Jerome, Joseph, and Daniel

I didn't realize how much I had missed these guys, until I saw them again last night. They only stayed with us for three nights, and it has been four months since I saw them last ... but as soon as I saw them again, all the joy and laughter and love that I experienced while getting to know them came flooding back. It's amazing how quickly some people can grab a hold of your heart.

The concert was awesome! I don't think I'll ever tire of hearing the choir sing ... the kids are so awesome, and I can't help but smile the entire show. Plus, there is just something about African voices and drums that pulls very strongly on my heart. And, it's so fun watching the choir now that we have a special connection to some of them, as we can really focus on watching them.

After the show, I found Uncle David, and was able to get a nice little visit in with him before he took me down to see the boys. All of the boys were done changing, so I got to go into their dressing room, and visit with ALL of the boys. My three special ones came up and gave me a big hug, and I could tell they were happy to see me again! And even the other boys knew that I was "Auntie" Jill from Regina! In some ways, I guess it's kind of like I'm a family member coming to see them again. None of their family would ever get to come to these concerts, and they wouldn't know anybody at any of the places where they sing. So, when somebody that they know is able to come see them again, I think it is pretty special for them ... like as if an aunt or sister was coming to watch them perform.

Anyways, so I got to hang out with the boys for a few brief minutes ... but it was wonderful! We took some pictures, and just talked. Joseph was telling the boys that I was one of the really good girl soccer players (referring to me and Alicia when we played with them in Regina), and that I played for the National Team of Alberta! HA! They had joked the whole time they stayed with us that we played for the national team! Anyways, one of the little boys (Jacob, the one who wants to be a president) really thought that I actually played for a national team, and asked me if I had a picture on my team on my camera! I tried to tell him that I didn't actually play for the national team, and then he asked me if I was the coach. So, I had to tell him that I'm not even the coach ... I felt bad bursting his little bubble!

Not long later, they had to go off to meet their host families, so I got one more hug ... and headed up to talk some more with David. It was really good to see David again too ... he is such a nice guy! Later on last night, after I got home, I left David a facebook message, telling him that it was so good to see him and the boys again. This was part of his reply (which I just want to share since it made me smile!):

Thanks for coming i think we should just make room for you on our bus. we love seeing you everytime ... the boys told me about your discussion after concert, they love you they think you should tour with us.

I told him not to tempt me ... because I would LOVE to do that! Unfortunately, I can't. But here is what I am going to do ... I am going to become even more of a groupie than I already am. I've seen the choir four times already (three times in Saskatchewan, and once so far in Ontario), and I am planning on doing road trips to see them two more times while they are in Ontario (until October 14th). I'm going to try and go on the next two Wednesday nights to see them in Brantford and London. It's totally worth the drive to see the concert, and to see the boys again!