Some frustrations of small town living

We moved to Gadsden about 5 months ago following God's very clear leading. We knew without a shadow of a doubt that Buddy was to detach from the Navy and Gadsden, Alabama was where we were supposed to live. I did look forward to moving here because it is a small town and I really missed that feeling, after growing up in Sandpoint, Idaho. There are so many wonderful things about living in a town where everyone knows everyone. I thought it would be a delightful change of scenery. Plus, not being military anymore, I looked forward to getting to know "civillians" again. There were several things that I didn't take into consideration though and it has become very disturbing.

You wouldn't believe how many people I have met that are predjudice! Yes, predjudice. As in against other races and ethnic groups. I don't know how many times I have been having a normal conversation with someone about something, such as a school, and the comment is made; "it was a perfectly fine school until we started getting more black people then, well, you know, it kind of went down hill." ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? My friend Sarah, who I knew in California, lives here and she warned me. Foolish me thought she was exaggerating. Totally not at all! Then, foolish me again thought that I would have some sort of pat answer ready for when (if) someone ever said anything to me. Whatever! I couldn't even pick my chin up off the floor to come back with anything even remotely close to clever or anything at all! I was completely floored. I just want to scream "You stupid, ignorant, REDNECK." But that wouldn't be very christian, now would it?

The other thing that has been frustrating is somewhat understandable but still irritating. Alot of people around here have known each other for most of their lives and have a tough time branching out and welcoming a new person/family. They are all quick with their southern hospitality but that ends when the plate of freshly baked "welcome" cookies gets left on the doorstep. After that, its like..."do I know you?"

I know this sounds like a gripe session; maybe it is. I was just surprised at how some people around here behave. Ok, shocked. It makes me realise even more how I want to raise our children and how careful I have to be about what is being said around them that could influence them one way or the other.