6-29-05

Out of all of the long hours on the bus, you find that it’s all worth it sooner or later. I have to admit that when I first came on this trip I was in it for the fun and the fun alone but tonight I found out that there was so much more. The best thing about the choir tour this year is that no matter who you are or what your background is at the end of the day when it’s time for devo’s, you just stop thinking all together and spend time with so many people just like you to just come and worship the Lord. When I came on this trip and heard the songs they sing I just listened to the words and the rhythms. But tonight for some strange reason, I stopped and actually listened to the words and felt the meaning of them in my heart. Tonight had to be the greatest feeling I have ever had because it was just me and 42 other people worshiping god without hesitation. I don’t see that singing about god’s praises is a chore or just a way to get from point a to point b anymore. I see it, now, as a way to get to now god and to find him in myself. Tonight, I sincerely asked God to come into my life and be a part of who I am as a new person. I truly do believe he is a part of me now, not just in word but in feeling too. Thank you God, for coming into me and making me a better person.

Travis Chrystie

Soooo let’s see here… I’m sure others told you how amazing the first few days of the trip were, and these last two days have been even better. On Tuesday, we all sang at Disneyland’s “Plaza Garden” stage (accompanied by a totally rockin’ band), and then had all day to spend exploring the park. Today we went to the adjacent park “California Adventure” which has more of an older kid – teenager feel, with more thrill rides. Most of us enjoyed today’s park a little more but it was definitely a close race. I heard Greg was sadly rejected by Sleeping Beauty…hmmm be sure to ask him about that. Well, it’s late and we have to wake up waaaaaay too early, so I’m outta here. Hey Mom and Dad (and Kristie if you happen to find this). I miss everyone back home…

Pearson Browne

So today we went to the parks for the whole day. The California Adventure was more for the older tourists so it was more exciting than yesterday I would have to say. It was nice to have a break from singing but I can’t wait to start performing again. Wow the days have been really long, getting up early and going to bed late. I can’t wait to get back and see everyone, but it won’t be long.  

Audrey Weldon

I got the characters autographs today and yesterday too. I am having lots of fun on this trip.  

Briana Chambers

Long bus rides, Rick the driver, quiet time, stopping and eating a lot of fast food, driving a whole lot more, playing spades in the back of the bus, wal-mart stops, getting locked in the bus bathroom, stopping in colleges and a motel, new friends, a ton of laughing, singing our little hearts out, meeting sweet little old people, sun screen, smiling for pictures, burying people in the sand, getting thrown into freezing cold ocean water, singing at Disneyland, walking around Disneyland, watching fireworks at Disneyland, picture with Belle, good food and not so good food, lots of smiles and some frowns, more pictures, not enough sleep, two hours ahead, boys playing hacky sack, great worship, shivering because at night in California it gets cold, funny jokes, many inside jokes….choir tour is fabulous…that’s only a tad bit of what is going on.  It is going great!!

                                                                                    Melissa Herms

I had a wonderful time here in California even though it is my first time in the choir tour I had lots of time and made wonderful friends. Well yesterday we went to the Crystal Cathedral and had service we also went to a nursing home and sang our songs and went to the beach and had a great and freezing time. We went back to the Crystal Cathedral and saw an amazing play called the Creation. And today we went to Disneyland and sang and walked around and with hurt feet we had a awesome time. So far I had a great time and I hope it will stay that way

                                                                                    Olivia Guzman

 I had a really good time at the Crystal Cathedral. We went to the service that morning and then went to see the creation that night. Today we went to sing at Disney Land, it was a wonderful experience. Then after we sang we went to play in the park and we went on lots of rides. So far this trip has been really great.

                                                                                    Nicki Rice

This has been my first choir tour and I was so excited. Everyone said that it was the best trip you could go on. The first day was long driving but it was a good way to get to know all the people you’ve never met. The first place we sang was at a retirement home seeing the people clap along to our songs and even sing it was awesome. Today was the longest driving but we finally made it to California and I’ve have learned about people I’ve never even met. This has to be the greatest first days of a trip I have ever been on.

Ryan Russell

I was so excited I was able to come on the trip this year. Its my first one and also unfortunately my last. The bus rides are long but definitely the most fun. We’ve sang at a retirement home for people with Alzheimer’s and I think we did amazing. It was really cool watching some of the people sing along on our Disney songs. I didn’t know a whole lot of people coming on to the trip but being with them all the time I have gotten to know so many of them and they are definitely the most wonderful friends you could have. We are in California now and it’s absolutely gorgeous. CJ and I saw an amazing authentic California sunset tonight and having worship outside was incredible. I am so excited about the rest of this trip and very glad I got to go on it.

 Kari Zavatson

This morning started very early with the sound of Jack knocking on my door. We then had breakfast which is always a great way to really start the day. After that we made our way to Sunrise retirement center. Our first concert went somewhat as I had  expected. The rest of the day was spent on the bus. We finally arrived at Days Inn. Worship was absolutely amazing outside under the stars. Today has been a very pleasant day and I look forward to the next eight. 

 Jordan Nolen

Hello All,

Today was our first concert, which went pretty well considering the fact that we didn’t have much space. My favorite part of performing at nursing homes is getting to visit with all the residents, and that went very well. After that we had a pretty uneventful bus ride to the Days Inn in Williams, Arizona. We had worship in the parking lot under a totally amazing sky. I don’t think I’ve ever seen stars like that in Texas! I’m really looking forward to the rest of the trip, and I’m so excited to get to do something wonderful for God! 

Kelcie Miles

Hola You!!!

Second day on choir tour and I already feel like it’s been 5 days or so.  It’s just the best of all the trips.  In this choir tour I don’t know many people, because most of them are junior highers. But this is a good thing, because I already got to know a lot of those wonderful kids, who have so much energy and charisma to give.  So far so good; I love it… except for the bus, even though it is a new bus, it is not more comfortable than the others.    Today we sang at Sunrise retirement center, it was great. We sang good and loud, giving those old people some of our energy and love for God.  They appreciated it.  It’s a great opportunity for all of us to share with others the love that we feel for God, and singing is our best way to do it. Wish us safety in the rest of our trip. Peace. 

 Pedro Tamara 

  6-23-05

Even for the first day of being in the bus for 12 hours it was the most uplifting experience I think I have ever had. It was a day where everyone was doing the same thing for one cause, To spread God’s word. The devotional afterwards in the evening was pretty powerful if I do say so myself. The music alone brought everyone together to the point where no one cared how they looked or the way they acted. It was just a time to glorify the lord in song and prayer.

Travis Chrystie

This morning was slow, but once we got on the rode it was better. We played cards on the bus a lot. That was fun. After 12 hours on the bus we got to the place we were staying. We had worship. That was the best. I love worship.

Audrey Ellis

Dear Friends!

Today was such a long day. But it was filled with fun and fellowship with some pretty amazing people. I listened to a ton of music with my bus buddy Melissa Day and we jammed out a lot. Me and Melissa Herms played spades with Matt and Pearson. It was probably the best game I have ever played. So much fun with those kiddos! Worship was good time as always. Jordan gave the devotional. It was about selfishness. It was a good lesson. Well that’s about it for today. We will keep having a load of fun.

God Bless, CJ Rice