Confessions of a Graduate Assistant: Part 8

This morning started rather quickly for me. I think I woke up 5 minutes before the bus left. I don't think I missed much while napping on the bus -- seeing as how I awoke just in time to see the camels on the side of the road. This country is so diverse...

We stopped for lunch somewhere in Texas that happened to be a place that I remember from the last Grand Canyon Tour. I ate at the same China Buffet where Ryan Austin, Helen Walker, Kelsey Freeman and I ate. Made me miss old times.

Along the ride to Arlington the usual bus activities took place. Lots of sleeping, movie watching and practicing. I wrote a song about Sterling Street (I'll copy the lyrics at the bottom of this) in approximately 15 minutes or so.

Tonights concert went very well. Mary Ann Friday was so horse taht she had to drop out of the trio so I filled in. We remembered all the words in every single song. I was very impressed.

Tonight Lydia and I are staying with the cutest little family ever.

Tomorrow we'll be driving to Oxford, MS. We'll have a pool party and bright and early Sunday morning will sing in their church service before driving back to Birmingham for our homecoming concert.

It's been a great tour so far -- keep praying for the voices to regain their strength and the kids to get their rest.

G'night all.
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Sterling's Song
(DISCLAIMER-- This whole song is totally false and just written on the bus to kill time and cheer Sterling up)
-------------------

Sterling is the boy next door, but he doesn't know my name
I'm just the girl next door and he never walks my way
So I'll just have to wait for another day

I used to sit in my yard and wait for him to pass by
His sisters used to call me crazy, they always asked me why
I would sit and wait
Every single day

Cus Sterling used to sing my name
Back when we were kids
He said I had a pretty smile
Promised that I did
So I'll just have to wait
For a better day

Mary lived across the street and wore her hair in curls
Sterling whispered once to me that he really liked that girl
That's when I started to play
This silly waiting game

Sterling walked across the street every afternoon
Never seemed to notice me with my eyes so blue
But I'd still sit and wait
Every single day

Cuz Sterling used to sing my name
Back when we were kids
Said I had a pretty smile
Promised that I did
So I'll sit here and wait
For a better day

One morning I woke up to Sterling at my door
He said that Mary just was not the girl he loved next door
Now I don't have to wait
Today's my favorite day

And Sterling finally sings my name
Like when we kids
He says I have a pretty smile
That I always did
And I won't have to wait
For a single day
Cuz today's the perfect day

Confessions of a Graduate Assistant: Part 7

Ok, so another 600 miles may have done it to me. I'm wiped out friends. Wiped out. And yet I'm still awake blogging and talking on the phone with Aaron Hux who was on this tour last time we came out. That was a great tour...

So Date Night... I would love to tell you all who was with who -- but I honestly have no idea. We stopped in Albequerqi (sp?), NM and everyone had a great time. For those of you unfamiliar with Date Night allow me to explain...

Every year on one of our hotel nights the Choir Presidents and chaperones get together to create a questionare that will aid them in deducing which girls should be placed with which gentlemen on tour for a fun, drama free, non date, Date Night outing. This outing generally takes place in an area with multiple resteraunts and other entertainment opportunities so teh guys can get a bit creative. Oh but the creativity doesn't start there -- it starts when they boys are notified of the girls they have been assigned. This is where the magic happens. They start cooking up ways to convince their dates to attend dinner with them that evening. Let me tell you -- it gets interesting. The "suitor" with the most creative (And generally, most public) request is awarded bragging rights, a small trinket (trophy of some sort) and legendhood.

This year it was Chip Elmer who impersonated the entertainment on our Grand Canyon Railway trip (check him out at www.cclearwater.com) in front of the whole bus. It was expert. He now is the proud owner of an Arizona keychain and will go down in the history books.

We've got a few struggling choir members (my sister for one) that are really feeling the strain of the long drives and minimal sleep. Pray that we'll have the chance to recover tonight and tomorrow before our last on the road concert in Arlington, TX.

On the final leg of today's ride I had the opportunity to listen to the testimonies of some fellow travelers and share my own. Once again it's encouraging to see the amazing accounts of how great our God is in the lives of His own.

I'll update as I can. Keep an eye out for videos and pictures.

Confessions of a Graduate Assistant: Part 6

You get an extra update today. We're in the midst of a two hour quiet time on the bus. I've just made my rounds down one side and up the other giving any consenting, awake person a 3 minute massage. Now they're almost all asleep.Good thing because I don't think anyone slept at the hotel last night and we're starting to drop like flies. Whoever had the genius idea to bring a nurse along should get an award of some sort. Mrs. Duffey is definitely appreciated.
For you parents reading at home-- I don't think there's anything contageous going around. 95 percent of the ill are simply over tired and under rested.

This morning I was reminded of another reason why I love this choir so much. When things get dramatic (which is nearly impossible to escape when you have 40 high school students in close quarters) we have a collection of really spectacular leaders who are there to give everyone a quick reality check. We have sweet girls standing by to give encouragement when somebody's homesick or feels poorly. We have equally sweet guys who bear the weight of loading and unloading the bus along with carrying the burdens of those who are struggling. When someone under budgets for food and runs out of cash half way through the trip -- 6 kids volunteer to chip in for their lunches and dinners.

Every morning on the bus either Kathleen or Tyler (Choir Presidents) have recruited someone to give a devotion. Each morning I'm amazed at the depth of these kids' relationships with Christ. They're seeking after him and seeking after opportunities to lead other to him.

Last night at the pool Patrick (Russo -- one of our chaperones) had the opportunity to share with one of the other guests at the hotel. I don't know how it went, but it was very encouraging to see that even at a time where most of us would be playing and hanging out with our friends that he was ready for the opportunity.

This kids love each other. They love the Lord and they love people. That's why I love this choir and that's why I'm not leaving till they make me.

Confessions of a Graduate Assistant: Part 5

I didn't remember it being so breathtaking.

That's right folks. Today we went to the Grand Canyon. It's hard to describe with words how incredibley beautiful it is. All I can really think of to tell you is that it's more beautiful, more spectacular, more mind boggling than you ever thought it might be.

For those of you who seem to think this world came to be by accident, do me a favor. Stand on the edge of this masterpiece and explain to me how this was made by happenstance. Explain to me how nothing was instantly (or over time became) something and how that something then became something so extraordinary.
No, this was designed by Someone who knew what would capture our hearts. This was molded by the hands of a mighty God, the Architect of land and sea. You can talk all day about science and rivers that carve away over billions of years. Talk till you're blue in the face, but you can't explain away the jump that happens in your heart when you see this for the first (or any) time.

After exploring the Canyon and getting some great photos (which will be up asap) we rode the train back to Williams and the hotel. Along the way we learned some trivia points about Arizona and were "robbed" by some cowboys. We sang a few songs for the other passengers as well -- got video which will also be up soon.

We leave bright and early on Thursday for Vega, TX. Last hotel night of the trip -- you know what that means.. Date Night. Get excited...


Goodnight friends -- miss you!

Confessions of a Graduate Assistant: Part 4

Greetings from Carefree, AZ! We're here at Day 5 of the Briarwood Chapel Choir Tour 2009. Today's events included breakfast at the LaQuinta (they had a waffle maker =^D ), driving, photo ops, driving, lunch, driving, and then a full concert.

The drive today was rather interesting. The terrain is less boring - there are mountains and cacti -- the occasional wild cow. It's beautiful, really. Also, it's rather entertaining to watch for little dust tornadoes.

We stopped at one particular rest stop and the rocks were so aazing that we clearly had to take a group photo opportunity by the horns. This took some time... but it was worth it.

Speaking of pictures -- I'm looking forward to the last two days of the trip that I'll be chained to my laptop creating the tour video for the homecoming concert. Should be fun. I just wish I had my Camp Lee pics so it would be a complete year.

Backto the day -- We stopped in Tucson, AZ for lunch and discovered a two story Forever 21 with a mens section (wtc??) . Nothing too interesting happened there.

After lunch it wasn't a very long drive to Scottsdale, AZ and Covenant Community Church. We had a few hours of downtime which was nice. Got some practice in and played a little basketball. Anita and a few other wonderful ladies prepared an amazing meal for some very enthusiastic, hungry guests. Much appreciated. The concert went very well. Only a few minor issues with words -- but we determined it's Mr. Campbell's fault (jk). All the solo acts (well I guess there were really any SOLOs... duets, trios and quartets) did very well.

I'm telling you folks, I just keep winning this host home lotto. Not once have I had an even remotely weird or bad experience. It's awesome just being able to chill. So much better than hotels where everyone is all hyper and hopped up on caffeine and the ability to order pizza to their rooms.

Sorry the post isn't quite as colorful as previous ones. Tomorrow's should be great -- we leave bright and early for Williams, AZ and you guessed it... THE GRAND CANYON! So excited. I didn't have a camera last time we came... I might pass out from pure joy. Oh wait -- no I'm just tired...

Pleasant Dreams, Happy Trails, Y'all Come Back Now Y'Hear.

Confessions of a Graduate Assistant: Part 3

Six. Hundred. Miles.
I think you all understand without much elaboration what 600 miles on a bus with 40highschool students can do to a person. Exhaustion, restlessness, anxiety, claustrophobia, headaches, and of course the imminent fear of the next days travels.

Obviously you people don't know me.

I loved it. 600 miles? Are you kidding me?! That's awesome!!! We saw the terrain change to the most boring of all time to the most gorgeous landscapes. And the clouds were so beautiful...

It never ceases to amaze me how vastly different different parts of this world are. The people, the land, the trees, even the sky is different. Our God is so awesome.

We sing this one song "Daily Prayer" where it talks about God being the Artist of the Sky...


Anyways - the traveling went smoothly today. No major accidents and no serious issues with the authorities. I mean, our bus got searched before we were allowed to cross the border into New Mexico, but hey no biggie. Seeing Mexico on the left and America on the right was a big hit for all the kids. Also,Patrick Russo attempted to finish a Whirly Pop in one sitting -- however he was unsuccesful. He gave it the old college try though, so props to him.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow. We'll be driving about 5 hours or so to Scottsdale, Arizona. I can't wait to see the Barnes family. We'll be singing our very first FULL concert ( kids duets, trios etc and all ) so pray that we all remember the words and that the kids save their voices on the bus ride.

I'll update as I can -- but for now it's time to hit the sack.

Confessions of a Graduate Assitant: Part 2

Days 2 and 3 of tour went rather smoothly. No one died, no one was very seriously injured, no one got lost. In other words a few people almost died, some people haveminor injuries and occasionally we didn't know quite where all of our kids were. Oh well -- all's well that ends well, right?

Day 2 was spent on the road from Shreveport, LA to Spring Texas. Once again I won the host home lotto and got a pool. Loved it. Great host family. Also -- as we were eating dinner we noticed the attractive young man cutting our host family's grass. We figured perhaps he was tired and thirsty so I volunteered to take him an ice cold drink. Conveniently I found an opportunity to slip him my card. All in a day's work my friends.. all in a day's work.

Day 3 began with a contemporary service at Spring Cyprus Presbyterian Church. Lovely place. Got through the service with minimal naps. We sounded infinitely better than our first concert. Following the Contemporary service was the Traditional service in which we sang a different set of songs and once again, sounded marvelous. It's a Choir Tour miracle.

Then we took a lovely three hour drive to San Antonio, TX. Loved it. We remembered the Alamo, or at least said we did. {Gold star to anyone who can ACTUALLY remember the Alamo). Then it was onto the Riverwalk where we parused booths and the majority of our choir members ate some classic TexMex cuisine. Good times. Also -- I got a tattoo. Relax, it's just henna. Perty little bird.

Then it was about another hour drive to Kerrville, TX to the very first of our hotel stays. Surprisingly all the students were in their rooms on time and without much prompting. It's yet abother Choir Tour miracle.

Really great group of kids this year. Really great.

Tomorrow we'll drive 600 miles to Demming, NM. Can you hear me exclaiming in joy? No.. really I actually do love the long drives. Brought my guitar along for them. Also I have "The 5000 Year Leap" and Glenn Beck's "Inconvenient Book" to keep me company. Though I doubt I'll get to the books. It's hard to get bored when we have such an awesome bus driver to chit chat with.

Anyways -- it's getting late and I'm planning on waking up early to hit the treadmill.

G'night folks.

Confessions of a Graduate Assistant: Part 1

First day of Choir Tour 09. It feels kind of surreal. I've been looking forward to it all year long with this idea that it probably wouldn't actually work out for me to go -- but here I am. I love this choir...

Currently I am sitting in the theatre room of our host home. You read it right -- theatre room. Sitting next to me is Emily McDougal and across the room is Lauren Moulton both of which just returned from a lovely night swim in their private pool. We're enjoying some excellent junk food and watching Bolt. Oh yeah - we won the host home lottery. Way to start the trip out with a bang. Oh .. and we're an hour closer to our destination than anyone else -- they're picking us up on the way which also means we get to sleep in.:) Be jealous.

Few little tid bits about tour so far:
-We have the same bus driver from last year. John. He's the man.
-Our first concert royaly bombed. Really... bad.
-I miss all my old choir buddies and kind feel super old on this tour.
-It's rainy and dreary
-Louisiana has mosqitoes
-Coconut water actually isn't that bad
-Apparently crickets taste likepeanut butter when roasted
-Glenn Beck and Fox News are widely respected among almost all the people I have come in contact with
-If you give a choir kid a massage, he'll want another and so will all his friends
-Letters are really hard to write on buses


Also - I'm incredibley sleepy so I'm going to stop blogging now and get some rest since it is next to impossible for me to fall asleep on the bus

G'night all

Grow Up

I haven't written much lately. It seems that's exactly how it is when I have the most to write about. I'm not sure if it's because I simply haven't had the time or if it's because I'm trying to not really think about it all so that I can just get to the next thing and handle that.

All I know to do is live the way I know I'm supposed to. Love God, love my neighbor and do what has to be done. Live to please Him and not my friends, co-workers, and family. I can't make them all happy, but I can do what's right.

Stand up... shake the dust...

It's time.

Beautiful Inheritance (New and Improved)

I am an orphan, I have nothing to my name
But I am an heir to the throne
I was a lowly servant, till the Father came
And made this mansion my home

The lines have fallen for me
In pleasant places
I have a Beautiful Inheritance indeed
Though they may call me just an orphan in these streets
I know my Father waits for me

I once was lost until He found me on the road
And showed me all that could be mine
I told him I'm not worthy of this kind of gold
But He'd already paid the price

The lines have fallen for me
In pleasant places
I have a Beautiful Inheritance indeed
I'd still be searching, lost and wandering the streets
If He had not adopted me

My Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills
He put the stars in the sky
I know that He has loved me, and He always will
Though there may be no reason why

The lines have fallen for me
In pleasant places
I have a Beautiful Inheritance indeed
Though I may never be an heiress on these streets
I know that heaven waits for me

My Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills
But I'm an orphan on the streets

Be Careful With Me

All the girls working overtime
Telling you everything is fine
All the girls in the beauty shops
Girls' tongues catching the raindrops

All the girls that you'll never see
Forever a mystery
All the girls with their secret ways
All the girls who have gone astray

Be careful how you bend me
Be careful where you send me
Careful how you end me
Be careful with me

There's something to be said for being thought of as delicate. Something wonderful and endearing when there's someone who feels you need protecting. Even more wonderful when they take it upon themselves. I've never been crazy about the word precious, especially not when it's describing me, but today I wouldn't mind someone walking me through a crowd with their hand at my back.

Maybe it's all the Patty Griffin I've been listening to recently or the red housewife heels I'm wearing today, but whatever it is makes me want to bake pies and pack someone's lunch.


I'm the weirdest 19 year old on the planet.

Beautiful Inheritance

I am an orphan, I have nothing to my name
But I am an heir to the throne
I was a lowly servant, till the Father came
And made this mansion my home

The lines have fallen for me
In pleasant places
I have a Beautiful Inheritance indeed
I will no longer be an orphan in the streets
For my Father waits for me

My Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills
He put the stars in the sky
I know that He has loved me, and He always will
Though there may be no reason why

The lines have fallen for me
In pleasant places
I have a Beautiful Inheritance indeed
My Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills
And He is waiting there for me

Who Wouldn't Want a Devestatingly Handsome, Corny, Jesus-Loving British Cowboy?

One of these days I hope I'm completely swept off my feet by someone who knows what they're doing with a broom. He'd better have a good catching arm too, because I fall pretty hard and fast.

Over the last couple of weeks I've been thinking about what I want in my future husband - revising the list. I've decided that I'm done trying to make it easier on the prospective suitors. If he's the right one, he won't quit easy and I won't have to adjust the list much to tailor fit him. And if that's not the case then I'll find out soon enough - but for now I'm sticking with my requirements.

Whoever-He-Is will:
~Love and fear the Lord
~Love his family
~Be a strong spiritual leader
~Know who I am, what I'm about and love me both because of and in spite of it all
~Be humble
~Be compassionate and generous
~Be gentle
~Be willing to admit failures and seek wise counsel
~Have control of his temper
~Understand that I'm not perfect, and won't be on this earth
~Long for the kingdom to come, and to glorify God in this one
~Have a heart for missions (across the street and the sea)
~Have a servant's heart
~Hope for children and long for the opportunities to be a loving, godly father
~Is wise with his resources
~Recognize how difficult I am to deal with, love it and embrace it with all his heart
~Make me go weak in the knees from time to time

It won't hurt if he:
~is devestatingly handsome
~is musically inclined or gifted
~reads real boks
~is corny (I'm looking for corny in my life)
~enjoys a good black and white movie (Disney too...)
~is athletic - or at least tries
~is the type to pick my favorite flowers instead of buy me roses
~writes letters (or anything at all really)

Bonus points if he:
~happens to be a cowboy
~has a cute foreign accent
~is financially comfortable
~wants to travel
~wants to live in the country

This is fun.. I'm gonna think about him more often.

Run to Me

Let the little children come to me
Do not slow them as they run to me
The kingdom of heaven belongs to these
Let them come
Let them run

The eyes of a child fully see the Father's face
The heart of a child fully feels the Father's grace
Open arms of a child beg the Father to stay
So let them come
Let them run to me

Watch their faith as they come to me
Learn their ways as they run to me
Surely the kingdom belongs to these that come
With them run

With the eyes of a child you can see the Father's face
With the heart of a child you can feel the Father's grace
Open arms of a child beg the Father to stay
Let them come
With them run to me