Quickly I will let you in on a few things I like thus far about Texas…(I am sure I will be adding to this list as we go)
1. People use their turn signals when they drive (big pet-peeve of mine in Louisville) on the highway to change lanes.
2. The weather. Can’t complain about the rain when it is 70 degrees.
3. When I gather with students they tell me where they are from, “I’m so-and-so and I am from Smallville” and everyone else in the room is like, “yeah…I know where that is.” No one ever questions, “is that in Texas?”

So, I began my journey visiting Austin College in Sherman, TX yesterday. I visited with students and joined them for lunch. I had met a few of them previously at Presbyterian Student Strategy Team (PSST, www.pcusa.org/pcc) meetings and at the PEER 1 Event (sponsored by PSST) last summer on the University of Louisville campus.

I was privy to a private “jam session” with John Willams and 2 of his students. I sit here typing this blog wondering, “geeze, what I wouldn’t have given for this in college!” My campus ministry experience in college was anything but “jam-sessions” and Bible Studies filled with being comfortable with kids my own age. I bounced around in college unsure of where I actually “fit.” At the beginning of this internship I was talking to the then, Higher Ed and Campus Ministry Intern and he was asking why I never knew about PSST, NNPCW, or other PCUSA young adult organizations. He asked what I did in high school and if I had always been a Presbyterian. The short of it was, I had always been a Presbyterian and will continue to be what myself and my young adult Presbyterian friends call, “Presby Nerds.” He couldn’t understand. Neither could I.

Sitting-in on the Austin College Bible Study was quite interesting, but not as interesting as the panel discussion which took place afterwards. Now, don’t get me wrong I have been to my fair share of panel discussions in College. This one was different though. Myslef having attended a fairly large secular state school was excited to sit in and listen to a panel discussion about gay rights and homosexual marriage at a small (1300 students) and religiously affiliated school to the PCUSA. There was one professor who seemed very disturbed at the idea of the concept of homosexuality. I sat back and watched how many in the room, not just the GLBT students, squirmed at his tone and what he had to say about gay rights.

As I move on to college campuses more alike to my sweet, Indiana University, I will be interested to learn how the demographics change and where I see God.

Props given to by dearest friend Jennifer and her family in Grand Prairie (look I am doing it. No Texas after it...) for letting me stay and crash the past two nights. Jennifer and I were in Youth Group together back in the day. Now she has a hubby and the most adorable baby boy. Happy Early 1st birthday, Jordan! Alright enough with the shout outs, this isn't TRL.

Gotta get ready. Next stop San Marcos to visit Texas State University for worship and dinner!

Psalms 51: 15
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.

I’ll keep you updated,
Brianne