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.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
On the Road Again! (Day 3)
Hello, this is Hillary Puckett once again. I must make my apologies for not updating in quite a while, but this week has been action-packed with some great times! It's been hard to actually find down time, but I hope this suffices as an apology. And now, to continue on with the events of the week.
After a good nights' sleep, wake up call arrived at 7:30 A.M. and once again, youth stumbled awake and got ready to depart from their present home at FUMC. Lynn even added a little joy to the beginning of our day with a musical wake-up call. Yes, even me, not the most happy of people in the morning, was caught jamming in the hallway to Kirk Franklin's "Stomp" and various other peppy songs. Breakfast was once again served by our amazing food crew; more cereal, granola bars, and bananas were on the menu for the day. The jambox was even present at breakfast as many youth enjoyed reenacting the spring coffeehouse repertoire.
By 8:30 A.M., Crossroads was loaded on the bus and once again on the road to our next destination: Gainsville, Florida. By 1:00 P.M. (technically noon to you Memphis folks) we arrived at Tallahassee Mall for lunch and a little shopping. Youth had many choices to choose from, including Chick-Fil-A, Sbarro, Subway, and Quizno's. Some scarfed to get some major shopping done while others just took the time to stroll through the shops. I personally just about screamed when I saw my favorite store: Old Navy. Yes, call me crazy, but even Memphis' version could not top this one. People were so friendly in Tallahassee, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the lunch and shopping break. By 2:00 P.M. we were loaded back on the busses and ready to hit the last leg of the journey for the day.
By 4:45 P.M. we finally reached our resting place for the night: Trinity UMC. Their infamously large youth group was expected to be there for our evening concert. But first, we were kindly fed by the folks at Trinity. Dinner was a scrumptious barbeque chicken dinner complete with baked beans, cole slaw, garlic toast, and vanilla pudding. We Tennesseans were even gracious to have some good ol' sweet tea to wash it all down.
With our full bellies, we lined up on the stage to practice before our concert. At 7 P.M. we performed a once again, spectacular show. The kind youth director, donning his suspenders, was very thankful for our visit.
After the concert, some youth rushed to get to the local Starbucks down the street while others ran for the showers. Bible study began for the night at 9 P.M., and it was amazing to see so many people engaged in the discussion. Jim Knight posed many interesting questions about worship, such as "For whom is the worship service?" and "What should we expect to get out of worship?"
For most, the instinctive answer is the say "Us" and "Spiritual fulfilment" However, perspectives were changed as Jim stated that his five ministers all similarly believed that worship is not for anyone but God, and we should expect nothing out of worship but the satisfaction that we have praised God to the best of our ability. With such enthusiastic discussion, Bible study was cut short of finishing every topic, but it was put on hold for the next evening.
Evening snack was carrots and celery with ranch dressing, and then the first night of awards occurred. A rousing rap from a few of the girls was the introduction to our awards presenters for the week. "Chicken" John Engbretson and Ron Arrison came out in style with their surfer beach attire to present the evening's Sandcastle Awards. Several won smile awards, and special awards were held for a later evening. Lights out was at 11 P.M. and everyone once again settled down for a good nights' sleep.
After a good nights' sleep, wake up call arrived at 7:30 A.M. and once again, youth stumbled awake and got ready to depart from their present home at FUMC. Lynn even added a little joy to the beginning of our day with a musical wake-up call. Yes, even me, not the most happy of people in the morning, was caught jamming in the hallway to Kirk Franklin's "Stomp" and various other peppy songs. Breakfast was once again served by our amazing food crew; more cereal, granola bars, and bananas were on the menu for the day. The jambox was even present at breakfast as many youth enjoyed reenacting the spring coffeehouse repertoire.
By 8:30 A.M., Crossroads was loaded on the bus and once again on the road to our next destination: Gainsville, Florida. By 1:00 P.M. (technically noon to you Memphis folks) we arrived at Tallahassee Mall for lunch and a little shopping. Youth had many choices to choose from, including Chick-Fil-A, Sbarro, Subway, and Quizno's. Some scarfed to get some major shopping done while others just took the time to stroll through the shops. I personally just about screamed when I saw my favorite store: Old Navy. Yes, call me crazy, but even Memphis' version could not top this one. People were so friendly in Tallahassee, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the lunch and shopping break. By 2:00 P.M. we were loaded back on the busses and ready to hit the last leg of the journey for the day.
By 4:45 P.M. we finally reached our resting place for the night: Trinity UMC. Their infamously large youth group was expected to be there for our evening concert. But first, we were kindly fed by the folks at Trinity. Dinner was a scrumptious barbeque chicken dinner complete with baked beans, cole slaw, garlic toast, and vanilla pudding. We Tennesseans were even gracious to have some good ol' sweet tea to wash it all down.
With our full bellies, we lined up on the stage to practice before our concert. At 7 P.M. we performed a once again, spectacular show. The kind youth director, donning his suspenders, was very thankful for our visit.
After the concert, some youth rushed to get to the local Starbucks down the street while others ran for the showers. Bible study began for the night at 9 P.M., and it was amazing to see so many people engaged in the discussion. Jim Knight posed many interesting questions about worship, such as "For whom is the worship service?" and "What should we expect to get out of worship?"
For most, the instinctive answer is the say "Us" and "Spiritual fulfilment" However, perspectives were changed as Jim stated that his five ministers all similarly believed that worship is not for anyone but God, and we should expect nothing out of worship but the satisfaction that we have praised God to the best of our ability. With such enthusiastic discussion, Bible study was cut short of finishing every topic, but it was put on hold for the next evening.
Evening snack was carrots and celery with ranch dressing, and then the first night of awards occurred. A rousing rap from a few of the girls was the introduction to our awards presenters for the week. "Chicken" John Engbretson and Ron Arrison came out in style with their surfer beach attire to present the evening's Sandcastle Awards. Several won smile awards, and special awards were held for a later evening. Lights out was at 11 P.M. and everyone once again settled down for a good nights' sleep.
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