470 miles, 8 hours and 54 minutes, two Dr. Peppers, a powerade and a bottle of water, but we finally made it here. We left Beaumont on Sat. morning. WW drove the van with the eleven college students, and I drove the truck with the luggage in the back. I had forgetten how long of a drive it is. We made two stops along the way, each of which were about 45 minutes. After a brief detour caused by following our trusty TomTom, we finally arrived here in RGC in the late afternoon. We unloaded at the hotel and then went and ate some comida Mexicana.
This is my fifth trip down here, but it is different for me this time. I am not a college student anymore. I am older now and I feel a deeper sense of both freedom and responsibility. Although I am only a few years older than the college kids, I feel like there is a huge generation gap between us. I find it even harder than usual to connect and relate to them. I am slightly apprehensive, but I hope that changes as the week goes on.
I am always surprised at how different things are here. Though we are still in Texas, the culture is predominantly Mexican. The look and feel of the city seems so foreign. It is a culture shock for a sheltered country-boy like me.
The people, though, are amazing. Everyone is here friendly and outgoing. They are laid back and affable. Even though most of them speak Spanish much better than they do English, they are a true pleasure to be around. I usually end up doing a lot of smiling and head nodding. The people are also hurting. This is one of the most poverty stricken, corrupt, and crime plagued areas of Texas. The recent outbreak of violence between the Mexican drug cartels has added to the fear and unrest. My prayer is that we can bring the hope of Christ in these trying times. I know that God has prepared good works for us, and now I pray that we have the faith, courage, nd wisdom to walk in them.
To be continued...
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