As Life Picks Up Speed...

Whew! It's hard to fathom how we're two months into 2013 already! As the title says, life certainly seems to be picking up speed these days. With Magnify concerts on the weekend, midterms to study for and take during the week, various music practices, and just trying to have something of a life in between, I'm not really sure how I ever manage to sleep! But God is faithful in the details- even providing much needed times of rest when I least expect them.

This weekend Magnify headed out for our only overnight trip of the semester. We left yesterday after lunch and arrived in Elkins, West Virginia around 3:30. After setting up equipment in the church, the associate/youth pastor who met us there took us all out to Pizza Hut. It was such a blessing that he took the time to sit down and talk with us, even asking for each of our testimonies, as well as sharing his own. We spent the night in a lovely hotel, complete with a pool and hot tub- I haven't felt so relaxed in weeks!

This morning we sang in the Sunday School and morning service at Landmark Baptist Church. Everyone was so kind afterwards. I think my absolute favorite part of doing these concerts is being privileged to meet people in all different walks of life, yet who share faith in the same God.

Here is a picture of the whole team! Left to right: Stacey, Elisabeth, Tim, Zach, me, Josh, Carolyn, Justin, Loni, and Loren. I have loved getting to know each and every one of them and look forward to the rest of our concerts together.

Midterms are in full swing this week. Speech and Math exams are behind me, so the main thing I have to study for is my Life of Christ exam on Friday. Yikes! I also have plenty of papers and projects due, not to mention packing for Chorale tour! I'm so excited to travel around Pennsylvania with the Chorale- from all the stories I've heard of past years, it should be a blast. 

Anyway, speaking of studying, I'd better go do some of that! 

~Hannah Grace 

Goodbye January, Hello February!

It's unbelievable how quickly this month has gone by! I've already given two speeches for speech class, turned in three papers, taken two exams, and spent hours on math homework.

This past weekend was lots of fun. Between games of ping pong and several inches of snow, I enjoyed a lovely evening of fondue and games with the other members of Gospel Heralds. Below is our first picture as a team (everyone except one of the tenors)! It was awesome to start getting to know everyone better. I think we're going to have a wonderful and exciting summer together!

From the left: Elisabeth, Justin, me, Loni, Jose, Leslee, Isaiah, Tom (and baby Jordan :) 

Yesterday was bit...exciting (I guess) as I gave blood for the first time. I had classes all morning and early afternoon, but signed up for a slot at 2:30. An hour and a half later I walked out minus a pint of blood and some energy, but on the whole, perfectly fine.

Our first Magnify concert is this Sunday evening. Another indication of how quickly time has gone by--I feel like we just started practicing a couple weeks ago! Tomorrow is our official walk-through with microphones and everything, though, so I think we'll all feel a bit more prepared after that. Praying that God will give us an effective ministry through the music, testimonies, and interaction with the people. So very thankful for the opportunity!

~Hannah Grace