Let me start with Friday night. We went to the Symphony's Yuletide Celebration show. It was opening night! As I mentioned before, Sandi Patty is the host again this year. She is a Hoosier who calls Anderson home. She was joined on stage by the amazing African Children's Choir. They were introduced by a short video segment from Coach Tony Dungy of the Indianapolis Colts. He pointed out some things about the choir that I didn't know before. A new choir is formed each year and those that are selected get to travel the globe for a year performing. Many of the members of the choir are orphaned due to AIDS and other problems of Africa. All of the proceeds from their shows goes toward the education and support of the choir's alumni. They become the doctors, nurses, engineers, etc. that become leaders in their communities and countries. We had really good seats for the show (thanks to Elizabeth's parents) and we were able to really see the children and the hope in their eyes. It was humbling to hear them sing with such joy coming from such suffering. I was moved by each of their performances. There was a special guest appearance by Ben Utecht, tight end for the Colts. He was dressed in a blue tux with tails and even sang a duet with Sandi Patty. He will apparently appear randomly in shows throughout the season. The regular favorites were still in the show: the tap-dancing Santa's and 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. The crowning moment of the night was the performance of O Holy Night by Sandi Patty, the African Children's Choir, and the Company. They introduced it by telling the scriptural account of the Savior's birth and then singing the song. My eyes were wet throughout the performance and I'm getting goosebumps thinking about it now. My recommendation: SEE THIS SHOW. It is well worth the money. You will have a smile on your face the entire time. And I guarantee you will leave in the Christmas spirit.
Saturday we had the opportunity to travel to Berne to visit with Elizabeth's grandmother. She didn't know we were coming, so it was a fun Christmas surprise. We tried to go look at "our table" again, but sad news...the store closed. They apparently had a huge sale (of course) at the end of October. They are still in business in some other far-flung Indiana city. :( Here's some pictures from the visit with Grandma.
If you'd like to see the rest of the pictures from our visit, click here.
This evening we were able to go to our friend's home for an Advent celebration. It's not really a traditional celebration in our religion, but it is a family tradition for our friends, and it was pretty fun. We just sang some Christmas songs and read some scriptures together. Just another great opportunity to get in the Christmas spirit.
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