Another Busy Day

Something in the back of our minds keeps telling us that we're on vacation, but that little voice is nowhere to be heard when the alarm clock goes off. This morning, we were up before the sun again and headed out to accomplish a few more things.

We drove to Beaumont, Texas to meet with Amber and Amanda at State Farm Insurance and work out a few details there. They have always been so sweet and so supportive and it was neat to hear that they are some of the (seemingly) many readers we have here. Just about every time we start to get discouraged and think that only our immediate families are reading this, we hear about someone else who is. Please don't be afraid to drop us a line and let us know you're out there - your presence is very encouraging to us!

Then we headed to Orange to (sadly) close an account Matt has had for over 10 years at the local credit union. They've always been so nice to work with, too, but since they don't have a branch office in Guatemala....

Then we got to have a cup of coffee and catch up with Matt's friend, Ken, who he's known since high school. They were roommates in college and have been workmates at DuPont for several years. Lots of stories and catching up to do there.

After that, it was off to Nederland, Texas, to return some borrowed musical equipment to Jared, Matt's keyboard player from the last few years on the road. Jared is, without a doubt, the most talented keyboard player in this area - and a very promising producer, too.(myspace.com/jwhmusic)

Following that, it was a run back to Beaumont for some WAY overdue Chik-Fil-A and some time with Billy McQueen, Matt's old drummer/roommate, and to meet a new friend, Ali. With any luck, we'll get to see Jared, Billy, and Ali in Guatemala this spring. Also, Billy owns a company that makes custom drums, so if you want to have the best sounding kit in your town... (myspace.com/crashman1980)

Then it was to China, Texas, to hang out with Todd Howard and his folks for a little while. Todd and Matt have played together in several different bands over the course of probably six or seven years. Todd is an amazing guitar player, definitely the one you would call if you ever wanted a guitar solo. He's touring with the Kaiser Brothers Band now and you can find him online, too. (myspace.com/toddhoward)

After that, we went to Kingwood, Texas for a too-short visit with the Hammond family. Matt has spent at least the last five Christmases with them, so this year will be a little different, but we'll see them again on January 4th, as we come back through.

And, finally, we got to The Woodlands for dinner with Dr. Jim and Kathleen Street. We shared stories and pictures and memories for what seemed to be about five minutes. The next thing we knew, it was after 11pm and we had to get back to the Shaw's house!!

Tomorrow, no alarm clock. It'll be the first time in a week. We just have a bit of banking, a much anticipated lunch to meet some more new friends, and then dinner with Dr. and Dr. Hollier. Mrs. Dr. Hollier was Heidi's program director at University of Texas-Houston and her husband is a pediatric plastic surgeon.

Heidi is feeling a bit better, but all this running probably isn't helping. Please pray for us to get a little downtime and for her to continue to improve. And be sure to thank God (as we do) that we have so many awesome friends that we're willing to beat ourselves up to see as many of them as we can!!!