strangers like me

40 college students, a director and his son, a preacher, and a bus driver--this is Chambers Tour 2008. At 8 am on Saturday, March 8th we packed our suitcases under the bus and headed out for our two week tour from Illinois to Maine. It was an exciting trip filled with laughs, music (lots & lots of music), long bus rides, and relaxing walks. We were able to visit new places, experience new tastes, and meet new faces. But I had one thing in common with each family I met: we were all Christians. They are strangers like me.

Every night for 14 nights I stayed with a different family from a different state. In two weeks time I stayed in 8 different states: Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, and Illinois. Each house was fun and a special blessing. I enjoyed everything about staying with these fellow believers in Christ: whether it was playing a family game, talking with the family about their involvement in the local church & responding to their questions about our ministry, playing with the dogs, watching a movie, or holding a miniature music concert.

Not only was I staying in the homes of people who I never met, but also was staying with different girls in the choir each night and during the long bus rides during the day our seats were assigned so we could get to know other students in the choir. Each day we were asked a "getting to know you" question that we were to discuss with your seat partner. Some of the questions were: What is your dream date? How do you like your pork chops cooked? What was your favorite childhood story? What dream or nightmare do you remember being scared of as a child? It was a fun way to learn some interesting & weird facts about others on tour.

While staying with strangers like me all across the North East, I was able to visit places I have always wanted to visit. While in New York we drove up to Niagara Falls and walked over into Canada--I have now crossed both of the USA's borders! On St. Patrick's Day we visited the most photographed lighthouse in the world in Portland, ME. While in Massachusetts we visited Boston. Sadly, I was not able to visit Harvard, but I was able to see many of the historical landmarks in Boston. It was cool to see buildings over two hundred years old surrounded by 20th Century glass skyscrapers. While in Boston we visited the famous Mike's Bakery, and yes, it lives up to its name. Before our last concert in Romeoville, IL, we were able to explore Chicago for 2 hours. This was my third visit to the Windy City, my first when I was 9 months old and my second in late February. Jarid and I and 5 guys ate dinner at Pizano's--possibly the best pizza I have had in my life.

The Lord used more than the people that I met or got to know better over tour in my life. Each night before our concert Dr. Ledge encouraged us to think about the words of each song as we ministered to the church. Those words really spoke to me and I believe I understand more about Christ's love for me.

I can't wait to go on another tour, but for now I am glad to be back at college. But I will always look forward to the opportunities that God will give me to meet more strangers like me.