1 City. 7 Days. 16 Shows.

Spring Break 2012 found me traveling with 13 others from MIT to Pittsburgh, PA. The MIT Christian a cappella group, the Cross Products, shared our hope with many wonderful people. We spent the week traveling around the city singing to men and women of all ages from 3 years old to 103 years old. Some of the locations we performed at included hospitals, homeless shelters, nursing homes, daycare centers, schools for people with developmental delay, and rehab centers. It was a grace-filled week and such a beautiful experience. Not only did we have the opportunity to sing for the community of Pittsburgh, but we were able to get to know many of the people and share our lives with them.

One of the highlights occurred right at the beginning of the week when the Cross Products were able to spend time at Carnegie Mellon University with another Christian a cappella group, Joyful Noise. In fact, both groups sing an arrangement of the song "Baba Yetu" which is the Lord's Prayer in Swahili. It is truly remarkable that two groups with about 30 people combined all come from different backgrounds to share in the same message for their hope in life. Another moment of providence lead me to stumbling upon a FOCUS women's Bible study on the campus of Pitt. After an exciting reunion with another FOCUS missionary, myself along with 4 MIT students were given a tour of the Newman Center on campus where CMU and Pitt share fellowship, worship and celebration of the sacraments.

It still amazes me how life can bring so many moments of peace when we simply open our hearts and minds to the love God has for us. Everyday I am humbled to be serving as a missionary with FOCUS. I especially see real love in the form of the families and individuals who support me through prayer and finances to make this mission possible. Thank you all!