The Durban Berea chapel is officially the furthest in the world from Salt Lake City. And here we are. We spent several hours this morning at the PheZulu Village, which kind of resembles the Polynesian Cultural Center with its performance and huts to see and the gift shop and restaurant–though on a much smaller scale. The views from the village are absolutely spectacular. The performance was fun, and then the choir sang for the Zulu performers. I think the photo shows their reaction, which was very fun to watch.
We then moved onto seeing their crocodile farm (the oldest croc was 102 and counting, with his mate a young 60) and their snakes. Many took the chance to wrap a python around their body, though I don’t see much charm in doing that!
Zulu performers
Singers performing for the Zulus
Zulus reacting to Singers performing
The view from PheZulu village
Wrangling a python!
After lunch, Dr. S. gave a masterclass in conducting to some area teachers at the University of KwaZuluNtal, using the choir as a demonstration group. The participants were obviously very knowledgeable, and asked cogent and intelligent questions; this made the session valuable to all. Then back to the chapel for dinner. We walked into the cultural hall that had three long tables beautifully decorated with a South African theme, and delicious food. The hosts all along tour have been very generous and kind to us.
The fireside was given to a packed chapel and beyond, and the congregation was very receptive. We hope this fireside first will help add numbers to tomorrow night’s audience. As always, a wonderful evening after a full and rewarding day. I hope the photos give you all a flavor of it all.
Durban Berea Chapel
Two star performers!
11 comments
Oh, wow! It looks like you guys are having a wonderful time! I can’t decide if my favorite is Dr. Staehli wrangling a python or the two star performers – how fun! What an opportunity – we are so happy for you all – and thanks so much Sandefur and Shane and whoever else makes this little miracle possible! It is just the best day when we log on and there is an up-date sharing your adventures! Thanks again! We love you and miss you Rachel, BJ and Dan!!!
We are living vicariously through your adventures. Thank you so much for the wonderful pictures and descriptions. It looks like an amazing trip – except for the tripe and the snakes. Tell Shea we love him and miss him. Thanks again!! Brad, Leanne, Tara & Cassidy
The pictures are amazing! Thank you so much for sharing Africa with us. Dan and Emily, we miss you like crazy! Can’t wait to see the pictures each of you have taken individually…and the stories that go with them. (It will be the best part of the tour for those of us back home!) Take care of each other. Lots of love, Mom and Dad
Just wanted to write a quick note and let everyone know that tour is wonderful and we have been really safe and really blessed. We all miss our families but we’re glad we have the Singers family to keep us company. This is an absolutely beautiful country and we’ve seen amazing things. Keep reading and looking at Sandefur’s amazing pictures! We love you! -Sarah Nowland
What an amazing adventure and experience. Thank you so much for taking the time to keep this blog so we parents at home can feel a part of it. I have to admit I am a little jealous. The pictures are wonderful! Keep having a wonderful experience and be safe. I love you Melissa!
Yes, we love the blog, we check it every morning and night. It is nice to have some idea of what is going on and how the experience is going. Missing Valerie but so happy she can have such a fantastic experience. Hope the camera is working great. love Mom and Dad
Just wanted to add my thanks with the rest. We really appreciate this blog, it is so fun to kind of go along with you all as you have this amazing experince. I usually talk on the phone or computer with Angela about every other day and so its so fun to see what shes doing, even if I don’t always see her face in the pictures. I know shes right there with all of you having a wonderful time. Love Mom, Dad, Beka and Jordan.
We appreciate these photos and comments so much! It has been so much fun to share this with Cari. Everytime we see pictures of those beautiful African children our hearts swell with emotion and gratitude that BYU Singers are sharing music, love and the light of the gospel with them. Thanks to all who made this possible! We look forward to getting the “whole story” upon your return.
How exciting it is to be able to follow you in all of your adventures. I was just showing all of the pictures of the animals to my Joey and he was loving it – especially the giraffe. I think the only animals we saw in Ghana were chickens…. How blessed are the people of South Africa to have you there sharing your testimonies through music. I love seeing all of your smiling faces in all of the pictures. Sandefur, I’m calling National Geographic – I’m sure they’ll set you up as director of photography! Lots of love to you all!
We are so grateful for the marvelous opportunity you are having and sharing with us through these pictures. Thanks to everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen. We can feel from what we see in these pictures that not only are you enriching the lives of so many, but your lives will be forever affected by the things you are seeing and experiencing. We love you Beej and Rae and look forward to seeing you both and hearing all about your marvelous adventure.
Thank you for sharing your adventure with those of us left here at home. We would be with you if we could! We wait anxiously for each tidbit of news and pictures, and are touched by the reception you have been given there by those who are associated with the church and those who are not, alike. You are not just serving as missionaries there, either, but you are providing missionary experiences for us as we share with others what you are doing. We are so proud of all of you and of your giving hearts. Love, Natalie and Lloyd Oaks