Saturday: Getting Our Feet Wet

Our day started at 8:45 when we arrived at the church. We got everyone checked in and then headed to the sanctuary for a commissioning. Pastor Beth prayed for us, and we headed to the bus. She stood and waved as we went by. Beth is always quick to lend and hand and very supportive! And a few extra blessings as we get underway can't hurt, right?

Those of you who followed us last year might remember this little fella, Sir Trotsalot. He'll be joining us again this year...you just never know where you might find him. You can follow him on Instagram if you'd like!

We weren't even out of the parking lot before Cole took up his normal position. "Cole, why aren't you in a seat?" This. Is. His. Seat.

We are Methodist, so naturally the first thing to do was food. We stopped to eat lunch in Greenville...

...mere miles from where my brother lives. South Carolina miles, not Atlanta miles, so it's like 3 minutes from his house. So he, my sister-in-law, and my nephew showed up to have lunch with us! My brother is the older looking one. No, the older looking one...on the left. Ha! David, if you're reading this, this is what you get for always beating me in chess.

We arrived at our first venue a little early. I don't expect that to happen ever again, but on day 1, well done.

FAMILY! I love it when we have singers' family come and see us. Oliver and Carter's aunts and grandfather came to see us. It was nice to meet them. Also they make some of the same faces Elizabeth makes.

After we sang, of course we visited. I've been doing this for a long time. I've written those words ("we visited") so many times. And with 10 concerts happening this year...I'll write it again. I find the pictures of the youth engaging with our audience inspiring.

Then it was back on the bus. I can't sleep on the bus...but some people can.

Aw. Mother daughter bus time!

We stopped at a rest area to change. In all my years of doing this, this is the very first time I have not gleefully exchanged my jeans for a pair of shorts while hoping I didn't sweat through my tshirt. But it was actually...cold? With a little rain. So we had to huddle underneath the pavilion to keep dry (and...we got our feet wet in the grass on the way to and from the bus).

There's a lot of fast food on these trips, but on this first night, we went to sit-down places and had dinner with chaperones where we got to know each other (and also teach some of the youth how tipping works).

New this year: photo contests. I created a shared folder and asked each group to upload a picture (tonight's theme: eating). The group with the best picture gets to get off the bus first. I'll include them all here for your enjoyment.

And the winner is...

Honorable mention to Ian, who asked who the winner was in our trip groupme by sending a Princess Bride gif featuring Count Rugan. ("Who won? How did it end?)

We checked into the hotel and then gathered for our devotional. Wesley sees something, but I'm not sure what.

Devotional time tonight was really just an opportunity for folks to talk about the stories they learned while we were visiting. Can confirm: they were paying attention. Many of the youth enjoy hearing the stories and sharing them. Experience tells me over time most of them will discover the joy of serving in this way. Already today I had to go pull some of them away when it was time to leave.

When devotional was over we headed to bed. As per usual, I taped them in before heading to bed myself.

One more thing. We stayed at Home 2 Suites, which is a new Hilton property. It was a little cheaper than the Hampton and also one of the only places available in Roanoke (or indeed anywhere between Greenville and Charlottesville). The sales manager told me they do not serve waffles, but there is breakfast. I have to say the hotel was nice, but the best part was the service. Our rooms were ready. All the youth rooms were on one side of the hall on one floor. They were attentive, helpful, kind, and patient. Good job, Home 2 Suites!

Looking forward to what lies ahead on Day 2! I'll let you know when we make it to DC...