My latest travels lead me to a lovely Chateau two and a half hours west of Chicago! I and my accompanist Anderson Edwards arrived Thursday evening hopeful and full of anticipation as we were first time guests! We were invited to share inspiring songs with beautiful children and adults who were living with HIV/Aids or connected to friends/family members who were affected. Anderson and I had no clue what was in store for us but we were ready! Friday afternoon the volunteers and families begin pouring in and the first person I see is a Clown! She was hilarious...come to find out she was a nurse during the week and this was her 15th camp! I saw sooo many happy faces and smiles. The children were running around, laughing...being kids. It was totally unexpected...I'm ashamed to say...but I expected to see a lot of sick, emaciated, sad people. Instead I met people from all races, ages, demographics and cultures who looked healthy and had a zest for life!
Friday night was the opening ceremony, the clown lady was the MC and after some brief intros and comedy...we did drum circles and finally I taught the entire group (about 200 folks) Lean on Me...reggae style! I taught them dance moves to go with the words and Anderson played his heart out! We sang and danced so hard we were sweating! Everyone was thrilled and couldn't wait to see what I would teach each age group the next day!
Saturday came and I taught a really cool song called Walking In Authority by Donnie McClurkin to the 8-12 year olds and all I can say WOW. In less than two hours we had a full performance ready singing, rappers, choreography, formations and all! I was so impressed with them! Then it was time for the adults....and well I taught them a great song as well "Thank You Lord" by Walter Hawkins and lets just say their spirits were willing but the voices were weak...lol I told them the kids were going to make them look really bad at the closing ceremony. So I kind of started some friendly competition between the kids and adults! Well Sunday came and it was time for the closing ceremony. The adults sang their hearts out...oh...if only they were on pitch... they would have sounded wonderful...bless their hearts! I will say that though they didn't sound so great ...and of course the kids stole the show...they really touched my heart... even caused me to tear up because they inspired me.
I am inspired because these folks are grateful for every moment they are alive. They don't seem to sweat the small stuff. They are just grateful to wake up and enjoy another day the Lord has made. I thought I was there to teach...turns out I was there to learn.
Make the most of every opportunity...for man is wicked and our days are short.
Kym
