February 14, 2005

Monday. Our first day off since the tour began.

It's hard to believe that it was only a week ago that we all met here in Woonsocket, RI. We were going to rehearse Tuesday and Wednesday, but we had to change our plans because of the snow storm. So, we packed up and left early on Wednesday to get to New Hampshire before the storm.

We made it safely that night (and even got to rehearse with Lauren Wool who joined us for the three concerts up north). Three amazing sisters of the "Little Sisters of Saint Francis" welcomed us and hosted us at their beautiful retreat home in Danville, NH.

And then the storm came. It was beautiful. Every branch of every tree was covered in snow, Denny noticed. We were going to make it to Hanniker for our first concert no matter what. We have never cancelled a concert yet, and no snow was going to ruin our record now (Matthew is an amazing driver and a fearless, but cautious man). But, as the roads were getting more and more slippery and the plows were not able to keep them clear, we stopped and called the church in Hanniker. The concert was off. It would have been very difficult for people to come out that night.

But then we had three great concerts: St. Michael's in Exeter, NH (Fr. Von De Rosia is an amazing young priest whom we met when he was still at the Mundelain Seminary a few years back), St. Michael's in South Berwick, ME (where Denny who is originally a "mein-iak", really felt at-home!) and Holy Family in Amesbury, MA (where there were about 200 teenagers!)

The music is magical. The story tremendous. It's an amazing experience for us performing as well as those listening.

The only downer is that Jack left us early due to his back pain. We'll miss him. Please send your prayers and good thoughts his way!