This past Sunday I finished my travels with the Songs of Ascent tour.

We did a little less than 40 Psalm 103 concerts, plus the various vespers and chapel services at academies. We did something in Iowa, Nebraska, Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida, South Carolina, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. There was a lot of driving and a lot of amazing experiences. Check out Eric and Monique's blog for their summary report.

Here, though, on my blog I want to thank Matt and Josie Minikus for inviting me to be a part of their tour way back in May. At that point, it was not going to be an official Songs of Ascent tour, just Matt Minikus and Friends. (Joke) They took a chance on me and offered me an opportunity to exercise spiritual gifts, learn under them and invited me into intimate friendship with them. Both Matt and Josie have significantly impressed the way I perceive Christianity and Adventism, how I think of relationships, and how to mentor. I thank them so much for giving me the privilege to ride around in the back seat of their Lexus, walled in by the front seat, luggage and equipment and the door. I endearingly called it my cubicle.

Moreover, I want to thank Eric and Monique as well. I simply loved getting to know them better and developing a friendship with them. I appreciated their music already before I knew them and it was awesome to get to spend time with them. Since I struggle with being tense and overtly melancholy, it was great to have a couple of mellow Australians on the team. We had plenty of adventures, we had plenty of laughs, Eric and I got into Vine together, and I had sweet time guessing when Monique wanted steamed vegetables or Vegennaise. You two have also impressed how I see relationships and showed me a boldness in the way you have committed to your calling that has left me inspired and wanting to give more of myself to Christ.

Lastly, I want to thank the countless people along our journey who showered us with blessings via their generosity, hospitality, and affection. To those who gave us lunches and dinners, who gave me a couch to sleep in, who took us out somewhere, who made us scrambled tofu, and who arranged for me to meet Clifford Goldstein, thank you so much. I am indebted to you. May you all be rewarded in a double portion of what you gave us.

This tour exceeded all my expectations and they were pretty high to begin with. My life really is changed and I can already tell how I am embarking on a markedly different course because of it. I thank God for allowing me to be a part of it. If you took the chance to read this obituary, I encourage you to find mentorship and to do a project that challenges you and is geared to helping others.

You won't regret it.