You might be inclined to think that there is absolutely nothing around San Angelo because the map isn't detailed enough. Don't be guilty of over-analyzing. The map shows nothing around SA because there IS nothing around SA. What you see is what you get. And it is in the western portion of the state, which means the landscape definitely leaves something to be desired. The really weird thing is there is an air force base and a state university there. That would seem to indicate that there is something more to it, and that there would be fun stuff to do in the area. That would be wrong.
Despite the forsaken location and lack of entertainment, it was a great trip. On Friday, we ate sushi and saw Captain America with some friends of Nathan's. On Saturday, we pretty much ate, ran a quick errand to Wal-Mart, and hung around the hotel room watching movies. It was actually less boring than it sounds. After being apart for a month, it was nice to just be together doing nothing. And Sunday we went to church, ate, and finished a movie we started Saturday. Again, much better than it sounds.
The best of the trip was going to church. Nathan is the 1st counselor of his branch. (I will attempt to translate for any non-Mormons reading this. A branch is a small congregation. A 1st counselor is part of the non-paid clergy.) I have never been to a branch before--only wards, which are often quite a bit larger. It was different going to a meeting with only 40 people there. Towards the close of sacrament meeting (the meeting where everyone is together, we take the sacrament, and members of the congregation speak on preassigned topics), the branch president (the leader of the branch) got up and publicly welcomed me to the branch and gushed about how much everyone loves Nathan. Normally sacrament meeting is not so...personal. I'm sure my face was bright red, but it was kinda nice.
The best part about the branch president's welcome? He mentioned that he had never seen Nathan smile so much. And he was just the first of many to say that during the 3 hours of church that day. There is something really gratifying about everyone commenting on how you make someone smile bigger and more than they have ever seen. I told Nathan he needs to smile more often, but really it made me happy to know I have that effect. :)
You could have gone to Warren Jeffs trial and visited his polygamy compound! And I guess you don't remember going to church in Victoria, Texas after they divided into 2 branches;)
ReplyDeleteWe are going to attempt to drive from Tucson to Houston right after Christmas this year, so pretty much we will get to travel that entire stretch of Western TX with 3 small kids. Can't wait! It does sound like a fun, relaxing weekend though.
ReplyDeleteI love that everyone can tell how happy you make him. What a sweet story :)
ReplyDeleteI have a cousin who lives in San Angelo. I am pretty sure he works for the university. They moved there from Annabella, UT, so San Angelo might be a step up! Sounds like you had a great weekend, despite being in the middle of nowhere.
Sabrina--Good luck on your drive. It's a tough one. I get through with books on CD. I check them out from the library, upload them to the iPod, and then take them back. A lot cheaper than buying! That really is a dreary drive.
ReplyDeleteShannon--I think it's going to be one of my favorite stories ever. And I feel sorry for your cousin. I hope he's happy there!
Is there a like button for this post? Come on blogspot, get on board with the facebook trend. :-p For reals though, I really like this post and it made me smile for you guys.
ReplyDeleteAh that's sweet!!! And your commentary on the nothingness around San Angelo is hilarious! :)
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