My final blog. -Nicole Luce

The Experience tour this year has been such a blast. The unique part of this tour has been how we've been in areas that are pretty close to each other, so we have been able to travel less and explore the area more. I never thought I would say this but Ohio is such a cool state! It's beautiful here, and people are really nice and willing to help us.
This morning, the lady who hosted us asked us what word we would choose to describe this tour. My word was emotional. This trip has been so much more than I thought it would have been, and so much more fulfilling. There has been low drama around me, I've had some friends become closer, and I've created some new friends this year that I couldn't replace. The entire tour, to which many people can confirm, I have been sentimental towards everything that's happening. Going on this tour has made me realize just how close the real world is becoming. In less than two months, I'll be going off to college and leaving everything I know behind. I'll be making new friends, living with a stranger for a year, and my whole world will be changing. The great part about this is how I know that I will always have my Experience family to come back to. No matter how much we get sick of each other over tour, or how annoyed we get with some people, it was always such a relief to come back to Experience every fall and every spring semester. There is definitely something for everyone here, and it's incredible how we can all bond over God in such a way that these friends will be ones I have forever. The people here are all wonderful in some way or another; everyone has made an impact on me in some way. I love looking back on all the cool places I've been and how I'm able to say that I went to some awesome places with 80 of my best friends.
Every year, Mark tells the same story about how during my freshman year a couple of girls were so mean to me that I almost didn't come back. This isn't a story that I like to tell or talk about at all. But I can tell you with absolute certainty in my heart that this is 100% not the way of the group. Sure, there is always going to be drama during tour week, but it hardly ever seems to last more than that week. I couldn't find a better group of people anywhere. Parents, you have definitely raised your kids right. I can hear the way that our hosts talk about us whenever we offer to set up, clean up, or just ask if anyone needs help. These little things make all the difference.
Looking all the way back to freshman year, we went to Tennessee and Missouri and I can tell you honestly that I didn't expect much from that trip. I only came back to the Experience that spring because of a couple of friends asking me to go, and my mother telling me how she thought it would be a good idea. The very first day of that tour was the beginning of a change in my life. The feelings that you get on this tour and the relationships you form are indescribable to anyone outside the church. The New York tour my sophomore year was definitely my favorite tour that I went on, even through all the long driving. Last year was the first year that my brother and I went on tour together, and that was so special to me. That was when my brother was finally able to understand what I have been telling him and trying to explain. Having him with me on tour has made such a difference in our relationship. Every Wednesday, we drive the 25 minutes to church and we just dance and sing in the car together, and then again on the way home. We hang out with each others friends, especially because of the friends we've made at Experience. I can't explain what a blessing it has been to have my brother on tour with me, and what an amazing friend and person he is. On this tour, every time he goes up to sing I light up with pride.
There is so much I wish I could say. I can't express in words the pride I have in saying that I am involved in this group. I have 6 pieces of advice to underclassmen:
1. These four years are in fact so much more special than they seem, and they go faster than you realize. Treasure every happy moment, every sad moment, every fight, every laugh, every tear, every kiss, every friend you have. You never know where the future leads, but now is for certain.
2. Do something that will change you into a better person. Get involved in school, find a place where you can establish leadership. That is honestly the most fun I had in high school.
3. Yes, every grade counts. I was blessed in that I had good grades in high school, but it was largely attributed to hard work. That takes you so far in life. I was able to get into the school of my dreams because of this. However, don't let one test bring you down. Second chances are always around the corner.
4. Related to 3, study hard, but play harder. Like I said, these are your best years. Do something crazy (but not to crazy!) that makes you laugh. Make good friends best friends. Actually go outside! Shockingly, it's a really fun place to be!
5. Believe in yourself. Yes, I know this is cliché, but the best thing you can do for yourself is believe. When you have confidence, you have happiness. High school is where you begin to discover who you really are, and I promise you, you are a fantastic person.
6. Believe it or not, your parents are typically right. I know, Mom, I never thought I would say it either! However, when you need advice, your parents are right 99% of the time. I'm serious when I say become best friends with your parents. They are such an awesome part of your life.

My last little paragraph is just to say thank you to my parents. I love you so so much, and I would never have become the person I am without your guidance and love in my life. Thank you for teaching me the ways of the Lord and how to be a genuine person, and thank you for always caring about me, even when I didn't want to agree. I will always be your little girl, no matter how old I get. I love you both.

Nicole Luce

The Experience Tour from the Eyes of a Freshman: Kaelin Hansen

This is my first tour. It is one of the most exciting and blessed things I have ever done. Being able to tell the story of God's love in a fun and contemporary way is a new and interesting adventure. This is the first time I have actually professed my faith and what God means to me publically. Doing it now makes me eager to go home and spread the Word. The shows are somewhat hectic what with all the kids moving around and unloading the buses and setting up and then tearing down and reloading the buses but its all part of the experience and I love it! The fun outings such as Cedar Point and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame are exciting and amazing. I love being able to go places that I have never been before. I just recently got into roller coasters so Cedar Point was fabulous for me. hanging out with a group that I feel safe with was an awesome feeling. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was so epic!!! I love all the old types music and getting to see some of my favorite bands and singers was such a unique experience. My favorite part of the Hall of Fame was the wall dedicated to The Beatles! John Lennon's piano was beautiful and I know the rest of the group enjoyed seeing some of their favorite bands and maybe getting to know or checking out some new bands. Overall the tour has been unique and I feel special to be with this group of kids on this trip. I did get homesick a few days ago but I'm sure I wasn't the only one. Staying in host homes is new and exciting. All the homes I've stayed in were fabulous and cool. I know some of the houses were a little less than what we expected but the families were super nice and welcoming. The hotels were new as well. I've stayed in them before but never with a group this big or this close-knit. I enjoyed staying with girls I didn't know as well and getting to know and love them. I honestly feel as if I am the most blessed person on the face of the planet all thanks to this tour and this group of kids and adults!!!

God bless you all!!

Kaelin

Cedar Point!!-Nicole Luce

Yesterday we went to Cedar point. For those of you who don't know what this is, it's a huge amusement park with roller coasters that have broken a ton of world records. Since I'm afraid of roller coasters I was the mom of the day and was holding everyone's stuff. at one point, I had 3 purses, 2 backpacks, 3 wallets, a hat, and 7 pairs of sunglasses, not including my own stuff! However, I still had a lot of fun the whole day. No matter where you went, burgers were still $10. We ran around for about 7 hours with minimal problems and sunburns. They had a huge Ferris wheel that I went on, which was freezing because of the breeze coming off of Lake Eerie. We had a couple of people who blacked out on a few rides because of how ridiculous they all were! Everyone's fine now, though.
Christian Burke has willingly volunteered to describe one of the roller coasters for us: They had a huge roller coaster called the Draggster, the massive engineering feat was 420 feet high an maxes out at 128 miles per hour. the ones who stepped on this test of bravery had pure terror in their eyes as the malicious steel coaster roared up the mountain. at the peak of it's structure you could see Canada and the end of the Great Lake Erie, it was silent up top so you could hear paragraphs of cursing from the locked in passengers. the ride dropped at a 90 degree angle twisting and turning the whole way down giving everyone a relief that their stomach was still in it place and not out their throats. the ride slows down where the line begins so everyone could see the smiles rising from our mouths.

After all those wonderful rides, we went back to a hotel and all of us hung out by the pools or watching tv. Today, we are on our way to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Westside Market, then tonight we perform in Findlay, Ohio!

Over view of Ohio-Alex Marsh

Today was a terrific day in the life of an Experiencer, woke up in our host homes after a great, fun filled night, (mine was actually filled with horror movies because of the group I was with...). Got to the bus at 8:45 and got to go to the zoo, between the tigers, lions, bears, flamingos, and every other animal under the sun, there was to many memories being made. The photo taking, jokes, stories and experiences made the zoo all the better! Me and Cooper Luce took a photo with a man who had the coolest beard I have ever seen!! It curled back up and formed a loop on each side of  his jaw! Yes it was awkward to ask to take a picture with him, but was it worth it??? You better believe it!!! Then after the zoo we all piled back on to the bus and went to our next stop at the retirement center. I didn't have a job to do today since it was outside. The sun did my job for me lighting the choir. I was running water to the choir when they needed it because it was hot and they were singing right in the sun. When I noticed that the water wasnt cutting it, I decided to put on a show for the choir as they performed to the audience. I sang and danced and just acted foolish in hopes of keeping their minds off the heat and exaustion. After the show many people said that it did help, and that after I started dancing, it might as have been a mild spring day! The most awesome part of my day was after the show, we were able to sit down and talk to the folks who resided at the complex. They were so grateful for us coming and we were so happy to be there. I am not sure if thier happiness came from a change up in thier schedule or if they just really enjoyed the show, but if I had to bet on one, I would go all in on the fact that they just genuinely enjoyed the show. After I spent almost 30 minutes talking to a lady who was 102!!!! I can't imagine what stories she could tell if we could talk for longer. In the 30 minutes I had with her, I was blown away by what she had seen in her life time! After we packed up our buses and were on the road, we stopped at an amazing mall. This place was huge! I was with Nicole Luce and we started out by going to build a bear work shop and I got her a blue bear with hearts on it as a graduation present. She named it Alicia, wether that was a good name for a bear, I'm still debating, but she loved it so I will say it was a great name. Next we went to five guys and got us some burgers and fries and absolutely devoured them! Then I procced to get dragged through forever 21, Delia's, and H&M.... The entire time I was asking Nicole where the fishing poles, tents, and manly stuff was....it was a little humiliating, not going to lie. I HAVE NEVER SEEN THAT MUCH CLOTHING IN MY LIFE!! After spending a short hour and a half at the mall we left for our hotel. Not even 5 minutes after getting to our rooms were we all in the pool and hot tub! This hotel so sweet! In the lobby they have FREE POPCORN AND SODA!!!like what hotel does that?!?!? THIS ONE DOES!!! Now it's beddie bye time and I'm sharing a bed with Matthew and in the other is Chris and Addison, the perfect way to finish off the perfect day! Gotta wake up early tomorrow to go hit up Cedar Fair and ride SO MANY ROLLER COASTERS!!! It's going to be an awesome day no matter what. Until next time, and thanks for reading!

Zoo day and retirement homes! -Nicole Luce

Today we went to the Columbus Zoo. Surprisingly, there weren't any giraffes (WHAT) but they had a totally awesome aquarium! We all ran around taking pictures and looking at the baby gorilla which was ADORABLE! The best part of the day, however, was singing at the retirement home. There were so many residents who were incredibly excited about us being there. One of the residents was 102 years old! However, he didnt particularly like the show too much and left a few songs in, but he was adorable! We were performing outside too, which was so so hot. We consistently were passing mini water bottles to each other and they let us perform in our shorts. Afterwards, we went and talked to the residents. I ended up talking to this one man for a long time, he was fascinating. For those of you who don't know, I am super proud to be going to NC State in the fall and this man had children who live in and around Raleigh, and I believe a couple of his kids went to State too! Talking with him made me realize how fast life really goes. One day you're in kindergarten, the next you've graduated high school, the next you're raising a family of your own, and then your own children are off in the world. The man I talked to was probably one of the happiest men I have ever met. He talked about the world as if nothing bad could ever affect him. He told me the story about how he lost one of his children a few years ago due to a heart attack, but he knows that child is now safe and better off than he ever could have imagined. He inspired me to live each day as if nothing could bring me down. That is what this tour is about. We're going out into the world to Tell The Story of how God loves us so much that nothing can ever take that away. Happiness is always right around the corner, and God is pointing you straight to it. I'm so thankful to have everything I have, and I praise God for giving me such an incredible church to go to where I can share my feelings and passions this way.
God bless all you parents who let your children go on tour, I believe it is truly one of the best decisions that you could have made for your child.

Picnics-lights, camera, action!- Nicole Luce

We had an interesting bus ride today, people are already starting to feel exhausted. But we are now in Beaver Creek, Ohio! If you ever want to truly know the middle of nowhere, take a trip from Charleston, WV to Beaver Creek, OH. We passed so many barns and farms, I know my mom would have had a cow (get the pun?) if she saw all of the cool sights! We all arrived safe and sound, and they had the coolest dinner for us. They grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, had carrots, cucumbers, watermelon, and grapes. We had a sort of picnic outside on the picnic tables and it was awesome! The show was a decent show tonight, Mr. Helms was cracking us up during one of the songs, pushing a shopping cart around and dancing with Mark Hansen. The church is absolutely gorgeous. There's stained glass windows and the pews are actually comfortable! The youth pastor's daughter was so cute! she was dancing with us during a couple of the songs and running around playing with a ribbon.
Right now we're all in our host homes, hanging out. I have an awesome host home with Rachel Goode, Laney Jones, and Rita Gomez. The house is huge with a full downstairs that we have to ourself, including a mini gym! No promises that we'll actually work out however! (They have a 20 year old son who is super cute too-sorry dad hope you don't read that!)
Tomorrow we go to Columbus Zoo, our annual stop at the Fill-In-The-Blank Zoo. Then, we perform at a retirement home, and then we head to the famous Columbus mall for dinner!
My roommates are playing spoons, which just so happens to be my favorite card game, and eating candy and goldfish. That's my cue to go! Stay classy, Charlotte. (5 points to whomever gets that movie reference!)

2nd night-Alex Marsh

Another awesome show tonight, we had your few mistakes with any show but props to the actors for just rolling with it and changing the lines or body positions to make it work. Now after some DQ we're at our host home, got my swim trunks and my flippy floppies and I'm goin into the pool.