Our Last Day

In less than 12 hours we will be at Heathrow Airport waiting for our flight back to the States. It's hard to believe that our tour has come to an end.

Today was fantastic! We left the hotel mid morning, drove through some scenic and well-known parts of London, and arrived at St. Paul's Cathedral late morning. The Choir was allowed to use the cathedral's choir room for a rehearsal (see photo below). Their rehearsal room is in the lower level (Crypt) and has vaulted ceilings, a small pipe organ, and fabulous acoustics. It was an emotional time for me and many others, knowing that we were not only preparing to sing our final concert, but under the great dome of St. Paul's, England's state cathedral.

We were escorted into place, introduced by one of the cathedral vergers, and sang our concert. The Choir rose to the challenge of singing in this immense space, under the massive dome, and performed their absolute best concert of the entire tour. Margaret, our escort from the Cathedral's music department, was effusive with her praise and congratulations. Well done, Choir!!

I found myself in tears on many occasions today: realizing that we were rehearsing the choir room of St. Paul's, where countless choristers and incredible masters of music have practiced and rehearsed over the years, realizing that we were to sing in the Cathedral itself, realizing that our time in the UK was coming to an end, yes.....but more importantly I shed tears of joy because of the countless blessings and gifts those on this tour have brought to each other, and especially me. I am beyond words.

We rise early tomorrow (5:00 a.m.) to begin the journey home. Please pray for us as we make our way back across the pond, and we look forward to seeing you and sharing our stories and experiences!

Much love, peace, and many blessings from us to you,
Bill and the Choir