Just Went To The Dentist

So I'm pretty sure I felt exactly like this guy while I was in that darn dentist chair. I went to the dentist for the first time in a couple of years today and I felt as if the woman cleaning my teeth was punishing me for it. I have never had my teeth treated that way in my life. The sound of an ice pick-like tool being scratched all over you teeth is quite unnerving to say the least. I do not plan on going back any time soon, even if they did tell me I needed to. Grinding my teeth my rear end.

So anyways, I finally returned yesterday from a two week trek all over Texas. I started out by going up to Dallas to visit Katie and her family for a week, which was absolutely wonderful. I got to hang out with Katie, watch movies, drink tea, and just relax a bit. This sublime leg of my journey was followed by a drive down to College Station so I could wake up the next morning to join the car pool to Sudan, TX for Korey and Macie's wedding. Korey is one of my buddies in the corps, so lots of people I knew were there. We stopped in Abilene on the way for the the bachelor party which consisted of water skiing and hanging by the lake. The wedding was a blast. It was relatively small and if you know Korey and Macie, you know that they are starting their marriage off right. They both have a passion for the Lord which spurs them on in their love for each other and I have no doubt that they will have a very happy life together as they serve the Lord.

After they were all married and such, we went back to College Station where I stayed for the night. The next morning I got back in my truck, took some instruments to Madisonville where I will be staying for the month, and headed up to Keller, TX to stay with Ryan Chance (another Corps guy who was commander of a different outfit in the band). I had dinner with his family and we talked for quite a while. They were the most hospitable family I have ever stayed with I think. I have stayed with many people who were very nice to me, but they seemed to really go out of their way more than needed, to make me feel welcome. After dinner, Ryan drove me all the way out to I-35 so that I would know how to leave in the morning. When bed time came, he even had me stay in his own bed while he went to sleep on the couch. I protested of course, but he insisted that it was no problem. Before I left, his mom told me I was welcome anytime even if Ryan was not there. They were just so nice that I could not believe it.

Well, after leaving the amazing Chance family, I went up to Dallas to surprise Katie for her birthday. She about jumped out of her skin when I came up behind her and rubbed her shoulder. She was expecting me to come I think, but I don't think that she had any idea it would be as early as 9:00. We spent the day together eating Thai food, drinking tea, having dinner with her family, and watching Star Wars. Can life get better? I submit that it cannot. I stayed the night and left the next morning, which was yesterday. It was hard leaving Katie, knowing that I would not be able to see her any time soon, but I know that things will be ok. I shouldn't complain having to go weeks at a time when I know many people have to go months and even years without seeing someone they love. I know God will be gracious to keep us both busy and satisfied in Him while we are apart.

So now I am back home playing catch-up before I go out of town again for my time in Madisonville. I would write more about how excited I am about all of that, but I'm afraid it is time for dinner and I don't want to keep the family waiting on my account. Later.

-Austin-