The ArkLaTex

     So I decided to go to the 'ArkLaTex' for my 1st REAL travel assignment. Once I told family, friends and acquaintances the immediate concern was "don't they have hurricanes there?" I could proudly answer NO because I had done my homework . I would be more inland than anything - much like home. Next was "the heat", again, I had done my homework, so no worse or less than home.
     My greatest issue was 'the drive'; around 13 hours and then some considering I had to stop in the capital in order to complete my application for licensing in the state. Those fears were relieved because my wonderful and excellent boyfriend announced that he would be driving me there. He packed my truck, drove me almost the entire way (minus about 3 hours) and unpacked my truck after the two day trip! Isn't he a sweetie!! That trip was either gonna make or break us because as it turns out I believe I was SUPER stressed, though I didn't feel that way. Hindsight allows me to say that because I developed a horrid mouth sore that started forming the day before I left (though I didn't know what it was at the time). I could not eat for those two days because of the pain, despite mouth washes, peroxide, ICEE's, popsicles and Ibuprofen. Miraculously it disappeared the day AFTER I arrived into town with no issues since.
     I was looking forward to my first church experience as I had already scoped out a couple of churches on the internet before arriving. One church was warm and welcoming but they had no music :) I just couldn't hang. The next spot proved to be a better fit for my spiritual word and spiritual music needs!
     My apartment was AWESOME! And though it was only 1 bedroom I really enjoyed the space of my home away from home. The furniture was comfy and it came with some interesting neighbors!

Yes, those are my neighbors. Cows and Horses in my backyard. And NO, they did NOT smell!!!