Sometimes during the recording process, the director will cue a “false start” to the song so that the entrance to the actual take is fine-tuned and clean. In fact, this very thing happened several times on Saturday while we worked to get takes of our music. This is a random detail to which we will return in a bit.
Sunday morning dawns warm and overcast, and a pestilence of Wengers scurry around the house breakfasting, showering, and loading up an unrighteous amount of luggage to take over to the bus. We won’t comment on how much of this was snacks. Arriving there, a pestilence of other ensemble members swarm around, in, and out of the bus preparing for takeoff. Roll call is taken. “Does everyone have their passports?” And Norrell pulls the trusty bus through the drive and onto the open road.
The ensemble is settling into the ride. Books are open, aforementioned snacks are being eyed, and a lock-picking kit appears from somewhere. “It’s a totally legitimate profession; you assume the worst!”
We are a solid 30 minutes up the road when suddenly a high-pitched sound repeatedly chirps through the bus. Norrell pulls the trusty bus to a halt in a conveniently-timed entrance ramp lane and exits to the back of the bus to diagnose the problem. Dave leads the ensemble in prayer as we make the decision to call it a false start to tour and turn back to Elnora for a needed replacement hose. As Norrell and Eric and other helpers in town labor to repair the problem, the rest of the ensemble together recounts how the Lord has shown his goodness even in this change to our intended plans. We share lunch and receive the cue to load back onto the bus to head out for real this time!
Games are played, snacks disappear, naps are taken, locks are picked, among other bus activities. Since we had a long travel stop planned, we are still able to reach our venue in Mechanicsburg, OH, in time. Following a rapid rehearsal, the ensemble (rapidly) enjoys a meal provided by Living Hope Mennonite Church as well as some amazing coffees by Conrad and Katrina at Simple Coffee Co. Seriously, check the place out if you’re ever in the area!
By 6:30, the 1858 Meeting House is filled with many friends, and the ensemble gives a First Program (if you know you know). We trust that despite nerves, our own weakness, and not enough rehearsal, God works through the little things to bring glory to his name, and we anticipate tasting more of His goodness in the week ahead!
– Written by Jessica Wenger