Tuesday: A Long Day...A Good Day

Making a difference in the lives of our youth. I am teaching them to love the waffles. To be clear, I did NOT teach them to put whipped cream on a waffle. Gross.

Our first concert was at the armed forces retirement home. This adjacent to the Lincoln Cottage, which I believe was the site of the first veterans' home (citation neeeded...I could be wrong about this).

Our primary soloist for one of the songs had lost her voice. We weren't sure if she was going to be able to sing the solo or not, but we decided she should give it a try, which she did. And following about two notes, her voice cracked, and she said, "Nope!" and went back to the choir.

To be clear, she's been rocking this solo with all the power an attitude it needs to be amazing, but when you've lost your voice, well, you've lost your voice. So she got back in line, and the choir started looking at each other...when Grace just started singing the solo. She did a great job of it.

I told the choir that at our best, this is what a choir is: we have each other's backs. We take up the slack when needed. I was super proud of and impressed by Grace for doing what needed to be done!

We visited after, of course.

My contact at the AFRH was Marla, and I noticed her standing at the piano. I went over to talk to her, and she said, "We have groups come in here and sing, but nobody does this. This is great. It's amazing. And they're so good at it." I've heard comments like that before, and it brings me joy every time. I tell the youth all the time that what we are doing is important, and that visiting is important. And I believe that. But the occasional reminder is helpful. thanks for being the voice of God for me, Marla.

I offered to let Trots-a-Lot conduct, but he declined.

Our next stop was Covenant House, which is a national organization (I've interacted with the Atlanta Covenant House a few different times). It provides shelter and resources for youth experiencing homelessness.

We were singing during lunch time, which is typically very busy, but on this particular day for whatever reason not many folks showed up. We sang for maybe 4 people...but we also sang for the staff who were working there...and they were very appreciative of our presence. Honestly at first, I was deeply uneasy about it. They were so kind. Once upon a time, when we sang at a place for very few folks, I told the chaperones there had been a mistake, and we were sent to the wrong place. She said, "No, John. We were right where we were supposed to be." We were then, and we were at the Covenant House as well.

Photo contest! Where's Waldo? Each picture in the photo contest features youth hiding. How many can you find?

And the winner is...  (How many do you see? Answer in the comments.)

After lunch we went to Arlington National Cemetery.

We took something of a self-guided tour based on the time we had. We selected just a very small few markers. I told the youth that every person buried here is the same now. What matters most is what we do when we are above the ground.

We attended the final guard change of the day. That's not true. We attended the final public guard change of the day. This sentinel passed his inspection and took his post. I've seen this many times before, and it's always profoundly moving to me. It's a level of respect and reverence we rarely encounter these days.

The guard will of course remain throughout the night. I was struck by this as we made our way out of the cemetery. I looked back up the hill, and there was the sentinel we had just seen take his post. He stands guard over those who cannot guard themselves. An advocate and protector.

Aw, the Kershes!

After the cemetery we had our second chaperone dinner.

Famous Dave's! That's famous Michael with his room.

A couple of final contributions to the photo contest taken around dinner time. They didn't win, but they aren't bad. Certainly worth an honorable mention.

"Hello."

"Hello."

"Do you like my hat?"

"I do! I do like that party hat!"

"Goodbye."

"Goodbye."

Piggy back ride in piggie hats.

After dinner we returned to the hotel and began writing our thank you notes. If you supported music in mission at any point during the past year, you can expect to receive one of these. The youth are genuinely grateful for all of you who have made this trip possible. I try to make it a point to make sure they tell you they are grateful too!

I guess that's about it. I'm sorry it's taking me longer to get these things posted each day. Something about my morning routine hasn't allowed me to write them during breakfast like I have in the past, so I've had to write them when I have time after that. We are, as I type, on the way to Raleigh-Durham. Technology is weird. 

Things are going well. We are doing what we set out to do, both in our concerts and in our free time. You should be proud of your youth choir. I know I am.