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Choir Members |
Dear
readers,
I would just
like to share with you a little bit about our trip and
the amazing things that go hand in hand with the
experiences that God has given us thus far.
Today, we
went to an amusement park, Valley Fair, for 8 hours. You
may ask how this is related to our relationship with
God? Well, in the group I was in we were stuck on a ride
similar to the Superman (at the bottom half, but still
in the air) and we were worried about our safety. We
decided to pray as a group out loud. We were open to
those around us about our faith, and how we trust God to
keep us safe even when we are worried and distracted.
Because of the constant reminder that God is there for
us and all the support that we are receiving from the
group that we felt as though we could share our faith in
public. Though this may not seem like a big deal, every
small part counts. Just like Roger told us tonight in
devotional, a man that helps even a little is still
helping.
We also have
silly moments on the trip, including the fake stories of
Greg and how he won a basketball, worth around five
dollars though he paid 13 for it. His humor mixed with
his faith gives us a real life example of a sturdy
Christian. Our devotionals are the most important part
of the day to me, besides concerts. We have heard from
Sarah S., Nicki, Stephen, Eric, Katy, and Greg. They all
have different messages to share from the meaning of
music to everyday life, all changing us, and them. The
songs and message of the night are amazing and I wish I
could share them all with you readers.
There is
much more that has made up this trip, but I must
conclude because another consequence of the trip is
bedtime. God bless you all, your prayers are always
appreciated.
- Sara Eaton |
6-26-08
It’s
difficult to describe the myriad ways a choir tour has
such an impact on so many lives. It’s not just the
people who hear the Testament concerts who are touched,
but many other people as well. The kids have grown so
much in their faith. The sponsors are blessed by
watching that happen. And other people, observers and
people around us, are touched as well.
One night
following worship, a group of kids in a lobby asked Alex
about the djembe (the African hand drum he plays in
worship) he was carrying. They asked him to play it for
them, and with some hesitation, he responded to their
invitation. One of the kids got up and started
dancing. I wasn’t there, but the sponsors that were
there said it was a cool moment. Another time, some kids
at the University of Minnesota stopped in the hallway
and said the guitar playing and singing was really good.
The concerts,
the daily worship, the bonding, the jokes, the fun and
the fellowship are special memories the kids will carry
forever. I feel my faith renewed, and hope the kids
come away with a firm foundation as they continue to
grow as well.
-
Beth Henkel
|
6-26-08
This is my
first choir tour and wow it has been amazing. At first,
the morning when we left I was a little scared and
nervous – this being my first sleep away thing ever, I
had never done a camp or anything long term. So far I
have had the best time ever. I now have made some new
friends and I am really happy about it. All the things
that we have done, even the mission work, has been fun
for me. Today we went to Valley Fair amusement park and
we all concluded it was way better that Six Flags (It
had a mini Hurricane Harbor type thing inside it also) I
loved it. The mission work yesterday was amazing I had
never done mission work like that before. We painted
porches and got to meet the refugee children from
Somalia that were living in the houses that we were
working with. Of course, I loved Mall of America and the
roller coasters in it were fun too. In all, this trip
has created a new favorite memory for me to write and
tell about. I know that for the 5 years I will be one of
the first people to sign up!
-Nina Smith |
6-25-08
A Beautiful
Blog
By Alex
Henkel
I'm the
drummer on the trip, so set up and tear down time is
longer for me. That adds a fun new depth to tour for
me. The “retirement home dwellers” always look at me
like they always look at me like I'm playing devil music
because of the drumming and all the contemporary music.
Tour has been great this year. All the dorms are
nice, the food is ok. One great advantage is my mom is
a sponsor on the trip, and its a lot nicer than I had
previously thought. Minnesota’s weather is mild,
seriously. I think I might want to live here. But then
again, it’s a long way from….everything.
Ode to a long
week
Choir tour ‘o
Choir tour
Thou art fun.
but why dost thou
Drag on so
long?
Not that its
bad,
Singing and
singing
Song after
song
Dost thou
remind me
Of how long,
how long.
But not
being facetious
It is plenty
of fun
In the State
of Minnesota
Where many
will meet us.
This is Alex
Henkel. And I wrote that in less than 4 minutes.
I should be a
professional. |
Wow!!! So far
this trip has been really super awesome! I loved the
mall and got lots of cute clothes, but my favorite part
has definitely been the concerts!
When I look
out into the audience at all those smiling faces I
really know im making a difference! Thanks for everyone
who has been sending me emails!
I love
ya’ll!!! I cant wait to see everyone again!
Caroline Eudy |
This is the
best trip I’ve ever been on!! Its soooo much fun! I got
so many things at the mall of America that are so cute!
The bus rides are really cool too! The concerts are
really amazing and I love talking to all those people
they’re so wonderful! Thanks for the emails send more!:)
Love you all!
Ill blog again later!
Hannah Glaze |
6-21-08
Waking up early in the morning was
delightful and I was ecstatic to be arriving at the
church at seven A.M. to leave on choir tour! We departed
the church around eight this morning. We waved goodbye
to our parents and those who were there to support us
leaving. We drove for four hours until we ate at Sirloin
Stockade and the meal was very good. We then left and
about another four hours later we arrived at our
destination for the night, the University of Missouri of
Kansas City (UMKC) . We will be rooming here for two
nights. At around nine thirty we went to worship and
Greg gave the devotional for the night. He talked about
his cross stitch project and how we all are part of a
whole body, like in Paul's letters. We will have to wake
up bright and early for breakfast and worship at the
church in Kansas.
With much
love,
Sarah
Stephens
p.s. mom I
miss you!
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