Favorite Part of the Day: Mexia

Today we had an enjoyable Sunday, different from our normal. Nathan had a speaking assignment in Mexia, TX, a small branch in our stake. We were encouraged to go with him when he has speaking assignments, so today we went. It took us an hour and a half to get there, and it was very small. Diana was the only child in nursery. Caitlin and Bryn had class combined with one other boy, and Andrew’s teachers were the missionaries. It brought back so memories of people and branches from my mission that I began crying with a flood of emotion. (I only served in branches on my mission, except for the 2 months of visa waiting in Las Vegas).

Today it took only two people to pass the sacrament, and was so reverent in the room. Nathan said there were 42 in Sacrament meeting. (6 of whom were us). The chapel had 4 side rooms which were open with extra seats during the sacrament meeting, but closed off and became classrooms during class time. Both the nursery and B & C’s classes were held in these. Relief Society was held in a small room as well. When I walked in, I thought out loud, “Will we all fit?” Of course, we did. I think it was 11 sisters.

I loved it and so did the kids. Both Bryn and Caitlin said their favorite part of the day was going there, and Andrew said he likes it better than our normal ward. Nathan gave a great talk about celestial marriage. The people were very friendly and welcoming, they were sad to learn we were only visitors and not moving in. More than one person told us to come back anytime, and a man tried selling Nathan some fresh eggs from his personal free range chickens. We declined, but I was envious when I saw the Elders walk off with a free dozen in their hands. But I’ve been there before, I had my turn. Someone in my mission gave me a freshly slaughtered rabbit. I promptly gave it to a sister in the ward who knew how to cook it. I couldn’t even open the package, because I didn’t know what I would do if I saw the fur. . . . I mean, really, what would YOU do?

Back to today . . . it was so hot in our car that the cheese in our sandwiches melted even though the food was in a cooler. No ice, so we could have prevented that, but we’ve had 100 degree weather all week. We saw a crop on the side of the road that we couldn’t identify, we should have asked a local. We saw two fields of it, growing about knee high with 5-6 inches of seed at the top. Nathan’s guess was tobacco, but I don’t think the leaves were big enough, however, I didn’t venture a guess. Any takers?

On the drive we also saw donkeys, goats, many horses, cattle hiding in whatever shade they could find, a Brahma bull, and several homes with plenty of dilapidated, rusty vehicles and tractors sitting outside. We saw gorgeous, sprawling new brick homes right next to worn out wood frame homes and trailers. We saw the sign on Disco 84, Open for Dancing and BYOB.” In Mexia itself we passed 5 churches and the swimming pool before arriving at our own. Aunt Lucy’s Day care, open 5:30 am to 5:30 pm. Can you believe anyone is up for day care at 5:30 am? Ugh. Makes me want to go to bed!

If I had been smart enough to take my camera, I would include a photo of the cattle lying nearly on top of each other trying to get a piece of the shade. I personally feel a 10 degree difference during the middle of the day if I am in shade or not, so you can’t blame the cattle for packing themselves in tight. Sitting between sweaty cows doesn’t sound 10 degrees cooler. I guess it is all about survival.

We left our house at 8:15am and got back at 3:15pm, so we will not be going back often. But when we do, we will welcome the opportunity for a little more Mexia.

Here's a little TX trivia for you: Mexia is pronounced Ma-HAY-ya, stress on the 2nd syllable.

P.S. I think my father in law was right, I am pretty sure it was sorghum we saw.
Click here for more info on Sorghum.