A stop at Big Thicket National Park offered some nice hikes in the semi-flooded central section of the park. Worth exploring the vastly different ecosystems on another trip but we got to meet another family doing school on the road and hope we cross paths again as we make Texas our classroom for the month.

It’s also a time for reunions. Dallas holds a big place in our hearts, or at least a few of our longest standing friends living here do. My brother from a South African mother (met when Vince was about 8) and his family live in Plano and the surrounding cities so watching some football and catching up over the grill is good therapy. Also catching up with some dear friends and old colleagues from Palm Beach Atlantic and another from Vince’s Taylor University days.

These are special friends, durable friends who we have known for decades of our lives. Each was introduced into our lives through God’s eternal vision. They’ve left a mark that is indelible on my/our hearts and lives. It’s a valuable reunion in reminding me/us the value of brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s a common bond in Christ that makes these friends a part of our story and our future story. We can pick up where we left off and not skip a beat. A precious gift to have such people in your life, even if it takes a few years and thousands of miles to reunite.

Another welcome part of this month… TexMex 🤠 Chuy’s Restaurant is a chains we’ve loved for years in TN and FL but their home is TX and we’re taking it all in and trying a few others for comparison. It sounds almost like a perfect or maybe a Dude Perfect kinda life. Yes the internet trick shot kings are headquartered in Frisco, TX and my sons’ fandom required a drive by to see if we could see anything fun. Just so happened we got to watch a filming outside the office. These guys are fun and role models this Dad is happy to have his kids watching on their screens.

San Antonio and south/west Texas are next. Will be hunting some black skies and a few more friends, both old and new!