*First thoughts: this ain't yo mama's Youth Challenge! Now keeping in mind we were only there for one night this year, you can take my observations with a grain of salt. But, wow, have things ever changed since the days of my youth! I am obviously older than I realize. The traditional trappings of the CHM in method and style have been set aside for a sweeping entrance into the 21st century. The place was packed to capacity, the music was more contemporary and energetic, affirmation was made known in the form of applause, and the evening speaker, Randy Brown, had the crowd on the edge of their seats from his first uttered word to the last. You can make of this what you will; overall, I think it is a positive thing. I am confident that the leadership will continue to pursue balance, but their primary focus is/has been/will be on YOUNG PEOPLE. This is a good thing.
*Secondly, VISION sang... and all bias aside...it was wonderful to hear their blending voices again. I think they maybe beat themselves up a little for not being as polished as when they were traveling 478 days a year (slight exaggeration!), but I thought they were wonderful. And I even shared a conversation with someone (if you're reading you know who you are!) who told me that those songs were just for her and ministered to her need that night. So, in light of that, what more could you ask for?
*I saw many many people from all different phases of my life; pieces of my life's history are found in the people that I have been blessed to know. It is difficult, as I told many of them, to make all the rounds and have quality conversation when you have so little time to see so many. My beautiful cousin, whom I hadn't seen for probably 12 years, was one I got maybe 5 minutes with~! So sad! In a related vein, it was also a little disconcerting to learn just how many lurkers there are reading this blog and probably many of yours! Of course, we know this in the backs of our minds, but hearing outright makes it more real! I say, "come out, come out, wherever you are" and join us here in the land of blogging! Make your presence known~!
*Final observations...I'm still as "in love" with my closest friends as I ever was. What a blessed, lucky gal I am to have such beautiful people to call my friends. We enjoyed our time with you so much, both Derek and me. I have probably left some things out that I wanted to share about this first part. Maybe I'll remember it while I'm getting on to the good stuff.....
PICTURES!
VISION singing; looks so familiar, doesn't it?!
So great getting to see each others' children. Pictured here, l to r, Janessa B., Josiah T., "Little Guy", and Micah T.
Jani's cuties: John Henry B., and Juliana B.
Once upon a time, three girls shared a one-bedroom apartment. They dreamed big dreams for the future, and probably always thought they would be close by to share all the daily parts of each others' lives. Alas, that was not to be. But the happy ending is that no matter how much time passes or how many miles are in between, the love and friendship is still there when they come together again.
What a sappy way to leave you with my favorite picture! 11 years, 3 husbands, and 9 1/2 kids later! OY!
