Things have been somewhat of a whirlwind recently.  I led a trip in Galveston two weeks ago which was great.  The group was so exciting to work with and I met some awesome people.  After that trip was over we spent a few days in Houston hanging out and recovering from a long but productive week.  We went to an Astros game and got to go to the Galleria Mall.  Before heading back to Matamoros, we went to Lakewood Church in Houston (where Joel Osteen and his wife pastor) which was a neat experience.  This past week was spent in Mexico recovering and preparing for the remaining trips of the summer.  A group is here at the Gateway this week from Colorado and Kirsten is leading their trip.  On Wednesday I will be heading back to Texas for the last Hurricane Ike relief trip of the summer.  Before the trip begins on Saturday, Abby and I will be able to spend some time in San Antonio and Houston.  When this trip ends next week, we will return to Mexico and lead trips here for the remainder of the summer.  Traveling back and forth between Galveston and Matamoros has been exhausting but fun at the same time.  It has been cool to be part of helping encourage the hurricane survivors, but I am looking forward to being able to spend an extended period of time here in Matamoros.  The picture above is from our most recent week in Galveston - Jim was our worship leader; Abby, Craig, and I led the trip together.