New Song 2011 Tour : Day 14

Well, only one day left of tour after today. Once I fell asleep, I slept quite well. I overslept though and so had a limited time to get ready before breakfast in the lobby. The elevator was really loud and creaky....and scary. I'm just saying. After breakfast, we hurried back to our room to gather up our luggage and take it to the bus. We performed at another part of the conference again today. It was the youth conference. We sat through the first half once we arrived and then had lunch, which was tastey. They had a professional, record breaking, champion juggler performing during lunch. It was pretty awesome. He even juggled with lighted torches. So cool. After lunch we sat through another couple of speakers, including Steve B. However, I didn't get to say hi before he and his wife and daughter left. Then it was time for our performance............talk about a flop/fail. We sounded awful....and everyone was lazy, sloppy, and greatly lacking in energy. After our performance, Marissa had us gather around her outside on the grass. There, she gave us a talk. She was very disappointed and frustrated with our lack of effort and urged us to not be quitters and to finish this tour strong. Then she prayed for all of us and we loaded on the bus.

Side Note:*
During our concert today, Marissa announced that H's son is now fully awake and recovered! From that moment on during the concert I was beaming. I almost started crying. How great is our God! He is so mighty and majestic and He answers prayers. He gives life and takes it away. Only He can give and take away life. He can do the impossible and improbable. Thank you so much, Jesus! You are an awesome God!

On the way to Modesto, we watched 'She's the Man' which was fun, although it did deprive me of my nap for the day. We didn't have a concert tonight, but we have one tomorrow so we set up for tomorrow's concert tonight. Then we were all sent home with our host families. April and I got put together again. Our host family, Jerry and Marie, are so, so, very nice. They are very warm and friendly. I love them. They have five kids between the two of them....the oldest being 45, the youngest, 21, who happens to be adopted from Peru and has 2 little sons and another on the way. They live 2 or 3 minutes from the church, which is nice. They served us a delicious dinner of spaghetti, garlic bread, and salad, and gave us ice cream bars for dessert. We all sat and talked for a while after eating. And then, the church was holding a get together/hang out thing for those housed close by the church, so our couple dropped us off there at the church. I was reluctant to go, since I"m tired, but it ended up being a wonderful time. The youth minister was there, along with Christian and Chad, the pastor's two adult sons.....in their 20's. A young couple and their adorable baby girl, Aidan, were there as well. We were the first to get there, which was a bit awkward, but then more girls showed up. Two sisters from the church and a guy named David also showed up. There was pizza and ice cream for all....but I was full from dinner so declined it. We all talked and visited and played games. Then they asked us to preview the concert for them and sing some songs. So, we sang a couple for them and sang a few more worship songs with them. It was fun. I like it when worship sessions break out. After singing we just all hung out and talked together some more. I definitely stole the baby for a while tonight. I also got to have a conversation with David. He just finished firefighter academy. He is becoming an EMT and hopes to move up from there to become a medic. We chatted about medical stuff together.....and it basically fueled my 'nursing fire' again. I just want to be one so badly....but I am just so torn as to what to do....sigh. I enjoyed our conversation immensely...while feeling like a nerd cause I knew some of the medical stuff he was talking about. He seemed like a real nice, godly young man. He is very passionate about his career too. He loves it, he says. Our host mom came and picked us back up eventually, and so here I am in the bedroom we're staying in. Call time tomorrow is 8:45 A.M. We have two concerts in the morning and one in the evening....and then I go HOME!!!! So excited. Our host family has the cutest, fluffiest puppy dog ever, named Molly. She's super cute. She's a white puddle....the cutest poodle I've ever seen...and I hate poodles. But she's so cute! They blow dry her hair which is why it poofs. She's super friendly and playful. I want her. Well.....out of room to write on this notebook. Good night.

*The information received about H's son was false/wrong. Little Marckus is still in the hospital, and while recovering, he is still not awake. He moves his legs and arms and response when spoken to...but he still has not/won't wake up. Pray that he will continue to heal. Pray that God will give him a full recovery. Pray that Marckus will wake up from his 'sleep'.