Saturday 11th April

Well just one more singing day to go after today before we return to the UK, but more about that later.
Today after a leeeeeisurely start (10 o’clock departure) we travelled to Richmond where lunch was provided by the ARC (Adult Rehabilitation Center). This Center has capacity for 87 men and provides them with the faith and skills to re-enter society as productive citizens. Following lunch we made our way to the Covenant Woods Retirement home where the 45 minute Concert was given. We were warmly welcomed by the residents who were very receptive to our message.
We then set off for the Meadowbridge Seventh Day Adventist Church, but on the way we stopped at the Dairy Queen Ice Cream parlour. See appropriate Blog photos.
On arrival at the church we set up for the evening Concert and were once again well fed to provide the energy for our evening programme.
After so many musical festivals the Songsters are now singing like a ‘well oiled’ machine and this evening was no exception as we brought blessing to all who saw and heard us, which was evident by the standing ovation we received. Even Ceri had her own individual standing ovation after her solo ‘In a Moment’. It just goes to show how her singing has improved since Sweden when a member of the audience had a heart attack during her Solo.
At this point it would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the contribution of our additional accompanists plus one:
Firstly Bernie (THE BOLT) Dake (you’ve got to be old enough to understand that one) for his lively yet sympathetic percussion accompaniment. His contribution during ‘Sing Out’ has turned what had been a marathon (this song goes on and on) into a ‘has it finish already moment’.
Secondly, Ian (G SHARP) Anderson who after a shaky start has ‘turning in’ performances that can now be described as musically adept, but must try harder. This is obviously a joke May (his Mum) so don’t start when I get back.
Thirdly Darren (WIND CHIMES) Willis for his unexpected introduction of the wind chimes on Sunday which was subtly interjected to everyone’s surprise (including his own).
Special mention obviously goes to our regular musicians who have once again enhanced the songs with their playing. Well done David, Graham and Phil.
However, even as good as the above have been, their performances pale into insignificance when compared with the efforts of Graham Eacott who has done a fantastic job for us during the tour. Thanks Graham.
And finally on a more serious note, could I ask you to pray for my billeting partner Trevor B. He is beginning to become anxious about exiting the USA, since on arrival he was dragged off as a suspected terrorist to the Immigration Office by armed Officers, and he fears the same may happen again. Who counsels the Camp Counsellor?
And in conclusion I would just say that the strategy of staggering our departure days must have been God inspired since after all the shopping and eating we have indulged in, the plane would not have take off if we had all departed together. You may think I’m joking but Andrea S (Uniform Maintenance) has had to let out at least a dozen buttons on the ladies skirts.
P.S. The “in conclusion” and “Finally” are techniques I have observed from Army Officers over the years as a means to try and lull us into thinking their sermons are over long before it really happens.

Reported by Bob Johnson