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!