Phoenix Out of the Mud

It is a year ago that Hurricane Harvey and the ensuing days of rain struck Houston.  We were not there but we kept an eye on the news and contact with our friends.  We were thankful that we were not there going through the hardships but we also had some "survivor's guilt."  During the climactic times of the flood my wife was told by her French colleagues how surprised and impressed they were at action, heart and spirit of the people of Houston.  Since moving back to Houston I have heard more stories of bravery, triumph, love, endurance and the strength of human spirit and people of Southeast Texas.  I have also heard stories of those who are still living in temporary housing and those who are tormented by anxiety every time it rains.

While I am saddened by those who are still hurting, I am encouraged by the greatness of the people of America, the people of Texas and the people of Houston.  I am encouraged that individuals, churches and community organizations are continuing to rebuild and help those that are still displaced.

I am blessed at seeing how God was, is and will continue to work.  I would like to share a story I heard this past weekend.  A crises worker (during Harvey) received a call from a single mother requesting food, diapers, etc., and jokingly ended the conversation by saying that she could use a car as well since hers was destroyed.  The worker was walking down the hall and shared the content of her phone call with a fellow volunteer.  The second volunteer had an amazing response, she had just received a call from someone saying  they wanted to help and felt lead by God to give one of their vehicles to a single mother.  Needless to say the single mom was overwhelmed and extremely grateful for the blessings she received.

I am proud to say that I was from Houston and am back in Houston again.  

Good News and Bad News

On August 17 we received good news--our shipment arrived!  That same day we also received bad news--our shipment arrived and we had to unpack and organize our possessions.  It is always exciting to get your belongings, it almost feels like Christmas especially when you find something you have been looking for or have been missing.  On the flip side of the coin when all you see is boxes at eye level from the front to the back of the house it can be overwhelming.  Fortunately the moving company unpacked most of the boxes but we had to place the items where they belong, a process that is still ongoing.  The transit time of the shipment was the briefest we have experienced in our moves.  Our container was sealed in France and was not broken until it arrived in front of our house, even customs left the container be.

Short post this time, have to get back to taking care of our shipment.

Good Times of Youth!

This past Saturday we attended the new school family orientation at our son's school.  The programs and student life sounded amazing with facilities being equally impressive.  Son--very excited!

Sunday we visited our first church and stayed for the ninth grade introductory lunch.  The youth group has many fun and exciting programs and opportunities.  Son--very excited!

As parents we are thrilled at the fantastic opportunities that our son has before him.  We are equally as enthused that our son is excited.  Lastly, with all the great and fun opportunities we are starting to wish that we could go back to school and youth group, at least the ones our son will attend.

A Little is Enough

David Lee Roth has a song titled "A Little Ain't Enough."  When it comes to possessions I can't say I agree with DLR.  During our first six weeks in Norway (as a family) and the last two weeks in France we essentially camped out in our own home--lawn chairs, folding table, air mattresses, one pot, one pan, minimal dishes, five sets of clothing, etc.  While the experience took some adjusting it became evident that we can live on minimal possessions.  At this time our sea shipment has not arrived and we are living with a modestly outfitted household of rental furniture again proving that we can survive without a full household of items.

Our experiences have cause me to ask myself why do we as a Western culture strive for more stuff, not out of necessity but for the sake of having more stuff?  Do we buy large homes because we have so much stuff or do we buy more stuff because we own large homes?

Anyway, more experiences to provoke thought and self-evaluation.

By the way, when our shipment does arrive our house will not be full; multiple moves and living in small houses with little storage will motivate you to evaluate what is important and then reduce/simplify.

Here Comes the Boom

Yesterday the whole family was hit with a case of some kind of crud--foggy headed, aches and pains, overactive sinuses and overall fatigue and being lethargic.  The tail end of jet-lag, physical activity, mental and emotional stress, erratic sleep, adjusting to Texas summer heat, pollen and air pollution were all straws contributing the breaking of the camel's back.  Fortunately this morning we are all feeling much better.  All part of the process of repatriation.