This morning started off with a bang. Many of the kids were treated to a full breakfast cooked and served by the ministers of Glendale Baptist Church. Complete with pancakes, bacon, sausage, ham and orange juice. The chaperones were particularly impressed with the improved organization shown in the packing of the uniform bags. We received many compliments from the host families on the kids behavior and manners displayed during their stay.
Next, we were off to Memphis! After a quick lunch at McDonalds (not our first choice but the only quick place around), we set our sights on Graceland. Most of the kids truly seemed to enjoy visiting the home of Elvis Presley.
Visiting Graceland!
The tour included the mansion, grounds and trophy room displaying his over 90 gold records. Everyone seemed to enjoy seeing all of the various outfits Elvis wore throughout his career…including his wedding attire, ’68 comeback special black leather jacket and his 70’s beaded jumpsuits! Of course our daily activity would not be complete without a trip to the gift shop.
Holy Communion concert
After a short drive we arrived at Holy Communion to the wonderful aroma of good ‘ol Memphis barbeque cooking in the back of the church. The kids were ushered into a quick rehearsal before we could enjoy our dinner. The children of Holy Communion are studying Joseph this week in their vacation bible school. That theme played perfectly into the touring choirs Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat medley. The choir members had the rare opportunity to eat dinner with the members of Holy Communion during their regular Wednesday night dinner.
After dinner the kids performed another wonderful concert and exited the church to another standing ovation! The soloists for “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” were Montana Roberts and Nathan Fisher. As they left with their host families, we heard stories of backyard pools, pontoon boat rides on the lake and more.
Concert Finale
Tomorrow we are off to tour downtown Memphis after our morning concert at the retirement center. Tour sites include the National Civil Rights Museum, Mud Island Park and Museum, shopping on Beale Street and the Peabody Hotel ducks.
In concert at Holy Communion Episcopal Church, Memphis, TN
