I told them

I think I have some of the best parents in the world.
Not that the beginning was easy.
When I finally managed the words, "I-want-join-the-catholic-church" out of my mouth my Dad got up and left to the room to keep from shouting.
Then he came back and gave the expected talking-at
a few Protestant tall tales about Catholics came out
my mother told me not to send my kids to a Catholic school or they'll get raped
but all in all it was less than I'd expected.
The first two days weren't fun. Every now and then they would try bring up another superstition about the Church but they weren't hard to refute. It was like walking on ice and every time they said my name I cringed expecting an attack. At one point I got really angry with them about it but we all talked it out then. They told me they'd love me no matter what, and that they wouldn't always be in shock like this. I think once the shock has worn off we'll be able to talk about it freely.
I'm waiting for Gran to be done with her radiation treatments before I tell the rest of the family. I will, however, probably never tell my Great Grandmother (she's 95). My mother is certain it would kill her, and I don't even want to think what my vietnam veteran Uncle would do if he knew.
It wasn't easy and carefree this Esther but I think my family's going to be okay, and I am very grateful my parents didnt kick me out of the house.
In other news I think I'm going to sign up for the choir at the Catholic church in Collierville. That church is b-a-u-tiful by the way. I'm not a great singer but I'm ok, and I think singing in the choir will help me to transition to the Catholic form of worship.
My parents seem to think that I enjoy worshipping God at the Catholic church more, but the opposite is true. I've always worshiped God with singing and its hard to learn to worship any other way with as much fervor. What is drawing me to the Catholic church is it's dogma and doctrine which I believe is the most faithful to how Christ set up the church in the beginning. Everyday I learn somthing new and am reaffirmed that this was the right choice.
Forms of worship have to do with culture and cultural expression. Culture is no reason to leave or join anything, because with a little persistance you can learn one and drop another. Its awkward right now because I'm not used to praying with the same fervor as a Catholic who was born into the church but I know that with time I will learn. In the mean time though the choir will be a nice transition.