I've always said that there are few places I could ever live other than Boston. I love Boston so much, and other than the ridiculous cost of living, I can't say I hate anything about it, it's my home, my city, my Boston.
The other places that I could ever see myself living are: New York (or so I thought, stay tuned for the New York blog coming up), Chicago, Nashville (if only for my music career cuz honestly, i'm just not a southern girl), and Philly. Yes, the city of brotherly love, and one of my loves, the Philly Cheesesteak. My parents are both from Philly so I have very fond memories of coming to visit my Nana and Grandpa, doing the USA puzzle, playing that game where you have to put all the shapes in before the thing pops up and all the pieces get messed up (I can't remember the name of it), and hugging my Nana for the 10 time because she kept forgetting that I already hugged her; visiting my Mom Mom (which is what we called my Mother's mother, Mom Mom, get it?) and watching line dancing with her on tv; and visiting my Uncle Butch who used to give me 100 dollar bills just for the heck of it, and buy me huge philly cheesesteaks all for me even though I was only like 5 and mother would tell him it was too much and he would let me have it all anyway.
Yup, good ole Philly. I always get this feeling when i'm there, like i'm home. The only other place I feel like that is Jamaica. I've been to Jamaica about 3 times and though i'm not Jamaican, everytime I get off the plane there, this feeling comes over me like i'm home. And though Philly is no Jamaica, I always get the same feeling when I go there. Must be the memories.
Well enough of me gushing and rambling. We sang at the New Covenant Church of Philadelphia, the church of Bishop Granum, a very good friend of my Father. On Saturday we went to a Gospel Fest that they held on the church's campus. Beautiful campus and park where the fest was held. All kinds of Gospel singers were on the lineup and I have to admit April and I went around from back stage to hear a few of our favorites. (Youthful Praise-Incredible God). When our turn came we went out and honestly it took the crowd about halfway through the first song to warm up to us. That happens sometimes, people see us and hear us and don't know what to make of us, and then end up liking it. I actually kinda love that about us. We don't fit a mold. We are just who we are and we worship the way we worship. I love being different, not like anybody else, it's the way i've always tried to live my life.
It went really well. By the second song everyone was worshipping and praising along with us. it was awesome. Before our last song, Bishop Grannum came onto the stage and told the crowd that we'd be singing at church the next day and to please come support us.
The best part of the weekend was after the Gospel fest, we went to Pagano's and got our steaks. OMG were they amazing!!! Yes they are huge and I don't even come close to finishing it, there is nothing like it in all this world. And though other cities try to duplicate it, namely Boston and New York, i'm sorry, we don't even come close. :)
On Sunday, we sang 2 songs, and though the sound wasn't very good at all, the annointing shined through and i'm so grateful that God continues to always shine through all that we do. Because without Him it would be a mess... The service was wonderful. Bishop Grannum had 4 teens up on the stage with him and had them tell their testimonies, and would use them in the sermon. It was really great to hear their stories.
We sold out of everything at the tables which was great. The people were so warm and welcoming, and I even got to see my cousin Tara!
It was a great trip, but at the airport on the way home began "The Hating of the Airports for Ashmont Hill." You see everyone, this trip began the delaying of ALL of our flights. And when I say ALL I mean ALL. Stay tuned, you'll see...
I love you Philly...call me anytime... :)
Deborah from Ashmont Hill