Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Rocky Mountain High...

The Rockies...the most beautiful drive ever, and the most annoying to do with a van and trailer. We traversed the entire state of Colorado yesterday and found ourselves in the wonderful town of Wellington, CO (hometown of Summer '06 team member, Carl Dernell). We have a show here tonight.

A big shout-out to the wonderful people of Grand Junction. We got see some amazing scenery as well as meeting some awesome people.

After driving through mountains for the last month and half it is nice to be back on flat ground. It's hard to believe that we only have a week of tour left. Thanks so much for all of your prayers and support for the last little bit! We appreciate them!

God Bless,
Paul

Friday, March 16, 2007

Home

This past week has been really amazing. Last week we were in Grass Valley at a camp. We were there for a couple of days and it was so much fun. We played one concert there and then were able to just hang out. Then last Friday I was at my home with my family for 4 days with the team. We arrived on Friday and just hung out with my family. And were able to just relax, which was nice. Saturday we played a youth concert at my church, that my entire family came to. Sunday morning we played an hour of worship for my church. It was so great being able to see people that I actually knew. :) Sunday afternoon we drove to Citrus Heights (about 45 minutes from my house) and played our second concert of the day. Monday was a day off and we spent it in lovely San Francisco. I'm sure you read a bit about our day off from Ruth's blog. It was a lot of fun to ride the ferry into the city and just walk around. And it was perfect weather.

Overall my time at home was really nice. I enjoyed seeing my family and a few friends. And it was fun showing my team around my area a bit. :) Well Tuesday morning we left for Bakersfield and stayed the night. Wednesday was another long driving day through the desert and after a long time in the van we arrived in Las Vegas, where we had an amazing youth concert. The youth group we played for were phenominal. They were so passionate about God and just showed it without shame. It was such a humbling concert. Thursday was a day off and we were able to sight see a bit in Las Vegas. We saw the water and lights show in front of the Bellagio, so that was cool. Today we drove a ways and arrived in Utah. So we will be staying the night here and then driving to Colorado tomorrow.

Winter tour has been difficult and yet so amazing. I have learned so much more about God and who I am in Him. I am just so thankful that God is so faithful and loving.

Well I hope everyone is doing well!!! Hi team 14:22!! Miss you guys! :)

God Bless!
Julie

Monday, March 12, 2007

The Joys of San Francisco

I have always had a disliking for seagulls and now I have a very good reason to be. Today was our first day off for a long while and so we spent it in lovely San Francisco. We took a 1/2 hour ferry ride and enjoyed having the refreshing sea breeze on our faces...until the wind blew my glasses off and they broke...:-/ Oh dear... After spending some time at Pier 39 we walked over and watched the sealions for a spell. And it was here that this infuriating disaster occured. I was leaning over the rail peacefully watching the sealions swim around and make their dreadful noise when suddenly I felt something wet and warm land on the top of my head. At first I thought it was a drop of water but then when I saw the stinky seagull above me, I realised it was something else. Luke and Julie lost it collapsing with laughter while I helplessly stood there with birdy stuff all in my hair. UNbelieveable. I then ranted for the next 20 minutes about the stupidness of seagulls and how much I disliked them etc etc. Ach, the joys of life!!

So apart from this terrible ordeal, we all had quite a lovely time in San Francisco. We went to Chinatown, had tapioca tea...fun times!

Tomorrow we will be going to Bakersfield and then Wednesday will be in Los Vegas. It's hard to believe that there is only 18 days left of this tour. I can't believe how fast these weeks have gone by. Soon we'll back back in Willmar for Spring Break and I'll be seeing my parents from Aussie land...hi mums and dad!

Thanks for your prayers dear friends.

-Ruthie :-)

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

It was a sad day...

Today was a sad day. We dropped Chris Reed, our manager, off at the airport. The van just feels empty now. Life seems meaningless. We can't go on. Just kidding!

It was really sad to see Chris go though. We had gotten used to the extra person in the van and watching him wipe out repeatedly on the skateboards was quite amusing. Chris joined us last Thursday night in Elk Grove, California. The following morning we played a chapel service at Elk Grove Lutheran HS and then that night we were back in Davis at Chinese Bible Church. From there we headed out to Gridley where we spent the weekend. Yesterday we were in Yuba City, California where we did two concerts: one in the morning at a school and one in the evening at a church.

Needless to say, we have been very busy! We have played so many concerts lately, it almost feels like we are overseas again.

We are heading off to Grass Valley this afternoon to spend some time with Christian Encounter Ministries.

A big shout-out to Gretchen, one of my teammates this past summer, who surprised us by showing up at Gridley.

Thanks for all of the prayers and support! Hi to team 14:22...hope things are good out east!

God Bless,
Paul