Tres Semanas!

 

 

Day One

John 13:34-35

New International Version (NIV)

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

 

I'm back in Mexico again and this time for three weeks (tres semanas)!

I couldn't be more excited to be here!

Today was our first day on the canal with a huge group of people ready to serve the Lord.

Pulling into the canal!



This place is absolutely beautiful!

The first day we walk around and spend time with the people.

I'll introduce you to a few of my babies.



My first stop was to see these beautiful children! cinco hermanas!

This is Nathaniel (Mani) When I met him, he had no front teeth!

Then of course I went to Saira's house and it was so great to see her!

Love this girl with all my heart!





Jessica brought beads for the kids to make bracelets with and they had a blast!

This little girl is Iris she i about to be 2 years old!
What a beautiful gift from God.

This is Crystal, Saira's little sister (4 years old) she is growing up so fast! and look at that smile!

Crystal loves to play hand games and sit in my lap

I got out my ipad and they played for hours!
What a blessing a piece of technology can be!

This is Gireh and Rosa, They are sisters and also very dear to my heart!

The first day was amazing and I can't wait to spend the next three weeks with them!

Dios te Bendiga!

More than a Choir

I am a Junior Music Education Major at Samford University,

And part of this wonderful group of people...

Samford University A Cappella Choir

Recording of Cantus gloriosus

I am honored to be a member of this exquisite choir.

More importantly I couldn't ask for a better family to go through my college years with.

 Quotes about the choir from some of its members...

"Singing with you people is emotional and spiritual. Singing with you transcends the petty things of life. I am lucky to be a part of this. I hope all of you feel the same way. It has been an absolute joy enriching the lives of others with you this year. Be proud of what we've accomplished, remain humble and eager to share this love through music. I am utterly amazed by each of you. I look forward to next semester every minute of every day. Greatness awaits, and we are rising to meet it."

"Choir I miss you all already! I love how much a family we've all become. I'm so thankful for you guys and gals."

"We are a family... The performances we gave these past two weeks in Europe were the most rewarding and exciting in my whole life, and I wouldn't have wanted to share it with any other group."
 

"A Cappella, last night was so beautiful, and I found myself singing along with y'all on most of the songs.. I miss it so much. Enjoy it and savor it while it lasts. 4 years go by so fast! Good luck in France!!!"

"Can I just say we rock!?!?!?!?! Watch out France."

And these are just a few of many.

I've never been part of a group with so much pride and love for one another.

As you can tell by these quotes, we recently competed in an international competition.

Because I am not very good with details,

here are a few articles and words from others about the competition in Tours, France!

Words from Dr. Copeland about our Recent competition

Article on the Samford University Homepage

Article from al.com

"Samford University's A cappella Choir was absolutely stunning today in the finales of the Floriége Vocal de Tours. The singers were engaged, artistic, and the audience absolutely loved them. When the concert was finished, the audience erupted in thunderous applause with people screaming "Bravo," stomping their feet,... and clapping in unison......I am proud of this fine choir and their talented conductor. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!"

- John Ratledge

Director of the University of Alabama Choir

and Composer of one of our pieces, "I Am the Secret Fire of All Things"

The trip was absolutely amazing!

We grew to be a much closer group than we already were.

We fought like siblings, loved, and worked together like a family.

But most importantly, we had the time of our lives seeing the world!!

First we crossed the pond to France!!



We saw the sights together!



Dr. Richardson's Studio!

everything was beautiful

Roomies and best friends :)

We ate weird things together!



Sang together in places I never dreamed we would.




Climbed together to see this beautiful sight.











Prayed together.



Competed together.

Met people from all around the world!

And Rejoiced Together!



Swam together in the Mediterranean.



color coordinated!



Then we headed back home with memories we'll never forget.

mi corazón está en México

My name is Emily Michele Smith.

This being my first blog, I should tell more about myself but that will come with time.

The most important thing is that I am a Christ follower striving to live out God's plan for my life.

I'll begin my story with this beautiful child.

Her name is Maria Saira Fabian.

The Lord brought me to her the summer of 2010, two years ago on my first trip to Mexico.

This is the first time we met.

Her little sister, Crystal had fallen down and I went to console her.

Little did I know how my relationship with these children would grow!

Later that day she wanted me to paint her nails and I still did not even know her name.

That night we went to a wedding and at the reception she wanted me to meet her family.

This came as a shock to me because I barely remembered the little girl.

We met so many children on that first day.

I finally understood her name.

It is Saira.

These are two of her siblings Crystal and David along with my friend Hope.

The rest of the trip we were meyor amigas.

Saying goodbye was the hardest thing I ever had to do: not knowing when or if I would see her again.



march 2012, two years after we met



I have been back to Mexico three times since and will return in Julio for three weeks!

She will be a part of my life forever thanks to the Lord's will.

More to come..

Dios Bendiga

emilymichele