New Year News

This weekend we had our first full-stage show after several weeks off the road, and it was also our last show of 2010. Brett, Genae, Patrick, and I all traveled to Somerset, PA on Friday, arriving about 5 hours early in order to set up the new lights and everything else for the event. My first highlight of the trip? The stage was clear. Completely! Not a chair, not a guitar, not even leftover cords to push to the side. It was beautiful. :) I know we should be flexible and willing to work around whatever the churches have set up, but it's such a nice treat to have plenty of backstage space and not to worry about tripping over anything but our own stuff. Haha

Brett's parents and grandmother made a special trip out to see us as well. The drive was a little over 2 hours, so it was especially nice of them to make the drive. We were able to get food all together after the event and celebrate the New Year as a family.

Overall, I feel the show went well. We used the front lights for the first time this event, and I was so not expecting the difference it made. We weren't able to see the audience at all. ...Not that that was a good thing. I'm sure there were many beautiful people there. :) But it does make it easier for me to feel the energy of a performance when the atmosphere has that theatrical feel.

Sunday was another fun show, though it was one Brett performed solo. I was able to go along to help set everything up and be his moral support. And we had some more familiar faces in the audience yesterday too. Sharon, Richard, Sue, and Sue's children drove out to Beaver, PA to come to the event. (They are the ministry coordinators, For His Kidz, that book all of Brett's events.) The church was having a special family service where parent and kids came together for a time of worship. Brett was able to share his testimony as well as the pure, gospel message. And it was a treat for me to get to sit back and enjoy the show with the rest of the audience.

Now, we have a few more weeks in between shows. But we're glad for the down time to get ready for the Children's Pastors Conference in Orlando. Our flight leaves (early!!) next Tuesday, and I'm looking forward to meeting other people that travel in ministry along with hopefully connecting with people who are plugged into their local church. One thing I've been struggling with lately is how to balance a traveling lifestyle with the need for deep, meaningful relationships within the body of Christ. I feel one of the best ways to grow in this area is to talk to other people who have the same concern and to hear their story. Aside from that, it's just a treat to hang out with people who have a similar vision and passion. Looking forward to a time of relaxation as well as growth in the next couple weeks. :)