Something in the water...

I'm back and once again adding to my long list of blogg entries. Well, not really...if you have been following this blog you would know that is in fact my second blogg entry, but hey, there was only two entries between this one and the last one I wrote, soooo...I am getting better. Anyway, the last week has been spent in Mike's hometown, Roseboro, NC. Now, if any of you are wondering where in the world Roseboro is, you will find this quaint little town right outside of Fayetteville and the people that live there are "just good folks." That is what the sign says.

Upon arriving in Roseboro we had supper at Mikes house and were met by everyone and their uncle...literally. Mike had aunts, uncles, nephews, his pastor, and just about anyone else you can think of in attendance...it was quite a family affair. Also. to give you an inkling on the size of the meal, Mike's mother had six different types of desserts prepared. We ate well to say the least.

The week started with a day full of performance. We started Monday with a performance for the very people who give us so much support. Yes, we had a short worship service for the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina itself. It was a lot of fun to show them what we do and they were very appreciative and encouraging. For any of you reading this that go to Appalachian, We got to see and hang out with Randall who is the Videographer and works at the office in Cary this summer. That was really cool. He even has a pretty big office all his own...nice. when we got back from Cary we immediately did programs at two different nursing homes. Now, there must be something in the water of this area because the people in the nursing homes this week were much more alert than they have been at other nursing homes in the past. the nursing homes this week were awesome experiences and we could all tell the the people there were glad to have us. The day ended with dinner with the pastor. Let me just say that he is quite a funny guy.

On Tuesday we switched gears entirely. We had an eight hour workday...painting. This was not just any painting either. I guess you could say this this painting experience was very bright...color wise. We painted the new youth room with a combination of lime green and what we have come to call barney purple. Very bright indeed. My personal opinion is that it has kind of a Doctor Seuss look. You will have to judge it for yourself whenever we get pictures up.

Wednesday was a pretty awesome day. We did another nursing home with more very alert people, (I am telling you there must be something in the water!) and Wednesday night we had a big hour and a half program which was pretty awesome. Once again, if you are reading this and you go to Appalachian you will like to know that Megan brought her youth group to see us and Storm's parents came to see us. It was a pretty cool program and it was only the second time we had done one that was so long. We had a lot of fun.

Thursday was more or less a "relax" day. The only eventful things was me getting my drivers license renewed (Yay!), Mike going to an eye doctor appointment, and Kristen heading off to Charlotte for the weekend for a teaching fellows conference.

Friday was probably one of the most interesting days we have had all summer. On Friday we took the special needs class to the lake for the day. We all had a great time and the kids had a lot of fun as well. We played in the lake, had bible study, went to an arcade, rode fair rides and just basically had a blast. it was so awesome to see them overcome fears and just enjoy themselves as the day went by. It was a tiring day. We left the church at 10:00 a.m. and did not get back to 11:30 p.m. It was long, but very rewarding and fun . It was awesome just to see those faces light up and see everyone have such a great time.

Saturday was a day off. We went to Raleigh and saw a musical called "Daniel" which one of Mike's friends was in. It told the story of the book of Daniel and was fantastic. It was quite humorous because it had a lot of references to music from the 90's. We also went to the mall and just basically hung out.

On Sunday we lead some music and got to see six baptisms...awesome! Then we had lunch packed up and drove to Raleigh where we are spending the night. We will be flying out of the Raleigh airport at 11:35 a.m. tomorrow morning for Canada! I am really excited and kind of nervous. I have never left the country and I have not been on a plane since I was small. We can not wait to see what Canada will bring!

As you continue to pray for us we ask that you pray for our trip to Canada. That we will stay safe and have a powerful impact for God! Also, pray for relationships we have made and have yet to make. Pray for our performance ministry and that God will continue to use us. Thank you all for all you are doing.

- Andrew