A bit of a grand title I know, but it's exactly what it was for me. My first trip to the States was ushered in by the grace of God against all the odds. It has long been a dream of mine to visit America, but I would have never guessed it would be visiting a new group of friends and playing songs that I have composed about our awesome God. So whether it was four days or forty, to me it was a tour and a priviledge to be invited.
The trip consisted of three appearances organised by my good friend J. Brian Hill, intermingled with a taste of American culture, all sandwiched between a journey through the time zones. Brian and his family are excellent hosts and have a beautiful home. They made me more than welcome and carried me through one of those 'firsts' in my life.
Friday began early with an airport experience I would rather forget. I got off at the wrong terminal and had to rush from one side of the airport to the other. A smooth flight led to a smooth passage through passport and a welcome greeting by Brian and Beau. Then the eating began!!! Chinese take away at Panda Express was my first experience of just how very different our two worlds are. I will never see a large coke in the same light again. That evening I saw the Kane County Cougars with Brian and his family along with Kurt Hermes and his family. An excellent way to keep me awake and fascinating entertainment.
Saturday was a big day for Bailey, Brian's eldest son, who had been selected to go to the state meet of Illinois Young Authors after writing an excellent story. We travelled through towns that looked like film sets to me on the straightest roads I've ever seen. Whilst Bailey was busy I was treated to Cracker Barrel cuisine, a fabulous breakfast and an introduction to biscuits and gravy. After that we spent an hour or so in the University grounds writing a song about the Garden of Gethsemane. The afternoon began with the most unpleasant experience I had whilst in America. I ended up with a very poorly tummy and had to watch others eat a delicious looking Barbeque shared by the Hermes Clan. This made the first performance at Ragamuffins all the more interesting for me. I remember thinking that two sets of 45 minutes seemed incredibly long, but it turned out that I could easily have done more. God blessed me so much even though I didn't really deserve it. The coffee house was packed for the most part and members from other churches joined the good folk from Sanctuary.
Sunday was to be a hectic day. An early start and preparation for worship at Sanctuary A/G, Batavia, my host church, with the opportunity for performance during the morning worship. In addition I was allowed to join the worship team playing guitar. It was an excellent experience. So many people were so gracious in sharing with me. Afterwards was Sunday school. This was unusual fro me since only our children attend Sunday School. At Sanctuary, Sunday School is for everyone in the church. Lunchtime was Portillos and an exquisite burger (if there could possibly be such a thing). Concert on the Hill loomed. The big event!!! We did an extensive sound check to eliminate any gliches and prepared for an enjoyable evening. Brian had the St. Georges flag flying and we were ready. Mr. G Juggler opened the proceedings with a daring display of juggling. The I was able to perform for a rather chilly group of people and despite some technical problems all went well. It was both an honour and a joy to share my songs and a time of worship with an wonderfully receptive audience. The evening was rounded of at Steak 'n' Shake and some fond farewells to the Hermes family.
Monday, the final day, began with Brian's daily routine and I got to visit Bailey's school the week before they broke for the summer vacation. The read of the morning was spent shopping and relaxing chez Hill. All in all the weekend will forever remain in my memory for so many good reasons. I learnt so much about myself and how I currently fit into the life of the church. I have invitations to return in the future both as friends and performers. But most of all I have been able to serve my God in a tangible way whilst developing strong friendship bonds. When asked what were the highlights I had to answer, "All of it" because that's the truth. to single out one moment would be virtually impossible. The only thing I didn't enjoy (apart from the poorly tummy) was missing my wife, Tamara so much.
I thank God for making the way for me to share in in America to have met so many wonderful people. I long for the day when I may return (with Tamara of course).
