EOT articles and Tour! :)

Hey Guys! 

My apologies for not wrapping up some last minute details with choir tour. We spent our last day traveling home and making a quick stop at Dickinson High and Redemption Abbey. Our last day was just as incredible as the days before it. We arrived back safe in sound in Jamestown around 5:30 on Monday afternoon. I was so sad to see choir tour end. It was such a wonderful experience. I'm so glad I still have three more in my future! 

This week has been all about getting back into the swing of things. I'm back at homework, and a strict schedule. I'm so excited Easter is on it's way! I look forward to be able to make it home for a four day weekend! 

I've included my last two articles for the EOT Focus. One of them talks about my brother and his honest attitude and of course choir tour!

Enjoy!

Much love, 

Paige 

Hello Perham,

This past weekend I had the pleasure of visiting home for just a few short days before I leaving for the Jamestown College Midwest Choir tour. Even though my time was short, it was well spent. I am now traveling in the Midwest sharing choral music with my fellow choir members. So far, I have had an incredible experience sharing lovely music with complete strangers. Watch for next weeks’ article, as I will be giving more details about the trip.

During my time at home I traveled with my Mom to the little town of Evansdale to watch my 4^th grade brother play basketball with his fellow teammates. Each and every time I come home it seems my siblings are “growing up” faster and faster. Watching my brother, his team, and his couch was time well spent. It was great to witness the lessons of teamwork, dedication, and focus already being instilled in our fourth graders. One lesson in particular stuck out to me. Bear with me as I brag about my little brother. McCormick has always been a quite honest boy, very blunt, and rarely misses the truth. Not to mention, he is sure to speak up or when things seem unfair. As McCormick made his way to the basketball hoop to score he accidently traveled. I must admit, I know little about the rules of basketball, but I do know “traveling” is typically penalized. Instead of my brother, continuing to play after the referee did not call his travel; he decided to call his own. It brought much laughter to the audience and to me; however, in the midst of my laughter I was proud of my brother’s honest and truthful way of obeying the rules of basketball. I hope all of you as parents encourage truth and honesty each and every day in your home.

            I was also reminded at this fourth grade basketball game of all of the volunteers and mentors who coach and teach in our community, regardless of a paycheck. Without mentors in my life who encouraged me in my endeavors, or spent extra time investing in me, I’m not sure where I would be today. Thank you to all of the volunteers who spend countless hours investing in our youth. Be encouraged that your service doesn’t go unnoticed. Special blessings this week to our appreciated mentors, teachers, coaches, and volunteers. 

Greetings Perham,

            I have now arrived home for a busy week on choir tour. It was sure an incredibly busy, hectic, but wonderful time. I am now back to the everyday normal life of school, homework, workouts, meals in the cafeteria, and time with friends. To be honest, I’ve always enjoyed having a bit of a schedule. However, travel is always refreshing and exciting. This past semester I have been all over the United States it seems from New York City, to Washington D.C. and all across the Midwest Region. I am so thankful for the time I’ve had in each location.

            Choir tour was a great reminder of why I love music and the power it has to touch peoples’ lives. Our tour consisted of 5 Concerts all of which took place in a different state, in different churches, and with different people. Each day we had lovely host families who took great care of us. Even though our time with people in each state was short, it was encouraging to meet such wonderful people. Our big concert was held in Denver, CO. Very exciting for me, as my aunt, uncle, and cousins from CO came to watch the performance. It was so great to see them. We spent many hours on the bus driving from location to location, but gave our choir some great bounding time. Overall, the experience was a great! My reasoning in sharing about choir tour is to highlight that we should all do the things we love. We all have gifts and talents and ways in which we can share them. We should always take full responsibility to do that. I encourage you this week to think about the talents you have and how you can use them. Our talents are to go beyond just making ourselves happy, but to brighten another’s day. 

            I’m still busy working and preparing for Miss Minnesota. I can’t wait to represent Perham this June on the Miss Minnesota stage. At the end of March I will be traveling to the Cities to learn more about pageant week, my contestant order, and more exciting competition details. I will be sure to share! Keep smiling as Spring is just around the corner!