December 3, 2007

• Tour of South Africa 2007 (Day 2)

  Twas the trend to wake up at 5AM for the band. Maybe it was jetlag. Maybe it was because the sun actually rose around 5AM. I jumped out of my bed and ran to the alarm clock in the other room to see how late I was. It was 5AM and super bright. I guess I wasn’t late.

  Breakfast at the hotel was excellent. It was a traditional English breakfast with baked beans, eggs, toast, tomatoes and hash browns. There were beef sausages and pork. There were many juices including, guava, and orange.

  Enough about food. We obtained a drum set from the corps across the street from our hotel and piled into the bus for our 10 o'clock service at Katlehong Corps. The bus took us out of the main city and into the areas with beat up roads and houses that looked like they were constructed by the owners.

  We got there in time to practice a bit and talk to the corps members before service started. People seemed happy to see us. We were very honored to be able to visit them.

  The kids of the corps were in the back playing and singing, being led by two teenaged girls. The kids really like singing and dancing. Then we moved onto the service. There were around 85 in attendance, about half in fatigue uniform. It was a privilege to play for them as they said they never get to enjoy a band so large.

  Then it came time to sing the songs that they sing every Sunday. Everyone knew the words as there were no song books or powerpoint. As soon as they started singing everyone stood up and some ladies started dancing down the aisles. They formed a train and some of our band joined in as well. The elation was contagious to just praise God in song and dance with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

  After service their corps band came and joined our band to form a very large band. It was fun playing music with everyone. It also gave another way to connect with everyone.

  They were very appreciative for the Torrance band to come and share music with them. They said that they don't always get to hear a band like this and that this day will remain in their memories for a long time. I'm sure it was a Sunday we won't soon forget either.

  Later we got back to the hotel for only a little bit before we loaded the car and headed to South Rand Corps. It was a pretty big place and we performed some songs as well as the girls doing their vocal piece and a timbrel routine.

  The evening concert concluded with a time of mini sandwiches and fellowship with everyone. Today was the first time many of us have seen an African worship service. The day kept us busy but it was very fulfilling.

  
  
  
  

  Day 2 pictures

  • 7:23 pm
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