PA & OH

Hi Everyone,

Last Saturday, we traveled to Lehighton, Pennsylvania. We played pool, foosball, and cards with youth in the youth room at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church before and after a family night program. Sunday, we did an offering song and anthem for two worship service; but otherwise, we just enjoyed the services. Between the services, we did an hour of sing-alongs for Sunday school. There was quite an age variety for Sunday school, which made it very interesting for us, but we had a lot of fun.

During the second service, we had to leave to get to Dubois, Pennsylvania. At Christ Lutheran Church, we did a 30 minute music opening for a group of junior students before Catechism class. Then, we went to host homes.

Monday, for our day off, we came into town and stayed at the Pastor's house. Lindsay, Sonja, and I went to the movie Twilight and then we all went to the mall for a short time. Tuesday, we did a few songs with preschoolers. They were really fun and energetic.

Tuesday, we left Dubois for Massillon, OH, where the NFL Hall of Fame is. No, I didn't go there and we were told by the pastor that football isn't as big of deal as it used to be there because their team isn't very good. Massillon was a last minute booking for us, so we didn't have any programming. Instead, we got to hang out at their church. They fed us some pizza and talked to us for awhile before we had some one-on-ones and played ping pong, scrabble, and cornhole (like bean bag toss). Wednesday morning, we ate breakfast with a few people from the church.

Wednesday, we traveled on to Pickerington, Ohio, where Luke is from. We went to his parents, Tim and Linda. Once again, they have proved to be amazing hosts. We cooked them an amazing chicken or shrimp pesto/alfredo rice dish. It was really good, but I can't say I helped much with the meal as I was feeling rather sick. We shared the meal with Luke's family including his parents, twin sister Anna, brother John and his wife Val and baby Madeline. We all enjoyed taking our turn holding the baby; she is so cute!

Thursday, we enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving at Luke's house. In the morning I watched Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. Luke, Sonja, Prosper, Anna, and Tim all went for a four mile run--and they have medals and wine to prove it. Our meal was amazing! We all shared what we were thankful for. I was especially thankful for my home a way from home, since it was my first Thanksgiving away from home. In the afternoon, Luke and his family fell asleep watching football, while the rest of us went on walks, watched TV, and took naps. It was a relaxing afternoon. Some of Linda's family came over to eat dessert, which was pumpkin and apple pies and brownies. After they left I enjoyed watching Friends (which I've been deprived of so long) with Prosper in the basement.

Friday, the team all completed a survey to see how we thought team life was going. Soon, we will be discussing our results. Hopefully, it will help us become a more effective team. According to the survey, the main categories of an effective team are excellent communication, solid relationships, effective processes, accepted leadership, appropriate roles, and common purpose. Friday, afternoon, Linda took the girls to the movie The Secret Life of Bees, which is a great movie that I highly recommend--but I warn you may cry, even though I didn't (all the other women did).

Today, Saturday, we will be doing some team work before doing some songs for a worship service tonight. Sunday, we do some music at three worship services at Epiphany Lutheran Church, where Luke's dad is a pastor. Sunday after church, we head to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where I will get to see my awesome college friend Elizabeth.

Thanks for keeping up with me.


Peace,

Tiffany