An Evening With Sandi

Last winter, I received a card from the Indiana United Methodist Children's Home, announcing the 100th Anniversary Gala, to be held in August. The IUMCH, in Lebanon, Indiana, would be celebrating 100 years of ministry to the children of Indiana. And the entertainment for the evening? Sandi Patty! Of course, my groupies and I would need to be there. :)

The reservations were made, and on a beautiful August evening, we arrived at the Lucas Estate for a very special night of song and celebration.
The valet took this photo of Jim, me, Ruthann, Daryl, Janet, and Steve. (Rich and Becky were a few minutes behind us, arriving from the opposite direction.)

We enjoyed cocktails on the terrace at the VIP reception. Nice pool house, don't you think?

Janet found her twin. :)

And, of course, we found Sandi. She was so happy to see us, and not at all worried that we might be stalkers. We're friendly stalkers, after all. :)

We were guided to the pavilion for dinner and the program. We watched a short film, which included some history of the IUMCH, as well as testimonials from individuals whose lives were changed by their experience as a resident of the Home. Many staff members and some former residents were in attendance for the celebration. It was interesting to learn of the past success, and the plan for the future.

We had a table for eight, which included Rich and Becky,

Janet and Steve,

Ruthann and Daryl,

and Jim and me.

The Bishop was there.

And Julia Moffett, the master of ceremonies.

And look who else I found!

Finally, it was time for Sandi.

She was awesome, as usual.

As she likes to do, she included son Jonathan in the program. He is an amazing singer, and she's (of course) a proud mama.

They sang 'The Prayer' to close the program.

A perfect ending...

to a very special evening. Amen and amen!