Today was my first proper visit to Abilene, Texas.  Since moving to West Texas I haven’t had a lot of time to get out and explore since I’ve been so focused on getting my feet squarely set in this brand new job.

It has been a blessed relief to be able to take staff field trips to some of our regional campuses, first Amarillo and now Abilene.  There’s something about being able to connect face to face with the members of your team and just can’t be simulated using technology.  The air smelled different in our sister city to the south.  The accents were slightly different from what I hear on a daily basis in Lubbock.  And yet, we are tied by a bond of common mission.  We say it all the time, but today was the first time I really felt our mantra.

“Your Life, Our Purpose”

Today, I remembered the thing that excited me so much when I said, “Yes” to leaving all that I knew and moved way out here to the dry and dusty South Plains.

“These folks really want to raise the level of healthcare for West Texas AND by extension, the world.”

Never before in my life have I seen the level of community support that is rallied to purpose between universities and community leaders to collaborate on a united task such as this apart from anything athletic.

“Your Life, Our Purpose”

Private citizens, business leaders, foundations, faculty, students and staff all coming together to build the healthcare infrastructure that will support the living of the entire region of West Texas, Northeastern New Mexico, Southwestern Oklahoma, Southwestern Kansas and Southeastern Colorado.  The footprint is large, the commitment is immeasurable.  They truly do things BIG in Texas.

Everyone has their role and works to do their part and many of us are still learning, but when it comes down to it, our hearts beat to the same drum.

“Your Life, Our Purpose”

It’s good to have days like today from time to time.

Marta C. Youngblood