.

M'loves.

Oh, yes, we celebrated Erik's birthday, too.

Last night we went the the First Baptist church. Don't worry, we are not looking for a new religion. Erik's co-worker invited him to come and hear a little devotional he was giving and go rock climbing in their church gym. (President Monson, have you considered this for our missionary efforts?) We went because we wanted to experience a reverse missionary experience - in that we wanted to see how hard or easy it is to go to someplace completely new.

It turned out alright. I talked to a couple of women there and Erik scaled the wall a couple of times. We learned about Jesus healing our hearts and sang some songs that are a little different than LDS hymns.

The interesting thing to us was our conversation that ensued before we even left. I was pretty nervous/anxious to go. Who knew what it would be like? Would I have someone to talk to? Would I fit in? Would Erik be able to find his friend? Would it be AWKWARD (because I hate awkward)? These feelings and thoughts are something we do not really consider when we are on the inviting end. Just as nerve racking as it is to invite someone, it is also that nerve racking to be invited, accept, and follow through!

I think we are both a little more determined to be a little more friendly to new faces we see in places that we are comfortable.

So to wrap up my 6 week analysis of Vicksburg -- we like it, a lot. The people are so friendly and so religious. I'm wondering why I have always been so reserved about my religion. We are meeting more people than we have ever met before and we are learning how to be southernly hospitable and kind. It is pretty crazy, but I know we are right where we are supposed to be.

This one is for you, Mom. Those clowns are loved by her! They are the only boys in the house she can marry!