In my previous post, I am quote as saying "the heat really isn't that bad." Well I would like to add a caveat to that statement. In all honesty, its not terribly hot (yet), feeling no worse than an average summer day in Philly, with slightly less humidity. But for the latter half of yesterday myself, Scott Moreau (SMI director), Ezra, and Dana moved desks, chairs, and couches from this random gym used for storage into the dorms. That made it extremely hot. I'm pounding and pounding water, but felt dehydrated the whole rest of the day. I'm weighing the pros and cons of starting a peripheral IV and running some normal saline at full throttle. The darn IV pole would probably slow me down a little. Today has been a little hotter, hitting 96 degrees with a ton more humidity... hopefully it will be short-lived.

It has been great having some free time the last two days so that Dr. Matthew Moslener and I could spend some time hanging out. For those of you who don't know, Mosie is starting his internship in Family Med down here at Valley Baptist Hospital. I was even able to convince him to let me ride his new Vespa (scooter). Of course he was a little nervous at first due to my mischievous smirk (I think I also mentioned something about taking it off some sweet jumps) but finally let me. And let me tell you, it was soooo sweet! kinda makes a guy want to get a motorcycle.

Last night we had dessert over Heath and Jen Hale's apartment, who are the project and medical directors this year at SMI, respectively. Heath graduated from residency at Valley Baptist last year and Jen is in her 3rd year of residency. It was great to get to meet them and hear a little about their vision. We also spoke of our greatest excitement and fears for the summer. My excitement centers around just being able to serve those who need it most. I feel the majority of my time in med school (esp 3rd year) is focused on (1) meeting educational goals and (2) caring for sick individuals, but not necessarily the most needy. I think it will be really awesome to care for those who have negligible access to healthcare and hopefully get them connected with both a provider and church. My greatest fear I envision to be more of an obstacle, but it is hands down the language. I took 5yrs of German and can't speak a lick. 'Ich laufe' which means 'I run' is about all I got right now. We spent a good majority of time in prayer and worshiping, which was great encouragement and refreshing.

The above was written this morning, before I drove out to McAllen Airport. Just got back after about a 4 hour trip and little tired. Overall, uneventful journey and picked up 8 students. hope your all well, I'm signing off for now. hopefully I can write some more tonight.

ps... to the right is a map of texas so ya'll know where we are. look all the way at the bottom for Harlingen.