Video Blog Numero Uno :)

I've never claimed to be technologically savvy. Nor have I claimed to be artsy in any way when it comes to photography or videos. But here's my attempt at documenting the laughs and adventures from the Fort Wayne show I wrote about a few days ago. It's really rough. You've been warned. ;)

Snow in the balmy gulf town of Vancleave, MS

Below I posted a short clip I was able to sneak in at the end of the Upward event we did in Vancleave, MS last night. It kind of gives an idea of how pumped up the kids were by the end of their awards ceremony. By this point, they had already received their Upward awards, and this effect was the last part of the event before they headed home.

Fort Wayne, IN - Vancleave, MS

Back in PA now after one of the most interesting road trips I've ever had.

The Indiana event went super well. We were able to join the church on Sunday morning for their worship service before setting up that afternoon, and I was genuinely impressed by their heart to reach out into the community and make a difference by serving others. It was only a 45 minute show, and we had so much time to get prepared. It was probably the first time in months that I felt I had a chance to clear my head and shift gears from setting up to walking on stage...which really doesn't sound like a big deal. But for me, it helps to be able to remind myself of our purpose being there as well as to take time to mentally rehearse things before the opening music starts.

That night was when the craziness started! We started our 8-hour drive back to PA after loading out, and we headed right into thunderstorms and the thickest fog I've ever driven in. We seriously couldn't see but a few yards in front of us at times, and this weather stayed with us over half the drive. God was awesome, and I'm thankful He kept us all safe. But a few hours into the trip, Brett hit something dark on the highway. Still not sure what it was, but it was large enough to puncture two of the trailer tires. And...as soon as Brett got out to replace one of them with our spare, it started POURING rain again. Lighting everywhere. After the draining drive we'd already been through, this extra punch put that drive into the surreal category for me. Again, we could have had a huge wreck. The trailer could have flipped with something that large in the road combined with limited visibility. But no one was hurt. Sure, it took several hours to fix, and it was pretty inconvenient to have to stop. But we made it back safe and sound - in one piece. :)

That Monday afternoon, we had a flight to catch to MS. And the oddities continued! Our 6:50 flight was delayed about five times until we finally took off a few minutes after 10 pm. ...Meaning we missed out layover in ATL and had to catch another plane Tues morning. All due to a huge weather system in GA that closed down the ATL airport for a few hours. But the wait was so worth it.

Brett was able to go into the public middle school in Vancleave, MS Tues afternoon, and he shared a portion on the Journey beyond the Natural show with the students. What was crazy? They wanted him to be completely open about his faith. No avoiding Jesus' name here. It was just as direct as any church youth event I've been to. And by the time Brett was sharing his life story, the kids were completely silent, locked in and listening to every word. The night event at the church went just as well. Got to try out several new routines and some twists on a few older ones. Plus we were working with an awesome host that Brett had worked with last year, and it was truly a pleasure getting to spend time with him and his family both before and after the shows. I'm hoping we get to go back and see them as we head to TX this summer. :D

So I'm not writing all this to sound like we had a horrible time this week. In fact, I had a wonderful time and am so thankful that we all are safe and that the events went so well. God is good and I'm amazed by how close He holds us even in the middle of uncomfortable life surprises. I think I was reminded this week now only of how deeply He loves us, but of how much He longs to love through us as well. Good times!