A Trip to the Swamp (Day 4)

Wake up call was at 7:00 A.M., and youth dressed to impress for their college visit for the day. Some even donned their college of choice's T-shirt to rub it in the faces of Gator fans. Shirts supporting Tennessee, Ole Miss, Memphis, and Mississippi State were seen on the bodies of excited youth. One enthusiastic fan, Raleigh Poole, was perhaps the happiest to visit his college of choice and was even seen wearing his lucky Gator underwear (under his pants, of course) and T-shirt.
Breakfast was devoured and busses were loaded by 8:30 A.M. to depart for the University of Florida. Once there, everyone gathered in the choir room to attend a workshop hosted by Will Kesling, who I must say, reminded most of Colonel Sanders of KFC. He was, however, one of the most helpful choir directors who actually taught us to enunciate our words and express the emotions of the lyrics. We performed a warm-up then sang "I am the Resurrection" and "Tree of Life"--both of which Mr. Kesling worked to improve tremendously with his simplistic singing techniques. In fact, he liked the pieces so much that he "stole" them from Jpro! Shows how impressive our choir's music selection is, doesn't it?
Afterwards the youth enjoyed lunch in the college's choice of eateries--most opted for Taco Bell or Subway. Then everyone rushed to meet in the auditorium for a presentation by the University of Florida's admissions staff. We watched a short film about the university's diverse and various programs, then a short information session on admissions requirements and expectations was given. Next, we all geared up for a tour across campus, led by two rising U of F seniors. They were very polite and guided us throughout the campus. Perhaps the best part of the tour was sitting in the Gators' football stadium, aka "The Swamp."
After trekking across campus in what can only be described as devilishly hot weather, everyone got back on the cool, air conditioned busses for the ride to Tampa, Florida. We arrived at Lake Magdalene UMC at approximately 3:30 P.M. Bible study was given early; we discussed "walking the hard path and entering the narrow gate" as Christians and deciding whether we worship because we have the need to or if we just want to. Afterwards dinner (once again prepared by our fabulous food crew--chicken sandwiches, chips, and salad) was eaten quickly in order to make it on time for the first pitch of the Tampa Rays baseball game.
The busses were loaded once again for the big game. Once there, everyone found his or her seat in our assigned section of the stadium, then some went to explore the area for snacks and entertainment. The Tampa Rays even had a sponsored fish tank with live sting rays! And the best part? You could pet them! So, needless to say, many youth eagerly rushed to stick their arms in the salty water to get a feel of the slippery rays. Other entertainment included Rays Bingo, in which you could play along with the actual plays of the baseball game. No one from our church won, sadly. The best part about the game, however, was Crossroads' big debut on the giant screen. We were introduced as the visiting group for the night! Of course, even sweeter was the Rays' victory.
Tired and worn out from a full day, everyone loaded the busses for the last time of the night to head back to our haven. Lights out was fairly late--11:30 P.M.--and it was even harder for everyone to settle down from their excitement for the beach. However, everyone eventually settled down with visions of sunny waves and warm sand.