June 21 through 29, 2008

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Visit Daily for updates in the words of the 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!