The audience's excited chatter died away. Bells tolled from above, resounding throughout the old church. Lights flickered out; candles threw shadows on the walls. Children's voices filled the air with the slow haunting melody of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel." And thus the Christmas concert began.
I had the privilege of accompanying this song, along with many others throughout the special night. In all, there were thirteen Christmas songs for which I got to play the church's grand piano - from "O Holy Night" to "Exultate Deo" to "Jingle Bells." I was thrilled to be able to direct the middle school choir for one of their selections as well. It was a busy night for me, so I was glad for the few moments during the concert in which I got to sit back, relax, and listen to the amazing bands. Afterwards there was an extensive buffet of traditional treats from all over the world. It was all-together a very successful night, thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.
Christmas break is officially started, and Jake's here! Now I'm the middle brother for awhile, which has been fun. A lot of Jake and Kurt's friends are here as well, so it has been really good to get to know them all. We've spent quality time walking around the city, going to the banya (sauna), watching movies, playing games, and planning an attempt to record a Les Mis song.
We are also preparing for the rapidly approaching Babochka Winter Camp! I spent eight hours last Saturday with Lewis and Zach Purcell, along with a group of Russian volunteers, learning/studying the camp theme - 5 Languages of Love (Encouraging words, Help, Touch, Time, and Gifts). At camp, we will help the kids and each other discover our own preferred language. There was a very nice Russian who wanted to practice his English, so he translated the whole meeting for me!
Friday I met with a Babochka volunteer to learn the music for the camp. In just under two hours, she was able to sing me the melodies to every song as I figured out the chords. It will be so much fun to play and sing with the kids (once I learn the Russian lyrics, that is)! I am very much looking forward to the camp, but it will be a challenge since I'll be the only non-Russian speaker. Except for Steven Young!! My good friend from Pettisville is coming to spend some time in St. Pete. He is going to come to the camp as well, so that will be a crazy interesting experience for both of us. If you don't know Steven, you should. That guy's been all over the world in the last two months!
The sun just came out for almost a half hour straight! It's unbelievable how rarely we see the sun. When I do see it, I stare at it lovingly as long as I can. It looks more like a brighter yellower moon than the sun, and it doesn't hurt my eyes much! But I should probably stop staring at it... Yesterday the sun rose at 11:01 and set at 4:54, and never got anywhere close to being visible above the buildings or through the clouds. But it's all downhill from here, because every day will be a tiny bit longer than the previous day.
New Years/Christmas is going to be a crazy fun time, but I'm sure gonna miss my family back home. I hope everyone focuses on God's many blessings this season, and have a merry Christmas!
