Back to my birthplace

Returning to my hoosier roots has been somewhat nostalgic this past week. I have criss-crossed southeastern Indiana several times running from Cincinnati to Batesville to Columbus to Indianapolis to Columbus to Batesville to Harrison to Batesville etc, etc, etc.

I get to spend the next few days at home in Cincy with my family...so that will be fabulous!

But I had an interesting experience a couple of days ago. I was leaving Starbucks in Columbus and just felt like I should head back to Batesville instead of back to Indy. The reason that decision might not have made any sense was because I had a place to stay in Indy (thanks to "little" brother bean) but no arrangements in Batesville. As I began the 45-mile drive, I actually prayed quite nonchalantly..."you know, Lord...you could just make some arrangements for me to have a warm place to sleep tonight in Batesville?" And that's about all I said to God. Sensing the Spirit was with me anyway...I turned off the music/radio/ipod and drove in silence to Batesville.

There's a Hampton Inn right next to my store there in Batesville...but the rate is about $80/night and there's no way I was going to do that. Well, as I drove into Batesville, I called someone who I was hoping to be my future landlord when/if I sign a lease for a little 1 bdrm apartment to crash in occasionally. But that place wouldn't be sleep-able until sometime next week. Having met with this wonderful couple, discussing the lease, and then ending the conversation...I was prepared to go warm up the car and sleep there. As I turned to go, the wife asked if I had a place to stay for the night? (it was about 8pm) I didn't want to tell her I intended to sleep in my car when it was 25 degrees outside so I just said, "I haven't made any arrangements yet...perhaps a hotel." She went on to explain that two of their boys were off to college or traveling and I was welcome to spend the night with them. Keep in mind this is the first time we've met! So I followed them to their home, had a delicious cup of green jasmine tea with blueberry blossom honey...and slept comfortably and warmly that night!