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Published: April 20th 2009
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A Highway on Stilts
Driving on I-10 through the western part of Louisiana was such a strange experience. Stilts and highways are just not something we're used to. New Orleans to San Antonio Once again the pictures don't match the text but I would rather include more photos than leave some out. I hope everyone can follow the journal and the pictures as they appear.
On Wednesday, March 4, we prepared to leave New Orleans and head further west towards San Antonia, Texas. We were on the road early today, 6:40 a.m., to miss the heavy rush hour traffic since we had to drive through downtown New Orleans to continue our trip west on I-10. We travelled over an exceptionally long patch of straight highway that all seemed to be raised on stilts above the bayous. Again, it felt like another world. It was exciting for us to pass through Baton Rouge and we wished we would have been able to stop and spend some time touring.
As we approached the western border of Louisiana, the bayous gave way to terrain that looked more like the grazing land we were expecting to see in Texas. In fact, there were even a couple herds of cows, no long-horns, though. Because we started out so early, we reached our overnight stop at noontime,
The Texas Welcome Center
What a super spot to welcome us into the great state of Texas. The Center was certainly done in a big way, just like the state. Here is Nathe hamming it up on a cut-out sculpture. so we kept going. It was exciting to cross over into Texas and once again the RV echoed loudly with shrieks of joy and several "yipee-ay-yay's." Yeehaw! There was a boardwalk into the Blue Elbow Swamp at the Texas Welcome Center but it had been damaged by a Hurricane Ike that spring so we couldn’t take a stroll. We did pick up a Texas map and some tour books, though, which we hoped would be helpful. The scenery along the way was wonderful and the land so open and large. We could understand why Texans are so proud of their state.
We left I-10 at Beaumont and headed west on I-90, finding Pastor Stephen Vallesky’s church, “Abiding Word” Lutheran, after a slow drive into the north end of Houston. I think we arrived at rush hour. We were excited to be at this church because it bears the same name as ours in Ottawa. This is a very large congregation with a full grade school and several staff members. They are constantly improving their facility as they reach out into the community. The sanctuary is only a couple of years old and is
Sanctuary of Abiding Word Lutheran Church, Houston, Texas
This is a very large facility. The windows are immense and allow a lot of natural light into the sanctuary. very functional with all of the newest of technological advances. We parked right next to the parsonage and plugged in there. Sally Vallesky was so kind and offered their house for us to shower that evening and we did so, then attended their Lenten supper (sloppy Joe's) and church service. We stayed for fellowship after the service and finally went to bed at about 21:00. It was a wonderfully warm evening and we were quite comfortable in the RV.
The next morning, March 5, the Vallesky’s let us use their shower once more. After taking pictures of the church and phoning our next stop to make sure they knew we were coming, we said goodbye and hit the road. It was very hectic getting out of Houston, the traffic was heavy and the roads under construction. Finally though, we were clear of the city and on our way to San Antonio and Pastor David Schneider’s church in Universal City. We saw the typical Texas scrubland along the way and herds of cattle, still no longhorns, though. It was a hot day so we were a little concerned about the camper overheating. We stopped often and
Pastor Stephen and Sally Vallesky
Our kind hosts at Abiding Word in Houston. We are grateful for their thoughtful hospitality. Together they form an amazing team in this thriving congregation. allowed time for the engine to cool down, adding engine coolant whenever the levels indicated the need.
For miles and miles we saw ads for a gas stop/store called Buc-ee’s. We couldn’t pass it by so we stopped there for gas, supper and, yes, a black Stetson for Nathe. He was so excited and of course he started acting the part of a cowboy right away. "Howdy pardner. I'm the sherriff in these here parts, .... can I help you, m'am?"
We arrived at “Cross of Christ” Lutheran Church in Universal City about two and a half hours before service. This was our next touring stop and we would be there for two nights. Following worship we parked at the side of the church and were able to plug into an electric outlet. Pastor Schultz made arrangements to return in the morning and let us into the church so we could use the facilities before our tour of the city. It’s a good thing we got to use the church to clean up before bed time because Nathanael’s feet were absolutely filthy. Just look
Buc-ee's
This place is advertised for such a long time along the highway, it is almost impossible not to stop and see what it's all about. at that picture.
We were excited and it was difficult to fall asleep because tomorrow we would be at the Alamo, a location steeped in history and drama. We hoped and prayed the weather would stay clear but not be too hot for our sightseeing.
Stay tuned for our next blog entry and we will tell you all about our day tour of San Antonio. Take care everyone.
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Lynnette
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Texas two stepping!
Hi you two, I know what you mean about Texas. Last year 3 Army friends and I spent two wonderful weeks in Houston and Austin. I got to visit Abiding Word and the Valleskeys too and echo your comments. Awaiting more news as you have time!