Not in Kansas anymore.

This is a post from a blog I started a few weeks ago when I got to Jackson. For lots of stories, pictures, and updates on life here, check it out: http://www.tumblr.com/tumblelog/prestongordon

Life here is very different. Very awesome in a lot of ways. I wish I could share it with you all. Come visit me! Here's my latest post...

Jackson is an amazing place. The scenery is breathtaking. Access to outdoor fun and adventure is as easy as walking out the front door. People wanting to join you in these activities—everywhere. Needless to say, it is pretty easy for me to adjust to these things.

But not in every way. I am reminded almost daily that I am a long way from the land of sweet tea, sundresses, and 15 churches per city block. I have a lot to learn about Christianity and the perception of the church in this area of the world, the strange dynamics of living in a resort town, the large economic disparity that seems to exist, and many more confusing issues I never knew existed (ever struggled with moose eating your trees? Frank has to fight them off daily). I’ve only been here three weeks, so my knowledge is still very limited. But I have a few observations to share:

The church. I know of 7 churches around Jackson. Presbyterian, Baptist, Episcopal, Non-denom, Pentecostal, Catholic, and Mormon. PCJH is one of the biggest with an average Sunday attendance of 250. Which makes sense, seeing as the Jackson population is just over 8 thousand. But it’s very different for me! I’m used to churches being between 5 and 6 thousand. Furthermore, many people here seem to see no need for church and religion, and/or have extremely poor perceptions of the church and don’t want any affiliation with it. I’m learning there are many reasons people have for this: intellectual differences and a lack of honest conversation surrounding them, political stereotypes and affiliations, and feelings of condescension coming from Christians, to name a few. There certainly is a wall, so to speak, that many people have against Christianity—or, more specifically, against the American church (which prohibits people from ever nearing Christianity). It is good (and difficult) for me to learn and navigate these things. Needless to say, this is no Brentwood, TN when it comes to church frequency and Christian subculture.

The Resort vibe. I have a slight familiarity with this from Nashville’s tourist scene, but I was well removed from it in the good ole Vandy bubble. Most people I see around town are tourists. And many that live here use it as a vacation home, a retirement spot, or just move here for a few years and can’t ever leave (uh-oh). Don’t get me wrong, this is not a bad thing. I have loved vacationing here in the past. I’d be a lucky man to one day have a home in this valley. It’s incredible. But it is definitely interesting to get used to living around all the time when I am accustomed to cities that are more focused on “living”, if that makes sense. Like Southeast Charlotte. A great place. But I don’t think too many people head to the QC for summer or winter vacation.

The $. The county I live in has the highest average income in the United States, despite the large population that runs and works in the many hotels, restaurants, and resorts. Last weekend was The Valley’s biggest fundraiser for local non-profits called Old Bill’s Fun Run. Last year, it raised over $7 millionin a single day. I’ve heard people refer to “the homeless person” of Jackson that lives under one of the bridges crossing Flat Creek. I wonder what they do in the winter..? Huh. This is no downtown Nashville with Contributorsalespeople on every corner either.

Like I said, this place is incredible. There’s a reason people come to visit from all over the world…I’m already eager for some powder under my skis. But there are definitely things that aren’t as simple to adjust to. Other things I haven’t mentioned include the “No Idling” signs in all parking lots, the lack of Chik-fil-a, and the terrible absence of sundresses. But change is good. And like most good things, parts of it are hard.

Although a Chik-fil-a would be incredible.