Louise Craig arrives in ZA and coments about the first rehearsal

Hello everyone,

Here are some great thoughts from Louise regarding her experience so far and even some comments on how the first rehearsal went.

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25 July 2012

Lou, Connie and Louise rehearsed with the Arise, O Man chorus at the Orlando West SDA Church in Soweto. Like their American counterparts, they were struggling to learn the Hallelujah Chorus. Connie was struggling to play the accompaniment. It’s a challenging piece to play in the best of circumstances but the piano was not only out of tune, several of the keys were sticking.

Rehearsal broke up around 8:45, followed by prayer. Then we hightailed out of the parking lot on our way to the airport to greet Group 1. Fortunately (unfortunately if you’re Virginia Oliver), one of Virginia’s suitcases didn’t show up – or was picked up by someone else as there was a suitcase of similar color left on the carousel. That made them very late entering the terminal.

On our way to the airport, we came upon a very serious accident. Several cars were involved, one of them very badly smashed. We said a quick prayer for those involved and worked our way through the traffic. Because of the luggage issue, we were able to make it into the arrival terminal before they came through.

A group of singers from the African chorus were on hand, standing apart from us so they wouldn’t be readily identified as belonging to us. Once all of the Americans were through the gate, the African chorus burst into Bawo Thixo Somandla, with all the gusto and passion of those who really understand what the song is about.

The arrival terminal is open vertically to a couple of stories. People were lining the railings on the floors above us, some of the locals joining in.

Judging by the smiles on the American faces, it was a joyous reception.

The wonderful thing about being part of the worldwide Adventist family is just that – a family was clearly welcoming and being welcomed.

Another group arrives tonight, but their reception will be much more subdued. The African group is hosting a fundraising event tonight so the singers will be occupied. Wish those coming tonight could have experienced those amazing moments.

At this moment, a busload of jet-lagged Americans is experiencing a tour of Soweto, the birthplace of the antiapartheid movement in Africa. The Orlando West church is just a couple of blocks from the heart of the events that changed a nation. This country’s recent tumultuous history surrounds the area and deeply affects those singing with us.

Black and white people talking, hugging, working and ultimately singing together is the face of hope and change in South Africa. We can hardly wait for our first joint worship Friday evening.
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Louise Craig