my apologies for neglecting this blog, but internet access has been scarce, and i have been verrry busy!
this past weekend, i had a concert on saturday night, and two worship services on sunday morning in illinois! i also had a concert in wisconsin that same sunday night, so my team had to drive rather quickly to make it in time! [we were a little late...]
however, i am absolutely loving everything i have been doing since i have been on the road. my team has been traveling in between illinois and wisconsin a lot so far, and there has been LOTS of beautiful scenery. two weeks ago, we led a youth retreat at a camp in wisconsin called moon beach, and this weekend we are leading the same retreat at another gorgeous camp for kids in another area of the state. they have both been on lakes that God created to be totally beautiful. The camp is in Pepin wisconsin, and my breath is literally taken away every time i look out on the lake. Last night we had the opportunity to play music at a campfire on the beach overlooking the lake. it was an amazing experience to sing songs of praise while looking up at the stars, and hearing the waves crash against the shore.
from time to time, i get tired of being with the same people every day, and driving to a new place every two to three days. don't get me wrong: i love my teammates, but being with them 24/7 makes our 15 passenger van feel pretty small sometimes. it gets kind of difficult staying in different beds all the time, even though i really enjoy getting to know new host families, and hearing their life stories. however; over and over again, i feel like God is reminding me that He has called me to be doing youth encounter this year. i am reminded when i have fun times watching the hilarious tv shows "the big bang theory," and "it's always sunny in philidelphia" with my teammates. i am reminded when i get to see beautiful wisconsin lakes and hillsides. i am also reminded when i realize that i get to lead worship through music three, four, and sometimes even five times a week.
our theme verse for the year says "i put my hope in the Lord. He is my help and my shield." it fits perfectly with where i am in my life, and i am totally adoring sharing the Lord's good news with people all over the country this year.
love,
hannah joy
p.s... when i was in illinois, the most ADORABLE elderly lady came up to me after our worship program and said, "i am 95 years old, and i absolutely loved dancing to your music tonight. thank you for using the gifts that the good Lord gave you." this made me smile for the rest of the day.
