Music is a big part of things here.  They sing multiple hymns for each worship service.  There is frequently music playing in the houses.  The kids like to sing.  They also have an "orquesta" or a band.  The band consists of 3-4 guitars, an electric bass, and a drum set.  One of my new responsibilities here is to be in charge of this praise band. 

I have been impressed with how talented the kids are.  They spend a lot of time practicing and learning songs.   Most are actually better guitarists than I am and have taught me more so far than I have been able to teach them.   Music is really an amazing thing.  It enables us to transcend the language barrier.  I would say my closest friends here so far are the guys that play the guitar.  They are really nice guys and have really made me feel accepted.  The frequently seek me out just to play some songs or to learn a new one.  They have asked be to play upfront with them multiple times already.  This past Sabbath Crissy and I sang "My Savior, My God" with them up front (a song I learned from Marvin, Thanks man!).  They really liked it and wanted us to play it with them. They learn really fast.  I really am excited about how our relationships can deepen once I am able to communicate better.

There are a few challenges to being the orquesta sponsor.  One is that there are several very talented kids and they all seem to be wanting to go in separate directions sometimes.  It is also difficult including everyone when there are so many guitarists.  This is one reason Joel was excited about me helping out - they need some leadership and direction.  This is  a bit of a challenge at this point because I cant really say much to them, but I am sure that will get better with time.  Another challenge is turning the guitars and bass down.  They like it LOUD!  I am not really excited about the drum set either.  Often when they play a song you can hardly hear the vocals.  This problem is exacerbated by the large gym-like building we play in and the sound system.  There are some major reflections and echoes that make the vocals kind of drift away.  I would really like to see about getting them some bongos or congas or other hand drums so that we can use the full drum set a bit less.  I think they sound much better without it.  Apparently that had a drummer who did a good job of playing softly, but he just went off to college. 

So far we mainly play for the Sabbath afternoon youth meeting.  During church they usually only use the piano.

Music has been a great way to become a part of things here.  I am really excited about the potential for this group.  There is some real talent here.  Please pray for me that I would be able to lead them effectively so that they will use those talents to glorify God and turn people to him.  I will try to get some sound clips up sometime.  The only problem is that the songs they do are copyrighted so I cant exactly post them online.  Maybe just a short clip or something. . .  There are some pictures here though.

Oh, Marvin, have you heard of Jesus Adrian Romero?  The guys here really like his music.  I think you would to.  Maybe he is your cousin!