There’s a country song out–by a group called Little Big Town…and it kinda describes what I feel when I get to work in Louisiana. The name of the song is “Boondocks.”

I feel no shame
I’m proud of where I came from
I was born and raised in the boondocks
One thing I know
No matter where I go
I keep my heart and soul in the boondocks

I had the chance to be with teachers, DREs and catechists from across the diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, both in the morning and in the evening. We talked a little about the challenges of the work and the whole need for remembering what drives us.

It’s like visiting with the neighbors or family after you have been on the road for awhile. Very comfortable, very humbling…reminding me of where I started. I did CLI (Christian Leadership Institute) in this diocese over 20 years ago! And I was just starting then.

I saw old acquaintances Ray P., Rodney D., Margie D., Madeline C., and of course the office director for youth Ministry, Mike DiSalvo.

We talked about the subtle and not-so-subtle things which can burn us out in this work.

There were some added bonuses…a great lunch with Wille, Mike and office secretary, Michelle, at the local country club. (There was a bridge tournament going on so our laughter got a few looks. I felt like Bill Murray in Caddyshack!)

After lunch, I also got to visit for a few minutes with Bishop Sam Jacobs

who was so gracious to give a few minutes to a drop-in guest like me. I heard some of the exciting things happening in the diocese, which is always good to hear from a bishop.

It was a great way to spend a day with friends who work in the same wonderful vineyard, called southern Louisiana. Down in the boondocks. Which is fine by me…cause I don’t take boondocks to be a bad thing at all.

It’s where I learned about Jesus
And knowing where I stand
You can take it or leave it, this is me
This is who I am