Choir Recording in Action!!!

I have a bunch of old posts that I never actually, well, posted. So before the year ends out, there will be a slew of delightful pictures and stories that helped make the last four months as great as they were.... or maybe just show how I like to do lots of things!

It's been an interesting process being involved with the New Life Worship recording that happened a couple of months ago.  I didn't realize that in the final, professional project, most of the vocals and instrumentals are re-recorded, and the ad-libs, and audience applause and reactions are among the only few things kept.  This meant 9 1/2 hours spaced out over three nights for the choir to come in and record.

We all wore radio headsets tuned to a station which they played the music so we could sing along. We did full passes of unison on the melody, and then did just the section with parts. They even told us for the night of the actual recording that the "choir" wouldn't get picked up in the mics because those microphones were picking up the room noise... but here, it was all us!

I think I enjoy choir not because we actually act like a choir, or that we get many opportunities to learn our parts (cause we don't), but that it's a great community to be a part of within a large church structure.  I may even continue to be involved after our required time is over, just to be with some really awesome people.  Although I probably shouldn't go just cause there's a really cute guy there.... cause that's a lot of it....:o)

Sometimes when you find that you have candy corn in your bag...it leads to mischief and kodak moments! We had a good time, finally learned parts to the new songs, and know that our hard work will help the finished product be even more amazing!

Home for the Holidays

I.love.home. I actually was a mess at the airport last Thursday having had little sleep all week in anticipation of seeing family after a long four months.  I made quite good friends with my seatmates on the flight, Brian, a construction worker residing in Denver but originally from Chester on the Eastern Shore, headed home to help his dad lay flooring down, and Nick, a Nasa scientist from Annapolis who spends his spare time racing 30 ft sailboats headed back from yet another business trip.  True to my character, by mid flight we had our laptops out sharing pictures and stories to pass the time.  And even truer to form we did at one point get asked to quiet down by a flight attendant...:o)

But home has been so good. Nate, our two and a half year old gem, is so big now, and wasted no time in showing me all his trains and pulling out our guitars. He's gotten pretty smart, hogging all the picks, and when I ask for one, calmly informing me I can "use my hands."  The kid uses huge words, like "favorite" and "exciting".... he's a lot of fun with his stories and ideas.  And it's good to be back with the rest of the family, I love the whole family around the table having dinner and talking about their days.

I'm slowly working my way around to see friends, mentors, and other deeper acquaintances. It just took a few days for the shock of being back on the East Coast to wear off and for the realization that I am not here long to set in.  And more family comes in the early hours of Friday morning...it will be so good to see Jacob! And because my brother and family will be here through Tuesday morning there will be a plethora of opportunities to play with the nephews together.

I'm trying to enjoy each moment as it comes, share my stories, hear what's been going on since I left, get into D.C. and use public transportation a bit, and get myself pumped to head back west for five months.  I think it may be easier this next go round. First because I know what to expect and second because with a couple of visits from home, it won't feel like I'm completely disconnected for as long. And God is faithful, he's brought me this far, and the water's only set to get deeper. I hope you are enjoying your time with family and friends and that you have a very Merry Christmas!!!!

Intensives

Today is oh so nice, I'm only five days from flying home for Christmas, and I've decided to take it easy, rest, and complete all the little projects I have in mind that have been waiting for me to sit still long enough to complete them.  We are in a period of classes called Intensives, the three weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  It's where all the odds and ends have been thrown, topics and activities that wouldn't fit into our normal 10 week modules.  Mostly speeches, sound training, and recording our audio snippets for the website. The only bad part is that it leads to a lot of sitting around, days of not having much to do, because with 60 of us, we have to rotate through some of the sound and recording classes.

Two major projects were assigned, an eight minute speech, and a garage band recording.  I nailed the speech on the first day, giving a Spy Museum like intro, and talking about my desire to have a script which has led me into these tour guiding experiences, but that God has given us a script, and I referenced 2 Corinthians 5, how we have been given the "ministry of reconciliation", called to be "Christ's ambassadors" and even quoted the amazing Trevor Hudson in "the invitation of the gospel is to come alive."  God is welling this desire in me to speak, ....in his words? "I'm giving you a voice, be ready."  What could that even mean?!?!?!

The garage band recording, which all my pictures come from, was my weaker element, having never used the program combined with little knowledge of recording itself.  So yesterday I spent the day with fellow students to get my project done with help and encouragement.  And to stay out of any realm of competition (we all try not to compete, but we all desire to do our best and be creative), :o) I avoided the realm of realistic music and recorded "Wheels on the Bus", a christmas present for my nephews.  I even had Adam and his 4 year old son, Josh, sing verses to add some variety within the track.  They will all be receiving cookies for their help!  And I'm quite excited to play my project in the midst of really awesome worship tunes and original songs.

But I am also really excited to go home!!! To play with Nate and Jacob, chat with the grandparents, bother Becky while she's watching TV, spend time with Mom and Dad....cuddle with Mitch. On a sidenote, I'm watching Raiders of the Lost Ark and am in awe of Harrison Ford, such a good looking stud in his younger days....

Salt Lake City!

Downtown Salt Lake City

Joy of all joys, we found super cheap flights to Salt Lake City, and thought to ourselves... "why not?" Four of us flew out of Denver last wednesday and spent 48 hours exploring the downtown area, the museums, libraries, state capitol, and of course the Mormon Mecca, Temple Square.

Salt Lake City is a really easy city to only spend a little amount of time in. We got a hotel downtown for a good price, shuttled to and from the airport and found our way around on foot and on free transportation within the main downtown area. Everything we went to was free to the public, so we got by with only paying for lunches and dinner...super sweet!

I had a crash course education in being around a city that is more than half mormon, and where everything has been influenced by the mormons....you'll see beehives everywhere and that is from their view of hard work, everyone working together to produce good results...like honey. In most conversations we had to clarify our religious intent within the first couple of minutes, most members of the LDS were surprised that we weren't members, commenting on how much we gave off the Spirit, and nonmembers were able to shift things into more historical perspectives without worry of bringing offense.

My heart goes out to members of LDS. To live so closely to the gospel of grace and freedom, but to be bound by an empty message of faith based on works and rewards. I heard it said more than once, "we are learning to live happier, better lives."  And to live with the belief that the church died with Jesus and the apostles and only became restored through the restoration of twelve appointed apostles and a prophet, denies the power of the resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit...what was pentecost all about if not to give the presence of the Spirit to all believers, regardless of apostleship?

We must have talked to every team serving missions in temple square and for the most part, I loved it.  It was most interesting to listen and pick up on the training they've been given, key words, gentle and welcoming attitudes, starting with the same words you start with, lots of agreeing, smiling, head nodding, and passive questioning....we can learn a lot from them on sharing faith and beliefs. 

State Capitol

My favorite line of questioning of the weekend came from a girl serving at the Beehive house. She was the only one brave enough to question our beliefs and pose thoughts meant to open a debate.  We kept our answers pretty neutral, way more interested in seeing a house built in the 1800's then debating, but then she pulled out the "I think it's hard to decide something isn't true when you haven't read it." To which Crystal, one of my travelmates said, "Well, I have read the Book of Mormon, most of my friends growing up were Mormon." And this poor girl serving missions couldn't understand and responded, "You read it...prayed about it....and still got no???" Crystal just smiled and said, "yep."... I love her!!! The conversation didn't continue much after that.

Apparently you read the book of mormon, pray sincerely about it, feel a burning sensation in your heart and that in and of itself tells you the book is the real truth. Now don't get me wrong, I know some fantastic families back home that are LDS, excellent neighbors and great at showing compassion and care, but I'm having a lot of difficulty with just how different their beliefs have strayed from Christianity.  I love Jesus, he is more than a prophet, more than just a human son, more than just someone to look at to learn how to live better.  He is fully human, fully God, through his death and resurrection, the full restoration of people back to God was made possible. I'll pass on ruling a planet and having spirit children when I die... I just want Jesus.

Keys on Main

And the weekend wasn't entirely spent in culture shock, we went Friday night to a dueling piano bar where we sang along to songs like Don't Stop Believing and my favorite... You Give Love a Bad Name. Our tour up at the State Capitol gave us a ton of history and time spent playing at the library made me want to live downtown just so I could go there! We got back in to Denver Saturday night, back to the grind singing with choir Sunday morning. It was my first spontaneous fly and explore trip, but I'll be keeping my eye out for more!

A Dress Up Party!!!

These pictures are from a while back....but I love these people way too much to not share! Beautiful Amy Pontius turned 25, and to celebrate has a high class evening planned out... good food, good people, good times.

Since the party happened after Amy's actual birthday, even in the absence of a cake we realized the necessity of singing happy birthday, so with coordinated efforts on lightswitches (I myself picked one that didn't do anything!), and a few lit candles, we made it happen!

This is Julie, the same gal that I bravely called (one of those friend of a friend things) and met for coffee my first week in the Springs.  She wasn't kidding when she first remarked to our mutual friend concerning me, "she just needs to get in with the right crowd, we get her in." She welcomed me with open arms and I've hung around ever since.

An unplanned polka dot club!

Only out west can a skull and antlers fit into the party decor!

So most of the boys didn't realize it was a dress up party until Josh showed up looking nice, which he would have done anyways, but since most of them live there, it was an easy walk into the bedroom, change, and back out again! I love a chance to wear heels and a dress!

Thanksgiving 2010

I have really fallen off the blogging bandwagon! But it's ok, I've got pics uploaded and ready to go once the words are added... minor detail.  Thanksgiving was a bit of panic mode for me, the first major holiday away from the family where mostly the only course is to sit at another family's table and pine away for the ones back home.  I decided that wasn't for me and ended up in movement all day...other than a couple of quick calls home I didn't have much time to dwell on where I wanted to be.

Darci and I started the day with the Salvation Army, delivering several meals to a family with a sparsely furnished apartment (i.e. one couch, no kitchen table), and to a lonely older lady in a sweet ride of a scooter chair. She invited us right in and enveloped us both in big hugs at the same time!  Volunteering also meant getting to eat some turkey and stuffing which was yummy!

Our afternoon was spent at Yobel Market, an awesome fair trade store in Old Colorado City. Julie was decorating for Christmas, and so we pitched in, hanging lights, commandeering branches from out back, and otherwise participating in holiday fun!

We got back to black forest just in time to shower and make mashed potatoes before heading to a rather large community thanksgiving dinner held at Casa Boncha (so called because Joe Boncha owns it). It's a house of five, six guys? that hold a weekly pancake breakfast on Sunday mornings, and a few who partake in tuesday night dinners that I go to. There were probably thirty some young adults there, lots of food and revelry!

We did have some amazing cooks... including our turkeys cooked by a Garden of the Gods gourmet chef! I heart amy pontius!

And we didn't leave much behind....

Such a good day with good folks and adventures.  Gives me hope that if I eventually don't end up back home, holidays are survivable...BUT I am excited to go home for Christmas!!!!! At least this year I don't have to give that up too...:o)

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I have so much to be thankful this year.... a brilliant opportunity to learn and explore, amazing friends, a great host home, a supportive family... the list could go on.

But it's also my first major holiday away from home...one more slight tear in the heart being separated from those I love most.  And while invitations to dinners have been a plenty (seriously I have been invited by friends and strangers alike....and then some!), I wanted this year to look completely different.  So Darci and I are spending the day volunteering with the  Salvation Army at one of their many community holiday dinners and the evening with friends who throw a big thanksgiving feast for those away from home.  I am excited for all the people I will meet! Oh yeah, and some pumpkin pie and turkey!!!

I hosted small group last night, tacos! And for dessert I had everyone make a candy turkey... just like we do every year at home... I bet Nate is old enough to give it a shot this  year!  Anyways, this is Cale's creation...not sure what it is supposed to be...

Less Than a Month!

wrong time of year, but right place!!!

Whew! Time is flying out here....in just a few weeks I'll be flying home for Christmas for two weeks to catch up with family, grab some days working, and enjoying the DC area festivities.  I am trying to contain excitement since there is still so much to happen between now and then....

We are finishing up exams today, It's a huge relief to know that an eight day break begins at 12:30 today.... and an eight day staycation begins!  I haven't even planned it yet, I just know that adventuring WILL be happening, and awesome photo ops will follow...:o)

Everything is going really well here, I am continually meeting great folks, I love my host family, and there is something new to do everyday. After Thanksgiving we begin Intensives... a three week period of time where the school throws all the odds and ends activities that don't fit in a normal module....sound board training, garageband recording...etc.  A few of us are throwing a 48 hour flight in to Salt Lake City in there, so I'm kind of really excited! :o)

To Virginia: Dec 16 through 30th.... be ready!!!!

Black Forest Coffee Shop!

There is the cutest and coziest coffeeshop down the road from my house in black forest.  I went in there and met the related family members that all work in there.  Ryan the expresso/drink maker, Kara the baker, and David the cook.... and there are various other members around at times as well.  They have so many options even in the mocha department that I never know what to get, but I am always pleasantly surprised by the "coffee art" on the top of my coffee.... you don't get that uniqueness from starbucks!

I've tried going in once a week, to support them and get some good coffee.  There's even a possibility that I'll play there one Saturday morning...I should probably check with them on that...:o)

New Life Worship Recording

A few weeks ago, New Life Worship had a night of live recording.  Eleven new and original songs. Being part of the choir, we were involved in the evening and I'm pretty sure I spent the whole first half of the time like an excited toddler, taking in all the lights, and sounds, and enthusiastic people.  God's presence was heavy and thick and it brought power and joy to the evening.

The night had its glitches, mainly some sort of small electrical fire before its start, which got everyone kicked out of the building and into the cold...where Jamie and I took the above photo.  But we only had to start 10 minutes late, and nothing went wrong the rest of the night!

For the next three nights, the choir is overdubbing our parts for the record.  How that actually works, well, I'll be finding out soon enough, but it is exciting to be a part of this project and at the very least see small bits of it form from the inside.  Last week, we recorded some video of the choir singing songs from a purely choir record recorded last spring through Integrity.  The record is released next week with all the written sheet music for a choir to sing.  Integrity wanted a dvd of an actual choir singing as a reference.... or however they decided, we ended up doing a music video of sorts....but a lot of us... crammed on risers...good times.

St. Louis- Gateway to the West

Finally! The last post from the westward road trip!  PJ and I made a stop in St. Louis to see the arch: The Gateway to the West. We didn't go up to the top 1) because I don't understand how the thing stands and 2) there is no way you would get me into one of those tiny cars to ride all the way up.  BUT I was quite excited to discover underneath the arch the Museum of Westward Expansion!!!!

First off, combining my love of museums, history, and the west is perfect!

My preferred mode of transportation...turns out no one uses these anymore so they are only in museums now.

PJ as Thomas Jefferson.

If housing hadn't worked out so well, I may have found myself building a sod house.

Did you know that they've actually built a bridge to go over the Mississippi now? And you no longer have to ride one of those wooden ferries pulled by a rope across the water? :o)

We ate lunch on the Mississippi, at a little stand.  It was greasy and yummy and good!

I remember standing in St. Louis and thinking to myself, "West...here I come."

St. Louis is one place I would really like to go back to and visit.  We only really hit this one place and I'm sure there are a multitude of cool things to do there...one day!  Well, this sums up the road trip.  A few of us found cheap flights on southwest so in December we are flying to Salt Lake City for 48 hours of whatever mischief we can get into.  Thanksgiving has been turned into a staycation with road trips too daunting to take on right now.... but who knows come spring time!!!

Community

I have hardly picked up my guitar and played over the past couple of weeks.  I could easily chalk it up to a crazy schedule, too much reading and paper writing, but I realized today that God is showing me that as I embark on this whole worship leading thing, people come before the music.  Relationships come before the songs.  The biggest lesson of this fall, beyond the books and classes and adventures, has been in...community.

I have never lived in a place where it is so easy to make friends.  To find myself within a network of people who all know each other and if they don't, well, they certainly have many mutual friends in common.  I have been invited in to the Tuesday night dinners, the Sunday morning brunches (which currently I can't go to because of choir), the random birthdays and game nights.  I have learned to play Nertz, a collective, high paced game of solitaire and maybe one day I'll win at it.

I'm in the midst of writing a paper on my philosophy of pastoral ministry.  It's hard because all of the words I want to use to break it down, like local, personal, and relational, are so wrapped up in each other that I can't separate them easily and concisely.  But whatever God calls me to do, I want to live as this community of young adults in Colorado Springs does.  Interlocking and interweaving, open and welcoming, intentional and transparent.  Authentic people don't have to wonder about how to live authentically, they just do.  Intentional communities don't have to think about what programs to create, they just start getting together and a weekly dinner becomes a tradition going on three years, a brunch carries on through its fifth year.  It is the gathering of the old and the new.... around food, around reasons to celebrate, around common denominators....

When I first got here, Julie, the one who initially introduced me to this group of amazing people, said to me, "Most everyone in Colorado is from somewhere else, so they all remember what it's like to be the new kid."  I want to live the rest of my life remembering what it's like to be the new kid and letting that affect how I approach people, how I open up ways to get to know people... it feels revolutionary coming from Northern VA where it is easy to get caught up in people's guardedness and busyness. It has been worth coming here just for these simple truths of community to take root inside my heart.

Coffin Races in Manitou Springs!

It doesn't take much to get me excited....take for instance the fact that I was able to get a library card good for a year without being a resident of Colorado!!! I've told just about everyone about it! :o) So to find out about Coffin Races in Manitou, well, it was way too good of an opportunity to pass up!

In the late 1800's/early 1900's, a young woman with a severe case of tuberculosis, by the name of Emma Crawford, came with her family to Manitou to hopefully recover with exposure to the water, the sunlight, the thin air.  She died, and per her request was buried on Red Mountain.  Eventually, a railroad was planned to run across that mountain so Emma's grave was moved.  But the railroad was never built and due to erosion, Emma's deteriorating coffin and bones slid down the mountain. Years later, the town formed a festival centered around the event and every year they hold coffin races!!!

Darci and I got to Manitou a couple of hours before the races started, so we spent some time wandering the shops before realizing we needed to find a place to stand as the crowd grew.  The sidewalks were so crowded there was hardly any room to move by anybody else.  The festivities started with a parade of hearses, followed by a parade of all forty some teams set to compete in the coffin races.  The rules as best I could figure it out, is that 1) your entire team had to be in costume 2) there had to be an "Emma" in the coffin 3) there were four people to push the coffin up the hill

Apparently the hillbillies have won for the past 7 years, but they were upset by the smurfs this time around!!! We stood with a couple of guys right behind us, both named Ryan from up in Denver, who entertained us with some brilliant commentary.

After the races, we headed down to the Heart of Jerusalem Cafe to have some veggie middle eastern amazingness!  My ability to talk to strangers even scored us from baklava from some guy in the army who knew we needed to try it!  We loitered a bit there and met up with Julie and Olivia who were also in town for a bit...... then it was off to get ready for halloween parties!

I definitely want to explore Manitou Springs more. It was such a haven for those drawn by the mineral water, and I want to see Emma's grave now, and the library there looks really sweet.... it was so crowded the day we went it didn't leave much room to do more than just watch the festivities and hope to not get hurt by a runaway coffin (which apparently had happened in the past).  This weekend will be my first time to Denver, but the Art Museum is free all day and at night a bunch of different ones are opening up for a "Night at the Museums!!! Cannot contain my excitement!