Tour 2009 - Day 5

Day 5 Tour 2009

After a restful night in our host homes, we braved the gathering storm (yet again) and assembled at Northside UMC to travel to Chatham, MA. Upon arrival, our fearless director praised the Lord for the let-up of the rain, only to have the heavens open upon us again! We enjoyed yet another soggy journey through quaint shops and saw the sights of this wonderful beach town. In lieu of miniature golf, we headed for the local (only) mall. There, some of us shopped, while others chose to snooze on the bus. We then came back to Northside UMC (a quite newly built) beautiful church, with a wonderfully warm and welcoming congregation. The area is so friendly that when Cathy D. and Sue C. went on a journey for ice and needed to pull over to re-program the GPS, a kind gentleman stopped in the pouring rain to ask if everything was OK. The hospitality has been overwhelming. We feasted on a wonderful pork barbeque dinner generously provided by Northside UMC, and some fantastic desserts. In spite of the weather, the kids remain optimistic and have really grown to look after and love one another. We are so proud of everyone!

Cathy D. et.al.

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Tour 2004 - Day 4

We gathered at Union Baptist church and traveled to Hyannis, MA with grand beach plans. Within the hour it became apparent that we could not outrun the Nor’easter which was parked directly on the Cape. We lunched and shopped in Hyannis, many bought sweatshirts, raincoats and souvenirs. Our alternate beach plans included a tour of the Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory (we all got 2 free bags of chips), and a trip to “Cuffy’s”, a bargain t-shirt/sweatshirt store (which got a good bit of our business, especially those sweatshirts, since it was cold with gale force winds! We went to our seafood feast at Sesuit Harbor Café (our own private party). The menu included unlimited lobster, clams, shrimp, steak skewers, corn on the cob, potato salad (to die for), cole slaw, with brownies and ice cream for dessert. We didn’t let the weather dampen our spirits, and enjoyed a cozy party atmosphere as we celebrated Stephanie Goldberg’s 18^th birthday. The group once again spontaneously broke into song as we fellowshipped with love and laughter. The day may have begun with bad weather, but it turned out to be the “Perfect Storm”.

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Tour 2009 - Day 3

Day 3 Tour 2009

Once again The Edmond’s church family provided us with breakfast before their Sunday Service (where we performed several pieces, to the delight of the congregation) After a Hamden, CT pizza specialty (brick oven thin crust) , we loaded up and headed to Mystic Seaport Village, CT. This village is an historical recreation of a turn of the century fishing village. We had the opportunity to explore the village, ride boats, and learn about the whaling industry (and eat much homemade fudge!). The tour participants gathered around a huge antique anchor and sang “My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord” It was quite moving and drew a crowd of curious onlookers. (see photos) On the edge of town overlooking the village was our host church, Union Baptist Church. Coincidentally, Walt and Peggy Edmonds were married here. The quaint church was built in 1836, and remains full of charm. On a lighter note, 3 of 4 dress bags (in which we transport the girls’ dresses), had major “Febreze” leaks, allowing all of the liquid to be absorbed by the dresses. We had to air them out on a very breezy front porch.

As many dresses were blown off, it resembled a portion of the “The Flying Nun” (for those of you old enough to remember that show). Need less to say we were the best smelling choir in town! (despite the smelly boys!) All was dry by the evening concert, which was again beautifully moving.

A highlight of the concert was when Cameron Grimes, who conducts the men's piece "I Love You Lord", to all the fathers on Father's Day. The evening concluded with another night spent with wonderful host families. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all of our fathers and husbands!!

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