Week #ten.
At the beginning of the week, we had only been without the bus for three days, but already we were greatly GREATLY missing it! After our whirlwind wkend of four concerts in 48hrs from the previous several days, we were very excited about the prospect of arriving at dad’s sister’s home in Texas and being able to spread out for two days!
All that bottled up energy was put to good use in an energetic football game with the cousins. It was cold and muddy, but the guys didn’t seem to mind. =)
Showers were needed afterwards. =)
Most schoolbooks had been left back at the bus, but instruments and music books came along so we continued with as much of our normal schedule as possible-music lessons + practice.
We love Texas cooking. =) Many thanks to our aunt and another dear friend for providing such yummy meals!
And…thanks for letting us help! Allison + Taylor were the stellar pancake crew for morning breakfast!
As always, we enjoyed some great family games, challenging discussions, and sharing of life dreams + God at work.
Late night, er, early morning…cousin time. =)
Love you people! Y’all inspire and challenge us to live more fully for Jesus Christ! Our times with you are always so rich and encouraging!
After singing in Tyler, we went on to Broaddus, TX. With only several weeks’ notice to advertise the concert (it was a last minute decision to sing there) this church went all out and we had a packed crowd at our concert there.
A highlight there was after our concert when the pastor called up the “prayer team” to come and pray blessing over us. They were such dear people with such a heart for Jesus.
More friends (that we met through Bible Bee. Have you seen a pattern lately? We meet all sorts of awesome people through BB!) gave us this sweet little condo to stay in while we were waiting for news on the bus and trying to decide how to proceed with our tour. We were there for two nights and the day in between.
Dinner and fellowship with friends.
We enjoyed getting to know these sweet ladies!
By Thursday night the transmission had still not arrived back in Alabama. We were originally planning to head back and pick up the bus after our Broaddus concert, because it was only supposed to take a week at most to get fixed. But when Thursday night arrived and the transmission had still not even arrived, we knew we would have to continue with the next portion of our Texas concerts, in the van/trailer. So Friday morning we all piled in the van again and took off for San Antonio where we were scheduled to sing at the
Christian Worldview Film Festival.While in San Antonio, we were so blessed by the generosity of some dear friends (above) who took us out to dinner and offered for our family to stay in their home which was fifteen minutes from the festival. It was such a blessing as we had previously had no plans for lodging or what we were going to do, since it was such a last minute decision to come without the bus.
We had a wonderful time at the fest. Sadly we weren’t there much (arrived Friday afternoon, sang Friday night, and were in and out on Saturday) and weren’t able to take in very much of the festival just due to our totally different schedule since we didn’t have the bus. It really changes the schedule when you have to worry about leaving for food and lodging and other needs instead of what we are used to-just going to the bus! But for the little bit of time we were able to be there, we enjoyed meeting up with many old friends and making new ones, and taking in a few of the movies and sessions going on.
Thanks so everyone who was so gracious to our family during week ten! The Lord was so good to cross our paths with just the right people during this week of being without our bus.
“Stand therefore, having your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.”
Ephesians 6:15-19
Oh no! I guess we have to wait for the next post to find out what happened to the bus??? I love all the radiant, joyful smiles! It shows the love of Christ!
Blessings!
Your joy and faith are brightly shining as you travel from place to place, not knowing exactly how things will work out (where you'll sleep, where you'll eat, etc). Thanks for your example and may God bless you as you continue to spread his message thru your music!
It was great finally getting to meet you at the Christian Film Festival! And I really enjoyed the concert you guys put on – it was wonderful! It's always fun to find BB friends at events like that. =) And it was great meeting some of the rest of your brothers, after only knowing some of your family from Nationals. XD
-Bethany P.
Praying for you all! How is your alls bus?
In Christ,
Lexi
Hello! My name is Natalie and even though I don't usually write on one's blog, I have read your family's blog for quite some time and thought I say hello. I am in my 30's mother of 6, ranging from 23 to 9. I so enjoy a lot of what you post, from sewing to gardening to cooking, and most of all, GOD. I have been trying to catch one of your concerts but it's been a little too far from where we live. We live an hour north of Houston, TX in a town called Conroe. I assume you don't get too close to where I live? Even though you and your sister's blogs aren't in my age bracket (not saying I am old haha) I enjoy your perspectives and I like that you capture your mom as well and her activities, as I feel I relate to her as I am probably closer to her age.
We would love to meet your family some, LORD willing. Perhaps we can host your family or bring you food at one of your concerts.
Blessings, Natalie and family
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