Folks drifted into church this morning after a great night of homestays. Many got a chance to walk around The Village after the concert last night and get cold treats, others went back to homes for a dip in the pool. We really got the impression that the church had gone the extra mile to make sure we all had comfortable accommodations and it made the first night of tour a great one. It was no small feat for this community to take in all 77 of us! It's never bad to make friends who live at the beach either!
It's always neat to sing the next morning in worship after a Saturday evening concert. There is always a buzz in the air; some excited to come back and hear the choir sing again, and others who have caught wind of what they missed and come to see what all the 'fuss' was about. This morning the sanctuary was packed with a little bit of both. It was a wonderful service and our choir played an integral role from start to finish. A real partnership. Following the service, we were sent on our way with well wishes and promises that their doors would always be open.
The rest of the day was pretty much spent eating. No really. A 1:30 stop at Orange Park Mall in Jacksonville, followed closely by a 4:15 stop at Merritt Island Square Mall for a quick dinner before warmup and concert. We managed to force food down both times and I think a few of us were feeling the effects afterwards. Spirits were lifted a little when our President and Vice President (Jacob and Marshall) joined us from their trip to Carnegie Hall!
It's always neat to sing the next morning in worship after a Saturday evening concert. There is always a buzz in the air; some excited to come back and hear the choir sing again, and others who have caught wind of what they missed and come to see what all the 'fuss' was about. This morning the sanctuary was packed with a little bit of both. It was a wonderful service and our choir played an integral role from start to finish. A real partnership. Following the service, we were sent on our way with well wishes and promises that their doors would always be open.
The rest of the day was pretty much spent eating. No really. A 1:30 stop at Orange Park Mall in Jacksonville, followed closely by a 4:15 stop at Merritt Island Square Mall for a quick dinner before warmup and concert. We managed to force food down both times and I think a few of us were feeling the effects afterwards. Spirits were lifted a little when our President and Vice President (Jacob and Marshall) joined us from their trip to Carnegie Hall!
Just when we thought we might be singing for a handful of people, the faithful friends of Merritt Island Presbyterian began streaming in. Familiar faces, family, and friends eventually filled the pews for an encore performance from just two years ago. Many of the congregation knew and remembered Emily from her early days in Merritt Island so it was a great homecoming for all.
We loaded up the buses as quickly as possible following the concert as precious pool time was wasting. We've currently taken over the Days Inn. Tomorrow we are off to Ft. Lauderdale where a surprise adventure awaits the choir.
Click here for more photos and videos from today.
We loaded up the buses as quickly as possible following the concert as precious pool time was wasting. We've currently taken over the Days Inn. Tomorrow we are off to Ft. Lauderdale where a surprise adventure awaits the choir.
Click here for more photos and videos from today.