Jeremy LangleyMy website for the random times when I blog

Words cannot even begin to describe the time I had last week aboard the Carnival Fascination and in the Bahamas. I met some of the most amazing people that I have ever had the privilege of knowing. I guess I’ll just start a list:

1. The Talley Trio

Jeremy Langley with Roger, Deborah, and Lauren Talley

Roger, Deborah, and Lauren Talley are amazing people. I’ve admired the work of this extremely talented family for years. (I know. I’m only 24, but I’ve followed Southern Gospel music since before I even knew Reba McEntire existed. That’s pretty major since I’m pretty sure I came out of the womb screaming “I love Reba!”) Until this cruise, I had never had the opportunity to interact with the Talleys. I was not disappointed. Not only did they put on the best performances of the week, but they were more than willing to interact with the “fans” off the stage. We ran into Roger several times around the ship, and he always smiled and spoke. I don’t think we ever ran into Deborah and Lauren on the ship outside of the Abraham Production events, but they were probably shopping or sometime. That’s what most of the women on board seemed to be doing a lot.

Lauren Talley and Jeremy Langley

During the time when we could purchase the artists’ product, I asked Lauren if I could have my picture made with her. She was more than happy to oblige. I had to get Roger to take the picture. After the last concert, I decided that I wanted to have a picture with the entire Talley Trip, but Roger was MIA. Deborah suggested that we form our own little trio, so I had my photo taken with Deborah and Lauren. Then Roger showed up and suggested we form a quartet, so I finally got my picture with the best Southern Gospel group out there. It will definitely go in my office.

Lauren has a new book and CD coming out in the next few days. I’ve heard the title track of the CD. The CD and book are both called “Songs in the Night.” If the rest of the songs are half as good as the title track, we’re in for an amazing treat. I plan to order one just as soon as they are available. Maybe I can get her to autograph it for me…haha. Check out her Web site for more information.

2. The Greenes

Jeremy Langley with Tim and TaRanda Greene

Tim and TaRanda Greene are two amazing people. We first ran in to Tim at the elevators on embarkation day. He stopped and talked to us like he had known us forever. Each time we saw him after that was the same. I had to have my picture made with them, and when I looked at it I laughed. It looks like it could be a cell phone ad. “More bars in more places.”

If you don’t know much about Tim and TaRanda, you should get to know them. They have an amazing ministry, but their personal story will make even the toughest man cry. Shortly after they were married (about 9 years ago, I think), Tim was diagnosed with a terminal illness that would lead to the complete failure of his kidneys. He ended up on dialysis for 8 years, unable to find a donor kidney. Finally, TaRanda decided to go through the testing process, and they found out that Tim and TaRanda were a closer match for the kidney donation than twins. She saved his life. To hear Tim tell that story was a blessing.

3. The Hoppers

Jeremy Langley with Claude and Connie Hopper

I didn’t get the chance to meet all of the Hoppers, but I got to meet my favorite two – Claude and Connie. I have never met a sweeter lady in my life than Connie Hopper. She just radiates, and her joy is contagious. Claude is just flat out hilarious. There is no way you can be in a bad mood with Claude Hopper in the room. He says he gets his jokes from his brother, but he does a pretty good job of delivering them.

Claude got in the habit of coming by our table each evening at dinner. He would tell us to just put it all on his tab (of course, dinner is already paid as part of the cruise package). He kept us entertained. I loaned him one of my extra spoons one night to stir a little bit of sweetner into his tea. I hope I get the chance to visit with these two more in the future.

4. Our dinner table

The people who sat with us at dinner were from all over the country. They shared our love for Southern Gospel music and our love for Christ. We had some of the best conversations getting to know one another. Although I was by far the youngest person at the table, they made me feel right at home. I hope they cruise with us again in the future.

5. Random people

Everywhere we turned, we met new people from all over the world. I had a long talk with the manager of the Orlando Ferrari dealer one day. We met a couple who was celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. I am determined that they are Alabama’s finest. They work athletic events for the University of Alabama. Roll Tide! Who knows when and where these connections may help me in the future?

If you ever get the chance to take a Southern Gospel music cruise. Do it. It will give you a whole new appreciation for the music and its fans. We’re planning to go back in November.