Today was the first time the 41-voice Slovak choir from St. Andrew's was complete. Twenty-seven arrived from America last night. Some are already here in Martin teaching VBS or English. And two of our singers - Bohdan Hrobon and Adrian Kacian - are directors of the Martin Bible School and joined us here when we arrived in their hometown Martin. They had practiced our anthems in advance with a CD of all the music prepared by Jan Gilbertson, our director. It was fun to hear how good the choir sounded when we practiced in the Martin church.
The week of VBS ended today, and tonight was the closing program with all the 350 children on a stage in the city square singing songs they have learned and reciting Bible verses for the parents, grand parents, and adoring townspeople. Well, that was the plan. But it rained. All day. So instead, the city offered the use, at no charge, of the theater, and a wonderful program was presented there to a capacity audience.
The St. Andrew's Choir sang at the VBS program. We sang "God's Son Has Made Me Free" which is the theme of this week's celebration of the tenth anniversary of the Martin Bible School. We sang "Every Time I Feel the Spirit" with all the VBS children. A highlight was "A Child's Prayer," with three young girls, Barbora, Maria, and Anna, singing the children's choir part in Slovak and our choir singing the adult choir part in English. The first time we practiced it, half the St. Andrew's Choir was in tears. It was beautiful. The girls will sing it with us again Saturday in our concert and Sunday in church.
Other events of the day: The US ambassador to Slovakia greeted us. Three bands entertained at the evening party, all loud. Jan and Katarina Hrobon, children of Pastor Jan Hrobon, served the traditional slivovitz (firewater!) dressed in Slovak traditional outfits. Arriving Americans greeted old friends or discovered new ones. A full and happy day. Good night.
Joanne Miller
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