This past week has been an extreme challenge to my mind and body. I was away from home more than usual, taking care of design work for the upcoming summer camp which is in a week, and preparing for my performance at the Lock-in on Friday and my first paid gig on Saturday in Ft. Myers beach. I tell ya, it felt more like a month than a week. When Friday finally came around I was already fatigued. The Lock-in at WKBC was a blast. We had a bunch of games and I got to perform for my favourite crowd. I’ll admit, I was pretty unprepared for the performance, being exhausted and all. Fortunate for me, the crowd was very loving and I knew what to expect the next day. Man, I’m so thankful that my co-worker Alex set aside some time to help me out with an introduction video. It’s the coolest thing ever, and it really gives a touch of professionalism to my entertainment. Another person who really helped me out was a close friend from church. Yuen, along with his roommate Jim, came with me this week to Miami Lakes to film a funny video. I went around asking strangers what they thought of my comedy, and the result was a 5 minute video of pure hilarity. We filmed, edited, and produced it all in one 7-hour evening. Speed editing my friends, and sheer commitment. Thanks again Yuen, you rock.
When Saturday finally came around, I was still drowsy from being at the church all night with a hundred teenagers. I probably slept a good hour that night, still running on the 3 hour rest I had the night before after working with Yuen and Jim. I went with Heredes and Rey to dunkin’ donuts to pick up about 5 boxes of donuts for the kids and we had a good time to reflect on my performance and the kids. The leadership qualities these two guys have is amazing, and I’m just so blessed to be around them and grow likewise. I thank God for them and all the other leaders He has provided in my life to steer me in the right direction. Everybody at WKBC has been so awesome for the year and a quarter that I’ve known them. You guys are the best and I can’t wait to spend more time with you at camp.
So finally, the lock-in is finished at 10 in the morning and Rey and I headed over to his house to get washed up, relaxed, packed, and then moving on to Ft. Myers Beach. We bid farewell to his family and began or mini-road trip to another church. I filmed our adventure to Ft. Myers, which mostly consisted of us saying stupid things in the car. He and I took turns driving, because the both of us were so fatigued and ready to sleep while at the wheel. So he drove first and I napped, then I took over the wheel. I don’t know how Rey survives on so little sleep weekly, but he’s the man. He managed to have such a good attitude the whole time. Such a strong, godly young man.
We finally arrived and were met with smiling faces in the hallways of the church. The youth group from Trinity Baptist were playing a few games of cherades, which happens to be one of my favourite games. Unfortunately I couldn’t participate because I had to prepare the sound and equipment I would use in a few hours. They seemed genuinely kind, so it was ok when I introduced myself and Rey in the middle of their game. Cool guys.
The time came when I had to perform, and it went really well. I got a good response from the audience, and they loved the videos I had for them. I can’t thank Alex, Yuen, and Jim enough for the help on that stuff. You guys are heaven sent! After doing stand-up, I hosted a few trivia games and then a few improv games which everyone enjoyed. Once my show was over, it was Rey’s turn to preach, and he did an awesome job on his sermon about sin. While he was preaching I was running the powerpoint outline that went along with it. I think the kids from Trinity Baptist will forever remember what chocolate milk can symbolize in their lives. Yay for analogies!
After our performances, we participated in their praise and worship time, and then it was off to the game room where they had a ping-pong tournament and I had a group of kids playing hacky sac with Ray and me. A good time was had by all that night, and after it was all over we had the opportunity to talk to some of the kids one-on-one to share what God has done in our lives and in theirs. I have no doubt that the Lord used us last night to share His love and good news. I pray that whatever seeds we planted last night will grow in their hearts and God will continue to expand in their lives. Most importantly, I pray we walked out of their making more fans of God, than of the comedy of David Uribe and Rey de Armas.
We went to bed around 1:30 in the morning last night and woke up at 7. We packed our stuff and headed directly back to Kendall. The rest of the day was a blur since I spent the majority of it sleeping. Now I’m up and happy, enjoying the company of my family. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention something. I got a haircut. It looks nice I’ve been told. I guess I’ll be keeping it short for a while.
Well, time to watch a movie here at home. Bye!
