While the rest of Poland had a day off in commemoration of the ascension of Mary, we experienced another intense day of recording which was anything but a merry holiday. Breakfast was served at 8:00, and along with the usual meat, cheese, and vegetable sandwiches, we were treated to scrambled eggs—something we haven’t seen more than once or twice before on this trip. Some referred to the eggs as runny, slimy, or sweaty; but our director concluded that they were simply nice and moist.
We began the recording session a little after 9:00 with just less than half our repertoire left to record. This was apparently the day for flatting songs, or else the day to record the songs we always flat – I’m not sure which. By lunch time it seemed like we hadn’t gotten very far and it looked as if there was still a long road ahead. As usual lunch began with soup, but the main course seemed rather American in nature. It consisted of mashed potatoes, veggies, and meat loaf that were at least a faint reminder of a good old home-cooked meal.
After some rest and with good food in our stomachs, we entered the home stretch of recording in high gear. Despite some continued struggle with flatting and some less than musical sounds coming from the environment around us, we were able to finish completely by 5:00. The noise around us was enough to teach at least some of us a lesson in patience, and it even prompted our recording technician to mention that we should pray for those who despitefully use us. God has been so good to us, and overall we were very grateful to have such a nice location and plenty of time to record.
After supper we met together for a time of unwinding and regrouping. Our time began with a skit presented by some of the missionary staff and their siblings. We continued with somewhat of an impromptu talent show that included music and poetry, along with a hilarious conversation between an American speaking with a British/Scottish/Australian accent and a Polish Scotsman speaking with an American accent. We closed with a time of sharing and reflection on our experiences so far and a look ahead at our last programs and last weekend together as a choir.
-Lyndon Beiler