This weekend the little town of Senatobia is putting on the Five Star City Festival. It was great to see the normally quiet streets bustling with people. Having lived in a big city my whole life, I find small towns so interesting. It’s cool to see how people interact with each other. I love how so many people know each other and they actually take the time to stop and talk. I’m sure I’m probably idealizing it and there’s a lot wrong in little towns. It’s just I’m not used to seeing that kind of “close-knitness” and I can’t help but appreciate it.
I’ve always heard of “southern hospitality,” but I had never really experienced it. I can’t get over how friendly everyone is in the south! For example, we were just walking around in the BBQ cook-off area, looking around, when all of a sudden, one of the guys invited us over to his tent and handed us plates loaded up with amazing BBQ! Jimbo even tried pig tail (I had a bite, it actually wasn’t bad). They say “the only thing they don’t eat is the squeal!” Then they sat down to talk with us and they kept wanting to feed us some more. A family came by to say hi, they had bought a candied apple from one of the vendors and shared it with us. We sat there for about an hour and dozens of people came by to say hi and joined in on the conversation. It was really nice that, although we were the “strangers,” they made us feel like family.
And, I just have to say, some people may say that racism is alive & well in the south, but I have seen nothing but the opposite to be true! Everyone is kind and friendly to each other and a lot of people seem to be really good friends with people of the “opposite color.” (At least here in northern Mississippi anyways.) It fills my heart with joy—not only because I love seeing people love one another, but because it reminds me of the most essential of all truths, God is love.
Today they had a classic car show. Got to see lots of really cool old cars. I snapped a picture of of our buildings (beige & green) with a few of them parked out front. The new roof finally went on today. Praise God!
We’re heading back tonight to listen to some live music and hang out with the friendly locals.