There’s More to Scranton than The Office

Downtown Scranton is a beautiful place. Gothic architecture characterizes the area, and at the heart of the town stands the Scranton Cultural Center. The Scranton Cultural Center is arguably the most beautiful building in Scranton. Constructed in the 30s, the Scranton Cultural Center is a former Masonic Temple and Scottish Rite Cathedral, whose architecture is typically reserved for a cathedral of London.

Last night Daraja had the awesome privilege of singing in this impressive center!  Take a look:

Still, there’s more to Scranton than beautiful buildings. There are amazing people here. Daraja has spent the past few days at Parker Hill Community Church (and even sang at all four of their Sunday services yesterday!) and we can’t thank them enough for their kindness, hospitality, and support.

So, if you ever visit Scranton, remember that there’s more to Scranton than The Office, and stop by Parker Hill Community Church! – They’re much more normal than those “Office” people you see on TV every Thursday night.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Yes, it’s true! Today, during the drive from New Jersey into Pennsylvania, the Daraja choir saw its first snow! Overnight a couple inches of snow fell, sticking to the ground just long enough for the choir to enjoy as we drove into Clarks Summit, PA. The reactions of awe and excitement from the kids were priceless! The snow even inspired a quick bus ride science lesson on how snow works and the dangers of yellow snow!

Twitpic from the bus:

Daraja Teaching the Next Generation

Last week at Sewell Mill Christian School, Daraja taught some willing kindergartners the basics of being a Daraja choir member! Check it out!

Twice is Nice!

This past weekend Daraja had the awesome privilege of singing with Third Day. Twice! First, on Friday morning at the Catalyst Conference, Daraja sang Mighty to Save with Third Day’s Mac Powell. As if that wasn’t enough, last night Daraja sang three songs at the Third Day Family Picnic in the Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre! The choir sang New Hallelujah and God of this City on their own, and then helped close the concert by singing Worthy is the Lamb with Third Day!

Catalyst:

Third Day Family Picnic:

Saturday, Saturday, Saturday!

In case you’ve been crab fishing in the Bering Sea for the past month, and still haven’t heard, this Saturday is a big day for Daraja!

Daraja in Full Swing!

With full length concerts this past Sunday night and Monday night, and another concert this Wednesday, the Daraja Fall tour is officially in full swing!

Sunday night at Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church (Marietta, GA):

 

Monday night at FBC Clinton (Clinton, SC):

Betty goes to Court

It’s amazing to see how the Lord is already at working in our kid’s lives in the short time we’ve all been together. One of our girls, Betty, dreams about one day being a judge, because she wants to help change a corrupt judicial system in Kenya. Her host home arranged for her to go to the courthouse, sit through a real case, and then meet Judge Moja. It was such an encouragement to Betty to see a woman who had accomplished the things she hopes to one day. My prayer is that she knows that with God, all things are possible. I really believe Betty is going to be a woman who changes her community for the better!

First Concert of the Fall Tour!

Yesterday Daraja officially kicked off the Fall tour at the Youth Specialties Conference in the Los Angeles Convention Center! The choir led the room in worship through five powerful songs, and by the last song there were plenty of tears to go around.

Today the Choir flew back to Georgia from LAX. The next few days will be spent in Alpharetta filling cavities at the dentist’s office.  We have 105 cavities to fill before the next concert this Sunday!

and so it begins!

Today the choir arrived in Los Angeles to start the 2009 Fall tour! A little jet-lagged and craving pizza, everyone is excited and getting pumped about singing at the Youth Specialties Conference this Sunday!

Upcoming Concert!

Come see us tomorrow in Newnan, Georgia!