On the Homeward Trail

It's been a crazy 6 months with Matsiko World Orphan Choir. We've been through Oregon, California, New Mexico and Arizona, and spent the last 2 weeks in Texas. Today, we're on the road from small town Hemphill to the big city that is Dallas. Along the way we've met tons of great people, had lots of wonderful laughs, hit a few rough spots, and then laughed some more. We've grown close to our team of 13 orphaned and at-risk children from Liberia & Peru, as well as to the staff that represent 5 different countries and cultures. From cold winter of the Pacific Northwest, to sunny (but not quite warm) southern California, to the 100-degree dessert around Phoenix, to the amazingly warm Gulf of Mexico and the rolling tree-covered hills of east Texas... we've been everywhere. There have been tearful goodbyes and joyous hellos as we move from place to place, from family to family. And most of all, we have seen the hand of God at work. The choir has performed in all kinds of churches, schools, and community events, and met people from all walks of life. Prejudices have fallen as we've seen inside the lives of rich and poor, from staying in a tiny 1-bedroom apartment converted from a storage space to a sprawling mansion with pool, in-ground trampoline and putting green. We have met people from every walk of life and from all corners of the world as we have made our way slowly around the country.

And now we're on the homeward trail. Each day that passes brings us one day closer to the end. Occasionally the kids begin to talk about this, but no one wants to face the reality that in less than 4 months we will be saying goodbye to these people who have become family to us. Sofia, the absolute definition of "not a morning person" who is always seeking to be different. Jennifer, the girl with the voice of a 30-year old professional singer. Jessica, the sweet one, but the one you've probably got to watch the most. Zulmira, the crazy one. Ruth, the full-energy dancer. Alvina, the youngest and sweetest. Sarah, the one who has declared she's a "Big Woman." Alonso, the energetic, super-athletic, absent-minded one. Julio, the quiet one who is always picking on someone just for the attention. Prince, the oldest and leader of the team. William, the drummer and the one who remembers everyone's name. Ezekiel, the good kid that just wants to play. Each has his or her own place in our hearts, and in the hearts of those we have met along the way. The kids have not forgotten a single face, and they will always remember this year's amazing tour through the United States.