This has been a spiritual experience sharing music, singing together and feeling the spirit of the birth of our Savior. Our first performance Nov 29 was at the branch Padre las Casas--a small agricultural town nestled in the foothills northwest of Azua, DR.
We left at 5:30 am to get there for our 10:00 am performance.
Very loving and appreciative people. After our 50 minute program of Spanish Christmas music and scriptures, we enjoyed fruit, papaya, pineapple and grapes with them.
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| Padre las Casas Branch |
It was touching to hear their heartfelt, "Muchas gracias por venir" (thank you for coming).
The next Sunday afternoon, Dec 6th we were off to Nazao, DR and the Don Gregorio branch.
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| Don Gregorio Branch Nazao, DR |
Wow, over 200 people packed in to hear our best performance so far. We had a large piano for accompaniment so our sound quality was better than before. The city mayor and many non-members attended.
Peggy and I were surprised to see one of our Institute students, Tifani Guzman there. Wow, she lives a long distance from the Institute in the city. What a sacrifice students and the saints make for the gospel! We were touched.
The next day, Monday Dec 7, we left the city at 2:00 pm traveling northeast of the city of Boca Chica, DR for a family night program in the los Llanos branch. This was a very small branch of about 50 people.
It was crowded in their leased building but again the spirit of anticipation and appreciation was very strong. The "chicas" and "chicos" were especially cute here.
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| Los Llanos Branch |
I was overwhelmed by the dirt streets with cows lazily sauntering down the middle, very humble houses, and the chickens everywhere.
We distributed a bag of candy to the kids and left rice, beans and some other staples for the branch president to distribute as needed. To show their appreciation, the teenagers (about 8) prepared two Dominican dances for us.
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| Choir Los Llanos Branch |
(I was asked to go to the relief society president's house to pick her up with Hermana Smith. I jumped at the chance. She lives in a tiny little house that was immaculately clean. She is very old and as sweet as she can be. I was so surprised to see that inside was so nice. Outside looks like all the other houses on the dirt road, surrounded by a picket fence. Very, very poor, but no garbage at all (unlike Santo Domingo) But inside was like my grandma's house back in the 1950's, except it was tiny. It was fun to be there in a charming and humble way. The picture below is of a little guy that decided he wanted to sit by Hermana Park. He left his family and pulled up a chair next to me and climbed up. He didn't want to sit on my lap, just "by" me. This was my favorite place that we visited. How precious these people were, and so very happy and grateful that we were there. An added note: President Smith said that many of the young people that danced were not members. They are now taking seminary and as Randy mentioned one has now been baptized and several baptisms have been scheduled as a direct result of their preparation for this night. Peggy)
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| Little guy pulled his chair by me |
A fireside for the Temple workers provided another opportunity for our choir. It was fun to see many of our Institute students that work in the temple, Elder Zivic , from the Area Presidency and his wife spoke along with Pres. Flake. I felt good about this performance. I took my glasses so I could finally read the Spanish lyrics. I only think I messed up about two Spanish words. I;m getting better.
Our best performance to date was performing for our missionary Family Home Evening Group. It was the Nielsen's last night to sing with us before they finished their mission and returned home to Idaho.
Good, sound tonight! Some nights feel good and you can tell when you have a good performance. Tonight was one of those nights. Strong spirit was felt. Singing in the choir has really provided a special opportunity to see the country, provide service, discover the Dominican culture, feel the Christmas spirit and meet amazing people.
Sister Lynn Keisker, with a Ph. D in music, has provided a special technical skill and leadership for our little choir group that is only found once in a life time. She has amazing writing, musical abilities and singing talent!
The choir has been a sacrifice in time and comfort to be involved but so well worth it. Definately a good return on investment. Randy
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