August 9
The morning began full tilt on the street outside our window… cars, bikes, pedestrians….oh, and don’t forget the trains! Most of us began at a slightly lower caliber, though some people got up earlier than I and enjoyed a stroll through Old Town Warsaw. (Bless their hearts…*yawn..) At 9:45, we clattered all our luggage down the street to meet our bus, and settled in for the ride to Kielce. We stopped for lunch and explored Chęciny Castle there…
The narrow stairs leading down to a dingy cell where a plastic skeleton sprawled in rags…
The haunting laughter echoing around us…
The stairs leading up… and up… and up some more to watch towers where we could survey the land for miles around….
The broadsword skirmishes (once I can get this thing off the ground ..ooofff!!!)…
Then we were back on the bus after lunch and into the legendary traffic that shows up whenever you’re running behind schedule. So, like good singers, we pulled out our music and set to work fixing a few of those trouble spots. Ever tried to sing on a very bumpy road? Let’s just say it makes for rather uneven vibrato…
Finally, we arrived at Piątkow. We all tumbled out of the bus, and set to work with lineups.
It was a very small chapel, and warm, but the breeze coming through the windows made life bearable. The dog next door wasn’t fond of American choirs, and barked his head off during our short rehearsal time. (Or maybe he was just trying to join in… not sure. His vocal quality was definitly pushy.. and rather harsh…)
When the program began, we were all surprised at how full the little room was. Overall, the program went very well. The people were so excited to have us there, and seeing the expressions on their faces was very rewarding.
After being treated to a delicious supper, we finally loaded up and headed off to the Warsaw Baptist Seminary….and our beds….and sweet sleep….
-Sarah for Hope 2016