Ruben in Austin!

One of my favorite Dominicans, Ruben, was in Austin this week for a visit. He took a week off from his family, his coffee, and ministering to his village to connect with friends in Austin and visit Dominican Joe, the coffeeshop started by Sharla and Mehul that will support the ministry of Makarios. If you're in Austin, go by for a great cup of Joe, it's located in the shopping center at Riverside and South Congress (down from Freebirds). The flan latte is very good, as are the fro-joes.

Article about my summer

On Trinity Hill, which is a semi-annual publication to the Trinity University campus, has a feature story about my summer in the DR, check it out!

You will find me under Staff Spotlight...

Derek Webb's New CD

If you have not had the chance to hear Derek Webb's latest cd Mockingbird, I recommend it to all. He's actually giving it away free on his website http://www.freederekwebb.com because he wants everyone to have it. He has some very powerful lyrics concerning our treatment of the poor, Christian involvement in politics, etc. I've included the lyrics to one of my favorite songs, Rich Young Ruler:

poverty is so hard to see

when it's only on your tv and twenty miles across town

where we're all living so good

that we moved out of Jesus' neighborhood

where he's hungry and not feeling so good

from going through our trash

he says, more than just your cash and coin

i want your time, i want your voice

i want the things you just can't give me

(vs. 2)

so what must we do

here in the west we want to follow you

we speak the language and we keep all the rules

even a few we made up

come on and follow me

but sell your house, sell your suv

sell your stocks, sell your security

and give it to the poor

what is this, hey what's the deal

i don't sleep around and i don't steal

i want the things you just can't give me

(bridge)

because what you do to the least of these

my brother's, you have done it to me

because i want the things you just can't give me

New Car Owner

Yes, that's me, a new car owner! I purchased a 2006 Toyota Matrix from Red McCombs Toyota on Wednesday. This photo is not my car, but is very similar (just add some tinted windows and different rims, I'll post a photo soon). My old car, a 95 Honda Civic, had been a reliable car for me, but the maintenance was costing about what a new car would cost, so I realized it was time to go new.

I wanted something affordable, with great gas mileage, stylish, roomy interior, and fun to drive. Well, this met all of my standards and I couldn't leave the dealership without it.