Home again, home again...

We've been home a little over 24 hours now, so it's time for my last posting for this trip.

Friday was a busy day...which day wasn't busy? We started off the morning with a breakfast supplemented by freshly picked Georgia peaches, picked on Wednesday by Jeanne Johnson's cousin. Yummy!

Our first visit on Friday was to the Library of Congress. Our guide, Ilona, was a docent at the museum (or mu-zyum as she said it); she was determined to get us into some places that very few could visit. We visited the George Gershwin exhibit, where Connie and Diane serenaded the group with a rousing rendition of "Summertime". The Bob Hope exhibit was next. It was very interesting, especially reading copies of his scripts for the Academy Awards, his shows for the troops, etc. While at the museum, we also saw the Nuremburg Bible (I thought it was the Guttenburg - DUH!), another Bible, Thomas Jefferson's private book collection and the actual library itself, although we could only view it through glass. On the way home, we watched "National Treasure" on the DVD player in the bus, which had a big scene filmed in the Library of Congress, so that was pretty neat.

Following the Library of Congress, we dropped a group of 5 off at the Holocaust Museum and the rest of the group at the Indian Museum or Air and Space Museum (you could pick where you went). Everyone seemed to enjoy their museum visits! We all ate lunch together at the Indian Museum, feasting on authentic Indian dishes such as: pulled buffalo sandwich, papusa, tamales cooked in corn husks, wild rice salads, Indian tacos, etc. It was interesting to see what everyone ordered; everyone seemed to enjoy their meal.

We said our goodbye to Ilona after lunch and headed homeward. On the way home, the bus's DVD player was humming away, playing "National Treasure - Book of Treasures" and "Hatari", an old John Wayne movie. Our drivers switched at Breezewood, PA, and we continued on homeward, arriving around 3am.

Sunday afternoon was spend scanning through 1500+ pictures, preparing the shots for the DVD that our tour company will make of the trip for us. I can't tell you how interesting it was seeing the trip through the eyes of all the different photographers...and we have some very talented ones!

As I reflect back over the past several days, I wonder, "did we accomplish all we set out to do?". I hope so. I think God was first and foremost glorified through our behavior and actions. Being in the front of the bus and being in charge, one doesn't get to see every little detail of the trip in the eyes of the choir members. Seeing their photographs, some of which were absolutely sweet, many of them showing the choir interacting with the residents at the retirement facilities, were priceless. There were genuine smiles, hugs, pats on the back, deep conversations captured in those photos. I heard positive comments all through the trip to each other and also to those we came in contact with. Merv's "one way ticket to heaven" tickets were passed out. We didn't go just to sing; we went as God's ambassadors.

Secondly, the music we sang and played was well-received and had a positive message. In the weeks leading up to the tour, the choir was singing the songs during the week as the tunes popped into their heads. I pray that the messages in those songs sink deep into hearts and leave a lasting life lesson.

Third, the choir bonded together, sort of like the motto, "E pluribus unum", which translates as "out of many, one". One choir member said it was so wonderful to get to know others in the choir; you think you know them because you sing with them each week, but do you REALLY know them? New friendships were formed, friendships deepened and a better understanding of each other was gained. People jumped in to push wheelchairs, put up handbell tables, pass out music, take care of each other in a way that was special to see. One of the songs we sang sums it up like this: ...so much of me is made of what I learned from you. You'll be with me like a handprint on my heart. And now whatever way our stories end, I know you have rewritten mine by being my friend."

Jeremiah 29:11 ~ For I know the plans I have for you...

Gratitude

I think today was a day where I was reminded over and over again of God's faithfulness and His blessings. I wish you were all here with us, experiencing the awe and wonder of our nation's capital.

Another hot, humid, sticky day in the nation's capital...the day began with an early breakfast and on the bus again downtown. We spent the morning in the Capitol building, with visits to the Rotunda (where the presidents lie in state), viewing magnificent artwork, statues, and hearing the history of our nation's beginning. It just boggles the mind with how these great statesmen and thinkers laid the foundation for our country. The choir commented over and over when they saw things that reminded them that our country was founded on biblical principles. In God We Trust.

Following a quick lunch in the Capitol cafeteria, we boarded the bus and made our way to Arlington National Cemetery. While we were at Arlington, members from the choir were to participate in the wreath laying ceremony, which was at 3:15 p.m. We rode a tram around the cemetery, saw where John F. Kennedy was buried, and also saw where many other dignitaries were buried. It's an awe-inspiring sight to see row upon row of white tombstones, each one the same, all perfectly aligned.

At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, we took our places as we waited for Barbara and Lorin Lee, Warren Druetzler and Kenny Simon to represent the choir by placing the wreath at the tomb. We chose them to place the wreath, as they are all veterans. As you can tell from the picture, they took this very seriously and got rid of the choir "uniform" and put on suit coats and dress clothes to participate. The choir stood and watched quietly as the guard kept his watch and the changing of the guard took place at the 1/2 hour. At 3:15pm, the guard announced that the wreath laying ceremony was going to take place and that the wreath was being given by the Southport Presbyterian Choir. I don't think there was a dry eye in the choir as we solemnly watched our friends place the wreath, bearing the colors of our choir robes (purple and periwinkle blue).

As we were ready to board the tram and head back to the bus, a funeral cortege processed by. Horses pulled a cart with a black fabric-draped casket. We all stood silently as we watched. It was a sobering experience to see. The entire experience at Arlington was very moving for all of us, each of us with different perceptions of what we saw, but everyone grateful for the experience and the sacrifices made.

Later in the evening, we performed our final concert at a place called Vinson Hall. It was another military retirement facility, but a little more intimate setting than we sang in at the Fairfax. The concert went well and was well-received. Several of the choir members made new friends, heard some very interesting stories and I can't tell who was blessed more...them or us.

Back in the hotel room, cooling off and reflecting, I am grateful. Grateful for so many things...for friends, fellowship, music, laughter, sacrifice, humility, service, salvation...the list goes on and on. Our God is good, faithful through the ages, loving us and giving more to us that we deserve. Deuteronomy 32:3-4 was one of our scripture passages for today in our journal: I will proclaim the name of the LORD; how glorious is our God! He is the Rock; his work is perfect. Everything he does is fair and just. He is a faithful God who does no wrong, how just and upright he is!

Prayer requests for today: continue to pray for Sally and her back - it's slowly getting better; praise that Joann felt much better today. Pray for travel mercies for us as we begin our journey home.

Tomorrow will be our last day in Washington. We're planning to go to the Library of Congress to see the Nuremburg Bible (among other things), to the Holocaust Museum and also the Air and Space Museum and the Indian Museum.

God is God and We are Not

Today was a busy, hot day. We started the morning off very early - 6:15am in order to get to the White House by 7:15am. After alphabetizing ourselves by last name, our group was the first group to be allowed in to the White House. What a beautiful place! We kept looking out the window to see if Bo, the first dog, was out on potty break, but we didn't see him or any of the first family. We talked with all of the Secret Service people, guards, and docents and learned a lot of interesting facts (if Malia and Sascha want to play ping pong, security closes the East Room, move in a ping pong table and the girls play...can you imagine that?!).

After that tour, we boarded the bus and headed over to the Viet Nam memorial. How special to take pictures with Lorin, Barb and Kenny, who are veterans of that war. Very moving to see. We also saw the Korean War monument, which was also special because Warren Druetzler is a veteran of that war. Lots of pictures taken and memories shared.

By this point, it was time to set up for our concert at the Lincoln Memorial. We were to perform on the steps facing the Reflection Pool at 10:45am. We had absolutely perfect weather, but NO keyboard. We waited and waited...and waited and waited...and waited. No keyboard came. The bells set up, rehearsed a bit and still no keyboard came. After waiting for over an hour for our keyboard to arrive, we just made an executive decision to do what we could of our planned repertoire a cappella and have the bells play. The choir was AWESOME! The bells were terrific...and God was glorified! By the time the bells finished their last piece, the keyboard showed up. We rather quickly sound checked it and sang our last song with the keyboard. It was a very frustrating morning, but we couldn't have asked for a more beautiful setting in which to sing (the choir sang looking at the Washington Memorial and the Capital...well, and occasionally looking at me!) and I got to look at them as well as seeing Lincoln watching my every move. What an honor! What could've been a total disappointment turned out to be a wonderful experience for us, the folks who heard us (many positive comments...one even asked where our concert was in the evening!) and the Lord was definitely honored with our music and our attitudes. I hope He smiled.

We had a bit of free time after the concert, so we visited the Lincoln Memorial up close and personal and also several of the Smithsonians. A little shopping, a lot of eating and off we went to The Fairfax for our evening concert.

The Fairfax is a military retirement facility in Virginia, where we learned several 5 star generals and dignitaries live. We arrived late (egads!) and set up quickly. The residents were so gracious to us, smiled, waved their flags, asked questions and invited us back many, many, many times. We shared cookies and punch afterward with them and I'm certain I saw a couple of Merv's tracts being passed out to the residents. :) We also had a couple of "groupies" at the concert - Warren and Pat Druetzler's son and daughter-in-law and Jeanne Johnson's cousin were also in attendance at the concert.

On the way back to the hotel, we stopped at the World War II Memorial. It was absolutely stunning to see in the dark. We walked around and got several pictures. It was a "wow, wow, wow" way to end an incredible day.

So what did we learn today? What we see as frustrating, aggravating or "just not right", the Lord can take the situation and use it for His purpose...and doesn't He always? As Pastor June says, "God is God and we are not."

So tonight as we reflect and prepare for a well-deserved rest, we give thanks for a wonderful day in His service. We ask for prayers for: Sally - her back pain is still there and rather uncomfortable (but I've never seen a better trouper); Joann - not feeling well this evening - upset tummy; praise for a wonderful day; prayer for tomorrow's concert, sight seeing and the wreath placement ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery; thanksgiving for encouragement from our friends at home and those we've come in contact with here.

Miss you all...more tomorrow!

It was a Jeremiah 29:11 Day

Have you ever had a day where you can feel the presence of the Lord so distinctly that it's like He's right there next to you? Today was one of those days for the choir tour.

We left 5 minutes early on Monday evening with a wonderful send-off from Ed and Donna Kenninger, Elwyn and Susan Stafford, numerous spouses who weren't going along for the tour. A picture amid the Gathering Place VBS decorations and we were on the bus. Our driver, Jimmy, is a member of Thompson Rd. Baptist Church in Indy. When he heard that the next job assignment was a tour of Christians (and a church choir on top of that), he said he knew this was somewhere he wanted to be. OK...are you feeling the presence yet?

Arrival in Washington was 2 hours a head of schedule, thanks to Jimmy and his driving skill (not to mention making good time). We decided to try and check in at the hotel even though we were early. The desk clerk was kind, accomodating and took care of every need we had. 6 of our folks who were traveling on their own were waiting in the lobby when we arrived. What a welcoming committee we had...rooms ready and all of our folks waiting to join us. The hair on the back of my arm is starting to raise.

When we arrived at the Old Post Office, we met our tour guide, Barb and Lorin Lee and Gloria Miller. Our group was now complete. We had a quick bite to eat and it was off to the first stop of the tour...something not on the agenda. Ilona (our tour guide) took us to the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, which was Abraham Lincoln's church. She arranged for us to go there before we'd even arrived, asking the church if we could rehearse there for a bit before we toured the church.

The guys unloaded the music and we made our way to the rehearsal space. After the first few notes of "We are the Men" (chosen because it is a light, fun piece to warm up on), we were so impressed with the acoustics of this dim, dark room we were in. Sally was playing a Steinway piano given to the church in 1958, which we have the distinct feeling is way older than 51 years old...it is a fabulous instrument. The choir then launched into "The Lord's Prayer" and the room took on an ethereal feeling. The choir sounded like they were in heaven, music resounding everywhere around us. When we finished the piece, I had tears in my eyes; I could not imagine the beauty I was hearing, that we were being given such an honor as to sing for the Lord in this place...Lincoln's church! It was amazing...we even had the custodial staff listening to us, hanging on every note we sang. We rehearsed for about 40 minutes, just reveling in the music, the space and God's graciousness to us. Mid rehearsal, we stopped to pray and give thanks for this special way to start our time in this place.

I can't begin to describe the wonders we encountered in the church - Lincoln's pictures, documents, his "personal" pew, the stained glass...it's an awesome place! We spent about 1 1/2 hours here, took many pictures and picked our jaws up off the floor many times.

Onward to the National Cathedral. Aside from the grand architecture, stunning stained glass, history, enviable acoustics, we were floored again with the opportunity to SING. After touring the main level of the cathedral, we were taken to the lower level of the cathedral. After learning about the chapel called the "Bethlehem Chapel", our tour guide asked if we could sing. The docent said, "yes" and we sang "The Lord's Prayer" a cappella. Tears were seen on many a cheek, I will say. How will we get through our concerts? By the grace of God! We worshiped together in an Evensong service, with the music led by the Cambridge Choir, which was glorious, but I don't think anything was as beautiful as hearing our choir sing together. It's really hard to describe, other than to say the presence of the Lord was surely with us in these places.

I'm hoping I get some of the pictures from the day loaded onto the blog for everyone to see. Just amazing..

Dinner this evening was at the Kennedy Center, which was pretty impressive. The meal was nice, but the setting was just beautiful. We went up to the roof after our meal and saw the Lincoln Memorial, where we'll be giving a concert tomorrow morning, as well as the Washington Monument, which seemed like it was right next door with the Jefferson Memorial a hop, skip and a jump between the two. We also took a bus ride to see the Iwo Jima monument, the White House and several other important landmarks in the city.

I have 37 tired, very jazzed singers and spouses trying to go to sleep tonight. Our tour manager said, "They've been up since 10pm last night and listen to them. They're still ready to go." Which they were...I know 3 went down to the movie theatre down the street to see the midnight showing of the new Harry Potter flick. Amazing!

I don't know how tomorrow can get any better? I'm sure the Lord has many things planned for us. I'm going to rest in that this evening and I get ready for bed. It's been an amazing day, one that the Lord must have spent a lot of time planning and preparing for us...today didn't just happen by accident. Confirmation of the Lord's hand was evident all through the day. It was a Jeremiah 29:11 day.

Prayer requests for tonight: Please pray for Sally's back - it's not easing up and she's very uncomfortable. The medicine she's taking doesn't seem to be working.

Pray for us tomorrow as we sing at the Lincoln Memorial (10:45am) and the Fairfax (7pm) - pray that the concerts go well and that what the Lord has for those who are listening is received. Pray for us to have energy and enthusiasm as it's been a very long day for us today.

We're leavin' on a coach bus, don't know when we'll be back again (well, yes, we do know!)

We're leaving this evening for Washington DC. It seems very surreal!

Everyone is working on last minute details: Sally and I rehearsed a couple of the anthems this morning; my laptop is getting last minute programs loaded on to it; cookies are being baked; it's a busy morning!

8 of our tour participants are driving out together, leaving some time today. We're all to meet up at the Old Post Office in Washington DC Tuesday at noon. Please pray for safety in travel for each of those folks and also for the bus, which leaves Southport at 10pm tonight.

I take comfort in Jeremiah 29:11, which has been one of my favorite scriptures ever: "For I know the plans I have for you...". I love that scripture so much that it is written on the foundation of the chapel floor, under the carpet, beneath where the organ is sitting. Many, many times I refer to that scripture when I'm nervous, confused, excited, angry, anxious...days like today. We are ready to go, but the unknown of what the Lord's plans are for us, what lies ahead in Washington is a little unsettling today. It helps to know that He is ahead, behind, beside and is in control.

Highlights for Tuesday: visiting the National Cathedral (and also worshiping there), touring the Capital Hill area and Embassy Row, walking in the underground tunnel to the Congressional Capital Visitor Center, and a night tour of the "was Memorial" featuring the Vietnam, Korean, FDR and Lincoln Memorials.

Wednesday morning will be a big day for us as well, as we'll be touring the White House at 7:30am (we're the first group allowed in under the Obama administration) and the first two of our three concerts...one of which is on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, facing the Reflection Pool.

Known prayer requests for Monday afternoon: Please pray for Sally (our accompanist) and her back - she hurt it this morning before she went to work; pray for safety for all 38 of us as we travel; pray for our drivers - for alertness and direction; pray for our families that stay behind and "hold down the fort" as we're away.

May God be glorified and lifted high through our ministry of music!