It's truly a wonderful feeling being the new guy in town. My pastoral internship began this week in Dawson, Minnesota, a small town of 1500 - small only in population. Their welcome has been anything but small - we've been amazed at their warmth and friendliness. I could easily get used to country living.
Right now we are packed into a tiny one bedroom apartment. It's quaint but you really can't beat the commute time - door to door, my trek to church is .9 miles. It takes me a little under two minutes to get there by car and a mere 15 minutes by foot. There is a Subway and Dairy Queen between our apartment and the church. We have a local grocery store, hardware store, post office, coffee shop, clothing store, butcher shop, bowling alley, a bar or two, a sports grill and a library. There is a hair salon - two even. Last night we watched the Dawson-Boyd Blackjacks do battle with the Renville County West Jaguars in the first high school football game of the season. The Blackjacks won 72 - 0. I could get used to country living.
There are however, a few negatives thus far. The walls are pretty thin at the apartment - and we apparently have some rowdy neighbors. The nearest Target is 1 hour away. Our rabbit ears antenna only captures 1 channel (PBS) for television watching. We didn't have room to bring our bikes. We don't have internet in our apartment.
All in all, we are truly enjoying ourselves here in Dawson. The church is in the process of purchasing a house practically on the same property. It needs alot of TLC and renovation and looks like a move-in date for us will be late fall. It will slice my commute by .9 miles. It's so close to the church that I should be able to tap into the wireless signal. I will be able to walk ten steps and into the church. No kidding.
I've begun being referred to as "Pastor Keith." It's weird but it feels good to get going in my ministry career. Yes, I could get used to country living.
