Texas: Galveston

Desiring to explore the coastline, we stopped in Galveston, renowned for enduring the catastrophic 1900 hurricane. Despite its past, it's now a thriving tourist destination with beautiful shores and warm hospitality. Join me as we uncover Galveston's charm and resilience, where history, hospitality, and natural beauty collide.

Traversing Houston's Traffic & a Check Engine Light

Navigating Houston's traffic was challenging, worsened by my battle with food poisoning. With only one bathroom in tow, my fear of falling ill on the road loomed large. Confronting this fear wasn't enjoyable, and I hope to avoid it in the future. It's definitely a downside of this lifestyle.

As soon as we hit Galveston, our check engine light popped on (ugh, the worst timing!). Turns out, water had snuck into our fuel, bringing back dreaded memories from our Louisiana breakdown (a tale for later).

Scott phoned a Chevy dealership in Texas City, and they squeezed us in pronto, even throwing in an oil change. The folks there were absolute gems, super friendly and accommodating. Not only did they handle the oil change swiftly and at a fair price, but they also gave our fuel a clean bill of health. I half expected car shops to fleece us, but these guys were refreshingly honest.

Tip: Get that code reader!

Galveston Island State Park: Our Oasis by the Ocean

We stayed at Galveston Island State Park (beach side), which was fantastic! Despite being pricier for a state park, the amenities were top-notch: level concrete pads, 50 AMP Water & Electric, covered picnic tables, and pristine bathrooms. Plus, it felt incredibly sturdy, like it could weather a hurricane with ease.

And the best part? We were just steps away from the ocean!

The rate was $35 per night plus a daily entrance fee. Upon arrival, the rangers noticed our recent stay at Monahans State Park and kindly arranged a $48 refund without us even requesting it. 

Once again, Galveston proved to have the friendliest people!

Activities and Surprises in Galveston

Stroll the beach and look at the beautiful homes. It was a bit drizzly while we were there, but we welcomed the warm humidity after leaving Fort Worth’s freezing temperatures.

My daughter’s geography lesson was to plan a day out; Everything from directions, events, and times. Our outing:

We went to the bay side of the State Park and attempted a trail, but it was too muddy from the storm the previous night, so we went to a look out instead, she learned to improvise.

We toured the Moody Mansion. It was beautiful, interesting, and fun.

We went to Pier 21 to walk around, thankfully it was a beautiful sunny day. While we were strolling, Captain Adam offered us a free dolphin tour, where we saw plenty of dolphins and learned all about them as well as some Naval History. I love how God surprises us every day.

We ended our day at Starbucks, where the barista actually gave us a military discount- unheard of right?

Laundry Escapades: From Necessity to Unexpected Connection

Unfortunately, the State Park had no laundry facility, so we drove five minutes to Jamaica Beach. Laundry duty for our family of four, including two teens, adds up to around $60 per month, requiring 1-2 trips per week.

For a taste of local life, head to the laundromat- it’s our go-to for date night, believe it or not! (As I am writing this I am aware of how pathetic it sounds)...

Scott, being the social butterfly he is, struck up a conversation with someone new, leaving me to tackle the laundry solo. 

Despite my initial reluctance, the conversation turned deep and meaningful, reminding me of the importance of being available for others. After all, what's a little laundry compared to nurturing someone's soul?

Reflections on Galveston's History and Humility 

• In the 1900s, Galveston faced one of history's deadliest natural disasters: a hurricane over Labor Day weekend. Despite warnings, Isaac Cline, the veteran weatherman, assured the city was safe, even dismissing the need for protective walls. 

• Tragically, his misplaced confidence led many to stay, resulting in countless lives lost, including his own pregnant wife, highlighting the devastating consequences of his lack of preparation and pride.

• Overall, our experience in Galveston was enriched by the warm hospitality and genuine kindness of the locals, from the Chevy dealership to the laundromat employee. 

• While the ocean and beaches may not rival those of California or Florida, there's a unique charm to Galveston that fills me with both calm and excitement. Despite its modest size, the town offers a plethora of activities, and I can only imagine the bustling scene during the peak of summer.

• Reflecting on the devastating 1900 hurricane serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of humility and the consequences of pride, prompting us to examine our own family dynamics and attitudes towards accepting help. 

Biblical Insight: Embracing Compassion & Humility

Matthew 9:12-13 (NASB)

But when Jesus heard this, He said, 'It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.

• Matthew records Jesus' response to Pharisees who criticized him for dining with tax collectors (like Matthew) and other sinners. Jesus emphasizes the importance of compassion over rituals and traditions, quoting Hosea 6:6 to highlight the significance of the heart's condition. 

• This passage underscores Jesus' prioritization of love, mercy, and compassion.

• This issue may cause division within the church, but it's crucial to acknowledge that God seeks unity and humility instead of an excessive focus on denominational differences and theological interpretations. Personally, I uphold the belief that God prioritizes humility and compassion over strict adherence to regulations. 

• In essence, let's avoid adopting a Pharisaical mindset.

• Reflecting on my own journey, I've realized the danger of pride and the importance of humility before God. 

• To guard against pride, I consistently have to ask myself  questions like: 

Am I easily offended? 

Am I open to criticism? 

Do I treat everyone equally? 

Am I willing to admit when I'm wrong?

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank you Jesus for coming for all those who are sick, marginalized, broken, ashamed, rejected, and sinful. We are deeply grateful that You endured immense suffering and death for our sins, but as if that weren't enough, You desire a genuine relationship with us and offer assistance and blessings in our daily lives. You are the ultimate loving and faithful Father, and we are profoundly humbled to belong to you.

In Jesus name,

Amen

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