I found Jesus

Jesus is alive and well in Palestine, Texas. Let me tell you, I have experienced Jesus this past week in a way I never have before...in school. Now, as a Christian woman, I think these instances are amazing and think it's great that people here are not afraid to talk about their faith. However, the girl who grew up in San Diego is just having a little bit of culture shock getting adjusted to this new place. Let me share some of the instances that I have found awesome and awkward all at the same time. In order to understand the reasons behind the awkward laugh that I experienced each of these times, you must remember that I can't help but think how the situation would be completely different if it took place in San Diego (a place where I had a teacher who refused to say the pledge and instead would go outside during the pledge and say a poem to nature). Picture this...

1) You are at new teacher orientation at you new job and the Assistant Superintendent asks everyone in the room to bow their heads to bless the food before lunch (reasonable enough but still would never happen in SD)

2) Now picture new teacher convocation, with the entire staff of Palestine ISD present and the School Board President gets up and starts talking about how Satan is trying to come into the district and bring it down but we know that God will prevail! (Oh, you know I had an awkward giggle here and couldn't help but to look around to find the person that would be offended and sue)

3) The Superintendent goes over all of the awards and achievements of the district to which everyone says "Amen!" after each one is listed. (apparently the fact that we were having the convocation at the Evangelistic Temple was really reaching some people)

All in all, I really do think that it is awesome that I live in a town where the question isn't "Do you go to church?" Instead the questions is just "Where do you go to church?" because trust me, everyone goes to church here. Even the cable guy had to leave in the middle of installing our cable so he could go to church. There is just a little part of me (the California part) that can't get over the fact that we prayed three times today while I was at work. Maybe more places should be more like Palestine.