Winds of Change

So I can't possible put into words last night's experience. But I will try...

We signed our family up to volunteer for the Show Hope table at the Steven Curtis Chapman & Michael W Smith concert last night. That's right - all seven of us were there. Stephen and I volunteered in Champaign last year or so - it was an hour drive each way and we were not sure what we were getting into. After the experience, however, we had decided that if we had a chance closer to home we would all go. You see, we were a recipient of a grant at the time of our adoption from Shaohannah's Hope. Without the love that Steven Curtis and his family have for orphans, our adoption would've been much more difficult. So we wanted all the kids to experience the time of "giving back", even if it is only a small sacrifice.

When Stephen and I volunteered, we showed up, were given our assignments, did the job, and saw most of the concert in the meantime. It was nice.

Last night, well, it was different. I knew it was different when the organizer came over and introduced herself as "Emily". I looked at Sonya and said "Isn't that SCC's daughter?" Oh yeah, it was. And that wasn't all. We worked with about 20 something volunteers that all had received grants from Show Hope. So as she was going through the instructions, with an occassional "My Dad " this and that, it was cool. But then, HE came up. No, not SCC. He was getting ready to sing. But Geoff Moore. He stood right next to me (yeah, same height, but LOTS more hair!) and I resisted lines from "Place to Stand" or "Foundations". He spoke to our group - he is heading up the Show Hope campaign for the concert tour. He prayed with us, encouraged us, and even conversed about adoption (at one point putting a hand on Sonya and Ana). It was wild. Here I am, a guy that knew all of his songs and am now being ministered to in person by him. And with a simple, "Hi, I am Geoff" and a hand shake we had met.

Walking back to the table where we were to work we passed by some friends we had met previously and they asked "Were you guys into Christian music in the 90's?" To which I replied "GEOFF MOORE TOUCHED MY WIFE!!!!!" We laughed.

So we sat at the table until the concert started. I then took the kids to listen a bit. I walked in to Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W Smith singing "Blessed Be Your Name". SCC was singing "You give and take away" and I was astounded at the testimony of the man that less than a year ago tragically lost his 5 year old daughter. In fact, every song talked about his faith in God through those hard times. UNBELIEVABLE!

Had to go back to the table at intermission so we hung out there a bit. Then Sonya took most of the kids back while I took my turn. Ana and I talked to a few people. We had played some "I Spy", when Emily sat down next to me and said something like "I really enjoy hearing adoption stories. Can I hear yours?" The next 15 min. we talked about how God brought us to adoption and how we were given the gifts Ana and Maci. We talked about her plans that she and her husband have for the next year. We talked about Ethiopia. Then Geoff came back and we talked some more...about Ethiopia and our story. It was striking to me... The whole time Ana continued her "I Spy" game with herself on my lap!

So then, at the end of the concert, we cleaned up and Emily and Geoff led us down to talk to SCC! We actually got a chance to thank the man in person for his work & the gift of the grant he made possible. He met each one of us, signed a few autographs, and even gave the boys each a pick he used in the concert that night. Yeah - no camera. But something better.

As we were coming home at 11:40 p.m. (note - some tired kids) we were struck by the incredible care and compassion the Chapmans have for orphans - and people! They have been involved in CCM for a long time. And it was amazing to me that my family even mattered. The grant was one thing. The music is great as well. But to invest in our lives, even for a short bit of time was profound. Only wish I had the words to thank him for the character and example he has been to Sonya and me, and now a new generation of Hillrich's in our kids. There are too few Christian musicians with such a heart for God!

If you get a chance - check him out in concert. Better yet - volunteer!

-Dave

boys of war

Now a word on civil war history.
Our boys really like to learn about warfare, wars in history, & if I'm honest...um...weapons.
I like to pretend this is not true. I like to wish they like cuddly puppies & ponies & stuff. They have both sewn a small quilt. They both like to draw & read.
But OH, they like to fight & tussle & imagine war. & draw & read about war.
Since I have been against this from the beginning, I am pretty sure it came in their blood, in their genes, in their chromosomes, or whatever. Correct me if I'm wrong, you moms of more than two boys (are you out there Rhonda? anyone? anyone?).
Anyway, on spring break in South Carolina, we visited an actual Civil War fort, Fort Pulaski.
We visited the interpretive center & watched the interpretive movie, which helped us...well...interpret. We walked over, in, around & under the fort that has stood firm for decades, bearing tribute to good architecture, a firm foundation, hard workers & the soldiers who fought there.
The neatest thing about the visit for me was learning about the battle that took place here, near the end of the Civil War. When the fort began to crumble, near the corner pictured above (see all the holes made by the soaring cannonballs?), the honorable general inside knew that soon the magazines (storing the gunpowder, I assume... ask Stephen) would be hit & all inside would die. He sent up the white flag of surrender & the shooting ceased. Only four soldiers died in the battle.
There is some serious honor in that story. Men willing to humble themselves. Men willing to fight as hard & as strong as possible, but admit when they are defeated.
I hope for strength in my boys. True inner strength. Not power to kill or hurt, but the character to know when to fight & when to surrender.