A big sigh of relief

Well folks- we did it! The Japan Team has successfully completed our Send-Off Concert! I think we did a great job and got a lot of positive feedback. Sure there are things to work on, but I am very proud of my group.

The countdown is basically one day, since we leave Friday morning. Whenever I read about Tokyo I get excited, but I am still afraid. I don't like leaving home. Especially when there are things down here with the family that I have to worry about. I pray that God uses us in a mighty way in Japan.

I was talking to a few girls at Panera tonight who had just returned from their trips to Rawanda and Austria and it is just exciting to hear about how God worked. They were all so stoked on their trip. Is it selfish to wish the same happens with my group? One of them said that every day they witnessed an answer to prayer. That's incredible that God's presence and guidance was so evident. It's hard for me to fathom that a trip overseas with brand new people can be such an amazing experience, but at the same time it makes sense because God is so powerful and is capable of pulling people together. I need to make sure to allow that.

God has already answered a prayer in regards to our rehearsal camp this week and concert.

I honestly don't even know what to specifically ask for in terms of prayer right now. I am just beginning to sort out my thoughts.

Instead of writing my ISP papers, here I sit blogging....

Father, I don't know what to expect but I know that you are and have already been preparing and equipping me for this trip. May I recognize your strength and guidance and I pray you ignite my heart with passion for Your people and furthering Your Kingdom.

1st day of Rehearsal Camp

I am amazed at the way God works and the way He begins to pull people together. Today was the first day of our Rehearsal Camp and it went amazingly. I was so pleased with the music we created but also the way our group came together and had fun. I must admit my voice is TIRED! Brett Vowell is a great guy and supplied us with breakfast of pop tarts and fruit, lunch of pizza and then we ended the day with a nice Memorial Day BBQ and some brownies for my belated Birthday. Good day over all. I pray God continues to bless our group and that we continue striving to bless His name with our efforts.

If you are reading this- COME TO OUR CONCERT ON WEDNESDAY AT 2PM! :-)


Tonight will be an early night again..

I do love home. I also have a lot to look forward to when I come home. Gwen Stefani, Las Vegas, Lauren's Bday, Twan's Wedding, Theatre Camps.

5 days...

Hey Guys! If I remember to faithfully write, I think this will be a great way to stay in contact and keep everyone updated on my trip to Japan. I will admit I am a bit nervous right now. I go through stages where I feel like I never want to leave home (my comfort) and then times when I am completely confident and enthusiastic about going on an adventure for the Lord. If you read this and think about praying for my group, I ask that you remember us this week May 28-30th as we have our Rehearsal Camp and then Wednesday as we have our Send Off concert. Working with 6 other musically inclined people is always a challenge as we all have different opinions and tastes about things, but my prayer is that God unifies us and gives us an open mind- and that we realize we are just instruments to be used by Him. That's what I really want. I can't wait to see what God has in store. I feel so privileged yet unworthy to be working for Him. I feel like I have so much to get done before Friday... well, I do! I still have yet to do my assignments for class and packing hasn't even entered my mind...

In all other news, this weekend was filled with 2 BEAUTIFUL weddings. My cousin Hillary is now married and I had a great time being in her wedding party and singing "Bless the Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts. She was seriously the most beautiful bride I have seen...
Then Brittany & Matt's wedding was a BLAST! It is amazing seeing 2 people together who I have known for 4 years and have seen their growth. They are genuinely amazing people. The wedding was HOT and it was so much fun getting to dance and have a good time with all my closest friends, who I consider my family.

It is just beginning to hit me how much I am going to miss Cottage 20. Never before have I met such an incredible group of girls who compliment each other so well yet are so unique. The bond and love we have for one another is so strong. I am going to miss seeing their faces every single morning!

Today my ISP Japan team had the opportunity to sing in 3 services in Rancho Cucamonga. I was very pleased. I can't wait to get even stronger!

That's all for now... time to prepare. I don't think I will ever be fully prepared.