David and I woke up early the next morning and began thinking about our day ahead. We packed up and headed to the hotel’s reception area to have breakfast and check out. As I was packing, I noticed a guest comment card, asking for feedback on our experience with the hotel. As I read over it, I was delightfully surprised that they were members’ of a group of Christian run hotels. I knew in my spirit that there was something remarkably different about this hotel, now I knew why.
The reception area was beautifully appointed with Christmas decorations, warm furnishings and a blazing fire roaring in the fireplace. We sat in the dining room and ate a quick bite of breakfast with some enjoyable guests then headed off for another day of adventure.
The day was beautiful and sunny as we headed down through Tennessee and then on to the very corner of Georgia, through Alabama and Mississippi and eventually to our final destination of Louisiana. As we drove through Alabama, there were indications everywhere that the state was being besieged in a sea of red. Flags, signs and football paraphernalia colored the landscape of the state. College football was in its peak season and the “Roll Tide” state was one of the contenders for the big prize of winning the national championship. There was definitely no lack of support or enthusiasm for the state’s favored college team. Since David and I are from Texas, we felt a little odd driving through the “competition’s” territory. You see, Texas was the opposing contender for the national championship. I felt somewhat relieved that I didn’t have any Texas burnt orange or UT stickers on our truck. There’s nothing like finding oneself knee deep in the middle of the adversary’s territory, without having some form of protection. We continued driving stealthily through the state, fortunately, unnoticed.
© Brenda L. Marlin 2010
