Happy Holy Thursday! This was our sleep in day, so we had the opportunity to visit The Grove for a late breakfast- a homey diner where they have yummy french toast and strangely orange pancakes.

We went back to the Johnson’s house for a devotional. We talked about our views of God as both infinite and personal and how that influences our prayer lives.

In the afternoon, we went to Bickford Assisted Living, where we sang a few songs for the residents. They were very appreciative of our songs and conversation!

We then headed back to the Johnson’s for a late lunch and a bit of debrief.

Before dinner, we went to the Ames Boys and Girls Club, a safe place for kids to play, do homework, and get a meal after school. We sang for them and did a percussion workshop, as well as a lot of improv (the cup song, Gangnam Style…)! The kids were very engaged!

We went to Valentino’s for dinner and ate a bit too much at their buffet…

That night, we went to Cru at ISU. We sang for their worship time and joined in their discussion and small groups. It was great to spend time in fellowship with other college students!

Love in Christ, Caitlin

We sang for Ames Christian School during their chapel time from 10:30-11. The kids recited Proverbs 2 for us- it was impressive how much they had memorized! It was very encouraging to see children brought up learning so much about God’s word.

In the afternoon, we visited Northcrest Community, a retirement home. We loved getting to talk to the residents before and after our songs. It was very rewarding to see the expressions on their faces and tears of joy while we were singing!

At night, we went to the Plex, the location where youth group is held for First Evangelical Free Church. Despite a missing pitch (and pitch pipe), we had a great short concert and discussion with the high school group. We really liked getting to talk to and connect with them after their small groups were finished (even through basketball)!

Only two more full days!
Love, Caitlin

Tuesday was our Des Moines day! Des Moines is the capital of Iowa and also the largest city in Iowa. There were no corn fields to be seen.

Our first gig was at Blank Children’s Hospital/Iowa Methodist Medical Center. We sang a few songs in the main atrium and then walked along the first floor corridor of the children’s hospital. The people who heard us sing, especially the man at the information counter, were receptive to our messages.

We enjoyed meeting Lily, a friendly companion dog.

For lunch and an active break, we drove to Valley West Mall. We had a fun time eating, shopping, and rehearsing in the parking lot!

Before dinner, we went to sing at Hope Ministries, Bethel Mission. This Christian homeless shelter can house over one hundred men and offers long-term programs to change the course of many lives. We sang for half an hour for the men’s group dinner and then another half hour for the community dinner.

Since Tuesday was our day in Des Moines, we had some special events planned for the evening. We ate dinner at a popular burger joint (you could tell by the length of our wait, but that gave us time to have a photo shoot…).

The restaurant had a terrifying theme- Zombies! Apocalypse! Acapacalypse! It was called the Zombie Burger & Drink Lab. I got the #5: “They’re Coming to Get You Barbara.”

Kristina even transformed into a zombie! Luckily we found some anti-zombie gel in Walmart, and she’s back to normal now.

On our way back to Ames, we stopped at High Trestle Trail to see a cool bridge. Unfortunately, due to a late dinner and my car getting lost, we arrived at the bridge just as the lights shut off. Still, it was a fun walk/jog in the night and a nice end to a very fun day!

Love, Caitlin

Monday morning started with a trip to the McFarland Clinic. Unfortunately, it was an unusually quiet Monday, so the waiting areas were not as packed as usual. However, we still enjoyed walking around to all the different offices/lobbies and singing!

We returned to Kristina’s house, where Mrs. Johnson had delicious soups and sandwiches waiting for us.

Later that afternoon, we got to sing at the Emergency Residence Project (ERP), a homeless shelter which offers both temporary and long term housing for people and families in need. We sang a few songs for a mix of children and adults in their colorful craft room. Afterwards, we enjoyed touring their facilities (in particular, the playground)!

That night, the Husein family had us over for dinner. The Indian food was amazing, and we enjoyed singing for them afterwards!

Love in Christ, Caitlin

Sunday we got an early start with a 7:30 sound check at Kristina’s church, First Evangelical Free Church. We sang at their two services during the offering and joined their worship band for the final song. We received lots of positive feedback and hopefully brightened the Palm Sundays of those who heard us sing!

That afternoon, we were supposed to attend an event in Ames for admitted MIT prefrosh from central Iowa. Unfortunately, due to snow, the event was cancelled (Snow? But it’s almost April…).

That afternoon, we headed over to Food at First, a program which prepares and serves meals to anyone in need. We put on our chef hats and got to work!

We then had the opportunity to sing for them while they ate. After the singing, we talked with them and had some very meaningful conversations which hopefully planted seeds.

Dinner was at the Sornsen’s, family friends and neighbors of the Johnson’s who are also hosting three of our members. We were very touched by their hospitality!

Love in Christ, Caitlin

Whoohoo! We’re on spring break!!

Current xprod members arrived on Saturday morning in the great city of Ames after a long night/morning of travel. Everyone except myself (who flew in from PHL) had a 6:00 am flight from BOS to DSM with a layover in ORD. We had some fun in the airport with phone booths and with Alvin’s stuffed corgi (who has yet to be named…) and, of course, Mufin.

After arriving at the Johnson’s home, we ate lunch, practiced music, and caught up on lost z’s.

We got in two hours of rehearsal time before dinner, refreshing our memories on songs from last semester.

Kristina’s family members are very gracious hosts, and we are so blessed by their hospitality! We feasted on a dinner that even the Texans approved of- ribs, potatoes, bread, salad, fruit, chocolate cake… It was delicious!

After dinner, Kristina told us to search the house for a surprise: “You’ll know when you find it…”  With some help from Mrs. Johnson, we stumbled upon her astro lab in the basement! We had a productive meeting to discuss logistics/recap for next year’s exec.

Our first day in Iowa was very fun, and we were able to rest up for our upcoming gigs and outreach opportunities! Please pray for us!

Love, Caitlin