A couple weekends ago I loaded a full band (two guitars, drum set, mics, amp, sound board......) along with five people into my little red jeep and we headed off to Mattru Jong. JK's group the Favoured Few was launching their second album. 
Since the vehicle was so loaded we couldn't close the back door as well as the fact that it was hotter than hot- we arrived in Mattru COVERED in dust. We may have left 4 black and 1 white, but we arrived ALL RED. Right after unloading everything we headed to Solomon French's place to wash. I have been there a few times and Pa French and his wife have always been very kind to me. this time they went far beyond. Mattru had a lot going on this weekend. The President's wife was in town, the UBC conference was having a large gathering, the high school in town was having it's sport time (maybe like our homecoming weeks- but very different), and the nursing school was having it's graduation. Needless to say the whole town was packed. There were no rooms open anywhere to stay and even the other friends I had stayed with in the past had other guests. No need to worry though, Pa French already had a room ready and waiting for me. I walked in the door to find not only the room but water in the wash room waiting for me, cold water to drink, and lunch on the table. All weekend they took fine care of me, but honestly it was so much more than that. The night of the launching I was sitting with a couple friends when one of them tired to introduce me to Auntie French- she stopped them in the middle- put her arm around me and said, "this is my daughter." May be a simple thing- but it did a lot for my heart.
Launchings here are of course a big deal- and a bit different than I had expected. Before the night began a group of us drove around town in a parade like fashion announcing the event as well as sharing a bit about the boys faith and why they were in this group. Finally around 9pm the event started- and an event it was. Many other artists, groups, even comedians (whom I had the pleasure of traveling with- and since we arrived red and had many other adventures- I was a part of their act more than once) are invited to preform first. All these people believe strongly in Jesus Christ and they shared that passionately this night. It was so much more than a concert. It wasn't until close to Midnight that the Favoured Few went on stage for the first time. 
The crowd was involved and the group truly entertained, but they did more than that. Their songs each carry powerful messages and the group also likes to dabble in a bit of drama, which they shared with us as well. All these guys have become good friends of mine so I admit to being a bit biased, however I really do enjoy their music and fully believe in not only their talent, but their aim to reach people as well. 
Though these guys are great friends as I have said- I am REALLY thankful for good girl friends. A few were there for the launching as well. Femme and I traveled together, but she was not about to take a picture with me when we were covered in dust (I should have taken one alone just to show you- next time). Here I am with our friend Neneh. I tell you she will out dance you all. I had to hide behind my camera just to get a chance to breath. :)
Watching JK in his element- playing the instruments he enjoys, performing with his brothers, sharing the music he wrote... I was honored to be a part of their night. 
The girls and I- Mary, Christie, and Neneh. I have to say that come 4:30am with the program just starting to come to a close- I was so thankful to have these ladies with me. It may have been a long night, but I didn't notice it (until trying to drive back home with band and 6 people the next morning). I Love the kids and thoroughly enjoyed their welcome when I arrived home, but I admit that I need and cherish these times away with friends and also the chance to connect with my Savior through music.
Since the vehicle was so loaded we couldn't close the back door as well as the fact that it was hotter than hot- we arrived in Mattru COVERED in dust. We may have left 4 black and 1 white, but we arrived ALL RED. Right after unloading everything we headed to Solomon French's place to wash. I have been there a few times and Pa French and his wife have always been very kind to me. this time they went far beyond. Mattru had a lot going on this weekend. The President's wife was in town, the UBC conference was having a large gathering, the high school in town was having it's sport time (maybe like our homecoming weeks- but very different), and the nursing school was having it's graduation. Needless to say the whole town was packed. There were no rooms open anywhere to stay and even the other friends I had stayed with in the past had other guests. No need to worry though, Pa French already had a room ready and waiting for me. I walked in the door to find not only the room but water in the wash room waiting for me, cold water to drink, and lunch on the table. All weekend they took fine care of me, but honestly it was so much more than that. The night of the launching I was sitting with a couple friends when one of them tired to introduce me to Auntie French- she stopped them in the middle- put her arm around me and said, "this is my daughter." May be a simple thing- but it did a lot for my heart.Launchings here are of course a big deal- and a bit different than I had expected. Before the night began a group of us drove around town in a parade like fashion announcing the event as well as sharing a bit about the boys faith and why they were in this group. Finally around 9pm the event started- and an event it was. Many other artists, groups, even comedians (whom I had the pleasure of traveling with- and since we arrived red and had many other adventures- I was a part of their act more than once) are invited to preform first. All these people believe strongly in Jesus Christ and they shared that passionately this night. It was so much more than a concert. It wasn't until close to Midnight that the Favoured Few went on stage for the first time. The crowd was involved and the group truly entertained, but they did more than that. Their songs each carry powerful messages and the group also likes to dabble in a bit of drama, which they shared with us as well. All these guys have become good friends of mine so I admit to being a bit biased, however I really do enjoy their music and fully believe in not only their talent, but their aim to reach people as well. 
Though these guys are great friends as I have said- I am REALLY thankful for good girl friends. A few were there for the launching as well. Femme and I traveled together, but she was not about to take a picture with me when we were covered in dust (I should have taken one alone just to show you- next time). Here I am with our friend Neneh. I tell you she will out dance you all. I had to hide behind my camera just to get a chance to breath. :)Watching JK in his element- playing the instruments he enjoys, performing with his brothers, sharing the music he wrote... I was honored to be a part of their night. 
The girls and I- Mary, Christie, and Neneh. I have to say that come 4:30am with the program just starting to come to a close- I was so thankful to have these ladies with me. It may have been a long night, but I didn't notice it (until trying to drive back home with band and 6 people the next morning). I Love the kids and thoroughly enjoyed their welcome when I arrived home, but I admit that I need and cherish these times away with friends and also the chance to connect with my Savior through music.
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