Chicagoland

Carina and I have been here for almost 24 hours. We arrived at Soldier Field by 6:20am this morning and stood in a huge line of people until 11:00am, at which time we were handed wristbands and seat assignments. After an induction into the rules and procedures of an American Idol production, we were sent on our way. So we ate at Olive Garden, found a Barnes and Nobles (thanks Jules), and spent some more time visiting with our friends the Browns.

Paul and Susan Brown are hosting us in their 1920's bungalow which is vintage Arts and Crafts period. I was able to find a book on this architecture and design genre which should prove to be helpful to them as they plan decor and possible rennovation. Their home is set across from a beautiful and expansive park. The neighborhood is lovely. As we drove up I was flooded with appreciation to God for His bounteous blessing upon these dear friends. He is so very good!

Tomorrow Carina and I will return to the stadium at 6:00am and find our assigned seats and begin the long wait. She will most likely be called on to audition between 2:00 and 4:00pm. They will listen to her for approximately 30 seconds to 1 1/2 minutes and make a quick decision: she will either receive a gold sticker which allows her entrance to the second round, or they will cut off her wristband and send her home. I sure would love to see the gold sticker. We are here in a crowd of 20,000 others who are all hoping for the same result; all she can do is sing her little heart out and hope they see what we all see! It is definitely a bit of random choosing - all those singers heard and judged by 5:00 in the afternoon. I told her to show who she is, exuding every ounce of love and confidence she can muster. Sing with pretty tone and be different then all the other cookie cutter pop stuff. It should work! But even if she is cut from the next round, it will have been a great experience. I have loved sharing this with her - what a wonderful daughter she is! At any rate, we will let you all know as soon as we can.

"Oliver" is presently playing in the family room. The kids are saturating themselves in the music and dialogue of this production, a show in which both Calvin and Wesley have won roles! There is a local Christian Theater troupe here and they have already found there way into it. I am so very proud of them!

Off for now. Life is so very pleasant. I am pleased to be visiting this newfound home for the Browns. I am loving the time with Carina. And, although it is contained, I am hopeful that she will do well tomorrow. But the Lord knows better than we do and He will open doors for her tomorrow that are ordained by His hand. It is my prayer that He would do so, and He is faithful to hear my prayer and answer me! What a wonderful God we serve.