Our final day on tour began as the tour began; very beautiful with some heavy moisture in the air. Some might call it rain. We bid a fond farewell to Preston’s temple square, grateful for all our sponsors have done for us in Chorley/Preston. After two nights there, it had started to feel like home.
And then on to the Lake District in Northwest England; one of England’s few mountainous areas and gorgeous. This area inspired William Wordsworth and others of the Lake Poets, as well as Beatrix Potter.
It rained a lot, but the sun managed to break through often enough to keep us from getting completely soggy. Ever since Ireland I’ve seen pre-fabricated sunrooms attached to the side or rear of home after home, whether modern or 300 years old. After these three weeks, I’ve come to believe that those who live in the British Isles must have a somewhat optimistic view of their weather to even think about a sunroom.
As usual, some shopped, all ate, and a few of us took a boat ride in Windermere Lake to enjoy the views from there. And I think all of us would have gotten “cultural points” from Sister Hall had she been with us.
After a delightful bus ride of more beautiful scenery (and how often can a bus ride be called “delightful,” now really??) we arrived at the Queen Elizabeth Hall for our first glimpse of the performance hall for our last concert.
We drove to a nearby chapel for a remarkable buffet dinner that had been prepared by a 16-year-old chef-in-training. In our estimation, he has already arrived. The time between the two shots below was about 15 minutes.
Before
After
Rather than wax too philosophical, here are two photos that encapsulate my feelings as tour ends…
Hare today...
...gone tomorrow.
We had a large audience for tonight’s concert, and the choir sang very well. It is always emotional to say goodbye to a year of choir, to so many close friendships strengthened by singing and touring together, and to so many who will be going on with life in different areas of the country.
Singers were not the only stars on stage.
Tonight's large audience
Though Singers couldn’t perform all of their favorite music in one concert and still make the plane tomorrow morning, they did sing one final performance of “Leonardo” and ended with a final encore of “I Know that My Redeemer Lives.” There is no better way to end their tour or this blog.
The final bow
This has been a great tour with exceptional people, and we’re all a little sad to see it end. But families and spouses and fiancées and washing machines and our own beds and different clothes and unknown new and exciting adventures await us back in America. We will always remember our new friends in Ireland, Wales and England with love and gratitude for the generosity and warmth and testimonies that have been shared so freely with us. We hope to return someday.
A personal thanks from me to all of you who have followed us through our experiences, and to those who commented. It was good to feel connected with loved ones at home.
Until later,
Sandefur
20 comments
What a wonderful tour! Thank you so much, Sandefur, for this beautiful journal that you have shared. Can’t wait to see you all home!
My Dear Sandefur,
Thank you so very much for the blog. It seems that a great work was performed on this tour and it was easily perceived by us at home as we visited the blog over and over. Again, thank you! And please express my gratitude to Dr. Staheli. Our family has been richly blessed by our association with him and Singers. Words can’t express our gratitude.
Love to all,
Jim Workman
Thanks Sandefur! You did an amazing job and our family is so grateful for the beautiful pictures and
wonderful descriptions of your experiences. I got a little teary just reading your final comments –
I am sad to see your adventures end as well. (But we will be happy to see Brendan again!) Thanks so much.
Have a safe trip home!
Brava Sandefur!…Bravi Singers, Dr. Staheli and Sister Hall!
Thank you, Sandefur, for these beautiful entries. I love the commentary as much as the pictures. I felt like I was almost there! Much love to you and Singers and Dr. Staheli!
Thank you for this wonderful blog. I have loved seeing the British Isles through your eyes. Your pictures were so lovely! I am ready to go back for a visit myself. I also enjoyed your commentary about the wonderful experiences you shared with the Singers. Thank you for sharing them with us. We wish you the best as you readjust to life in a desert.
Along with those who expressed their thanks, I would like to add mine. It has been wonderful to share this experiance through your eyes. I can hardly wait to hear Jacob’s version.
Thank you ,Singers, for sharing your talents and a heartfelt thanks to Sandefur for the excellent photos and narratives. As we have shared this blog with others, all are in awe of this wonderful group of young people taking time to share their love of music and the Gospel with others. Again, thanks for allowing us to be part of your journey.
I wish you all well as you return to the USA. Thank you again for coming to Cork and I hope that you will be back again. Congratulations, Sandefur, on the wonderful blog: I will miss the daily accounts.
Thank you for the extra effort needed to share this experience. We have enjoyed it very much. It has been a highlight of my morning to see the new adventures that the Singers have had the previous day. Thank you, Sandefur!
We have thoroughly enjoyed every moment you have shared with us. We are sad to see it come to an end, but thank you for an unforgettable journey!
I must add my thanks to all of those here….you’re awesome Sandefur!!! This has been an incredible journey with you, Dr. Staheli, Sister Hall, and Singers. You have given such sacrifice in service to all that you touched. Music is the link that touches our very souls and unites all mankind. I am so looking forward to hearing all the news from Annie.
Thank you for the delightful journey. It has been heart-warming and inspiring.
We’ve felt as though we were right there with you.
Our appreciation!
It has been such a delight to have a daily “escape” from the monotonous things and to tour with Singers vacariously this time. I have absolutely loved the pictures and have REALLY wanted to know what camera and lenses you used, Sandefur. How did you shoot so well in low light? You’ll have to “enlighten” me when you return home 🙂
Great job Singers!! We love you!
Ken and Angela
Sandefur, we are so indebted to you for the insightful and eloquent ways you have documented and shared the events of this experience. What an amazing gift you have made possible for family and friends at home, those of us who have looked forward each evening to that day’s experiences of the choir. The pictures, the journaling, and the youtube links combined make those of us in the cheering section feel such a part of tour. With love and gratitude to all: the Stahelis, Sis. Hall, Bro. Wright and all of the Singers, and especially to you, Sandefur.
I was a little sad to see Nathan Wright at tabernacle choir on Sunday. It brought reality back to me. You are all home now. The blog won’t last forever. It has been worth every pixel and second, Sandefur. I hope it wasn’t for you like the study abroad students who spent so much time buying postcards and souvenirs that they never saw the actual places portrayed on the postcards. I know you took the photos and composed the blog, but I hope you also had time to enjoy it all. Thank you ever so much.
Your group sang for us at the Atlanta Airport before your group and the group from First Baptist Church, Gainesville, Georgia departed for Ireland. Thank you so very much for sharing your talents with us an a spur-of-the-moment request.
May Grace, Peace and Success be with you all as you study, work and begin your careers.
Don Hill
It was a blessing to meet everyone and a privilege to be able to serve and prepare your meal at Oldham on the final day of the tour. Hope to see a few of you in SLC at the end of June.
thank you so much for all you have done
It looks like you guys visited some beautiful places and really touched people’s lives. Great job!