It’s true what they say – everything is bigger in Texas. From face-sized platters of enchiladas to heaping servings of hospitality served up in every town I stopped in, the Lone Star State lived up to its most famous cliche.

In the small desert towns of West Texas, where I met cowboys, cactus salesmen, cops and robbers (really – I spent one night in a swarthy bar talking to “Pepe,” who was “fresh out of the pen”), people cooked me dinner, bought me a beer or two, or offered me a free place to rest my head.

In the big cities, staff members from Senate and House offices made time to meet with me, local groups like ONE Campaign Austin and Houston’s American Legion hosted me at events, and community leaders like Susan Smylie of the San Antonio Coalition Against Genocide made time to introduce me to their neighbors and local haunts.

For more about my time in Texas, check out the video update below:

I have 2,100 miles and nine states to go before I get back to Washington, DC, where members of Congress are currently considering slashing funding for international development and diplomacy programs – the very programs I’m riding across America to protect.

You can help spread the message that international development keeps America safe by encouraging your friends and family to join the Make US Strong campaign.

Next up: Louisiana!