Our Day of Rest

Today was a fun filled, and yet sobering day. Our morning was spent putting together a music video of one of our songs. It involved dancing and singing on the beach, and full Ghanaian dress.
We splashed in the ocean and sang our hearts out to the camera.

When that was over, we drove to the Elmina slave castle. As usual, we were swarmed by locals asking us to buy their things when we stepped off the bus. As time goes by you'd think it'd be easier to tell the people "no," but it doesn't. We pushed through the crowd to arrive at the castle in a sweltering heat and our fair share of sweat-soaked clothing. Despite the heat, our minds were quickly turned to something more sacred. Nothing really prepared us for what was in store at the slave castle. Sure some of us understood the history of our own Civil War, but that paled in comparison to the way these African slaves were treated at this castle. Conditions were compatible to those of Nazi concentration camps. I would even say conditions were probably better at concentration camps. Slaves were fed just enough to live, but little enough to kill off the weak ones. They were kept in dungeons living in their own bodily fluids before being sold as slaves. A renewed sense of gratitude and humility fell over the choir as we sang amazing grace on the steps of the castle to those who were either working there or touring the castle.

After a brief lunch, the rest of the day was free for us. It was a definite period of recreation for the choir. The heat and humidity had taken its toll on the members of the choir. This period of rest was much appreciated. Some choir members put on a swimsuit, some went golfing, and others got some raw chicken meat from the kitchen and fed the crocodiles... No big deal.

The day finished with a short family home evening where Brother Page spoke of gratitude and sacrifice. Only halfway throughout this tour, our mission certainly isn't finished. We still have much work to do. Sometimes our work isn't planned. For example, after dinner we sang for a business group from Michigan at the resort we are staying at. They were so friendly and welcoming to us. We even had a chance to sing to the cooking staff who, like many others, was so exited to hear our Twi.

Feeling rejuvenated and strong, we are excited and ready for tomorrow's adventures - whatever tomorrow may bring.