What's a Hoosier?

While perusing through the last post I'm sure many of those photographs brought to mind significant land marks, historic events, or family vacations. For example, Arizona might make one think "Grand Canyon." The dazzling New England autumn might cause you to reminisce about your days of studying the Boston Tea Party, the great pilgrim landing, or for you sports fans, the home base of ESPN. And of course Germany will bring to mind the hero of the faith Martin Luther, the Eternal Mystery of King Ludwig II and his crazy Neuschwanstein castle, and piles of spaetzle with wurst.

But Indiana, it seems, might be a slightly greater mystery than King Ludwig. Therefore, a little research was in order - and without further ado, I'd like to present:

FUN FACTS ABOUT INDIANA
I chose this image because it is an elevation map. As you can see, Indiana is FLAT. Please visit, but do not expect a mountain hiking adventure! This is the 19th state admitted to the union and has grown to include the exciting large city destinations of: Indianapolis. And, well, Indianapolis. But, there are a number of other interesting smaller cities including Lafayette (Purdue U.), South Bend (Rudy! Rudy!), Fort Wayne (cheers to Concordia Seminary!), and Valparaiso (of course). Additionally, when you come to visit, we will go to the Dunes. This is the beautiful state park on the southern edge of Lake Michigan. And while I don't live in Illinois, I also live about forty minutes from Chicago. We will not be visiting Gary, IN, despite the slew of show tune recitations I receive (compliments of The Music Man).

Also interesting: Indiana is also overwhelmingly Roman Catholic and has one of the best nationally-ranked music programs at Indiana U. IN also votes nominally red, but claims lots of other "reds" including the cardinal (state bird) and peony (state flower). I'm a little concerned about the state motto, "Crossroads of America" - does this mean "we're not that great, so spring from here and go somewhere else?" I hope not!

Great and/or Interesting People from Indiana:
- Abe Lincoln spent most of his childhood in IN... come and see his log cabin!
- Dave Letterman of the Late Show
- Michael Jackson (lets qualify him as "interesting," shall we?)
- Kurt Vonnegut (Slaughterhouse 5)
- Orville Redenbacher (Yes, I have been thoroughly informed about the Popcorn Fest!)
- Jimmy Hoffa (I think he's buried under the Valpo chapel... anyone to help dig?)
- Larry Bird

... and finally: John Cougar Mellencamp

As noted in some of the comments, I have been assigned the quest to find John Mellencamp as the Holy Grail of Indiana. I don't know much about him, I've heard that he sings the "Jack and Diane" song... but I'll find him yet! Anyone with the middle name "Cougar" must be pretty cool. Who knows? Maybe he's got an unresolved need for a Lutheran preacher in his band of roadies?

At this point I also need to publicly announce the best part of Indiana happens to be sitting square in the middle Valparaiso: The delightful people of my future congregation. They are doing everything possible to ensure this move is not only easy, but even delightful! The pastor, his wife, and a number of congregation members have called, written emails, and even gathered some needed furniture and a moving contingency. Who could ask for a better welcome? While these posts betray some pre-Indiana anxiety, but please read them as tongue-in-cheek as I have full confidence that this will be a happy, healthy, and full year of learning and ministry!

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And now for the most important question of all: What is a Hoosier?

Answer:
No one knows. It is not a funny looking turkey (see Hokie), a fierce Spartan (Go Green! MSU!), a funny looking woodland creature (Go Gophers!), or a Maroon (all hail Roanoke College! - at least we're a mean looking color!). Maybe instead of Mellencamp, I'll instead simply stumble across the etymological roots of the word and change the future of Indiana!

Coming Soon: Fun Photos and Posts about the Moving process
(this is almost as fun as seeing your best friends vacation pictures!)