Day 4 Recap!
We're sorry that this post is late -- but PHEW, we have been on the go, and adapting to ever-changing weather conditions. A rainy start on Saturday morning caused us to reschedule our hike through Lynn Valley. The kids enjoyed a smidge of extra sleep before we set out for Stanley Park for some group photos in front of the totem poles.
Then, it was off to Holy Rosary Cathedral -- one of the best singing spaces we've ever encountered. VIP sang in mass and did a beautiful job. The sermon that day was on Luke 2:41-52 -- the story of Jesus' parents looking frantically for their adolescent son for several days before finding him in the temple, where he belonged. The priest did a nice job relating the message to current families and kids with a special comment to VIP: "Call your parents." I'm not sure any of the kids actually did that but parents, I know they were thinking of you!
We had a quick lunch and then headed to Sunrise Living -- a retirement community, similar to Asbury in Solomons. The space we were singing wasn't big enough for the choir to stand in our usual formation. We split the group up a bit to allow for "aisles" for residents to come in/out. I'm not sure if it was this formation. Or the acoustics of the room. Or some other factor. But it was one of the best performances of VIP's in 16-year history. At one point, I looked at the soprano section and every single girl was smiling!
At the end of the concert, Peggy (one of the residents), complimented the kids and offered her blessing that left many of our singers in tears. As the kids moved through the room and visited with residents, the stories, the handshakes, and the hugs were touching on so many levels.
On the bus ride back to our hotel, Iain, Brie, and I were chatting on the bus. The last time I remember this type of performance was when VIP performed at Killarney Methodist Church during Choir Tour 2006. It's such a rare and special feeling. I thought it was once-in-a-lifetime... I'm glad this group proved me wrong. Now, can they do it again? We'll find out!
We're sorry that this post is late -- but PHEW, we have been on the go, and adapting to ever-changing weather conditions. A rainy start on Saturday morning caused us to reschedule our hike through Lynn Valley. The kids enjoyed a smidge of extra sleep before we set out for Stanley Park for some group photos in front of the totem poles.
Then, it was off to Holy Rosary Cathedral -- one of the best singing spaces we've ever encountered. VIP sang in mass and did a beautiful job. The sermon that day was on Luke 2:41-52 -- the story of Jesus' parents looking frantically for their adolescent son for several days before finding him in the temple, where he belonged. The priest did a nice job relating the message to current families and kids with a special comment to VIP: "Call your parents." I'm not sure any of the kids actually did that but parents, I know they were thinking of you!
We had a quick lunch and then headed to Sunrise Living -- a retirement community, similar to Asbury in Solomons. The space we were singing wasn't big enough for the choir to stand in our usual formation. We split the group up a bit to allow for "aisles" for residents to come in/out. I'm not sure if it was this formation. Or the acoustics of the room. Or some other factor. But it was one of the best performances of VIP's in 16-year history. At one point, I looked at the soprano section and every single girl was smiling!
At the end of the concert, Peggy (one of the residents), complimented the kids and offered her blessing that left many of our singers in tears. As the kids moved through the room and visited with residents, the stories, the handshakes, and the hugs were touching on so many levels.
On the bus ride back to our hotel, Iain, Brie, and I were chatting on the bus. The last time I remember this type of performance was when VIP performed at Killarney Methodist Church during Choir Tour 2006. It's such a rare and special feeling. I thought it was once-in-a-lifetime... I'm glad this group proved me wrong. Now, can they do it again? We'll find out!