Thank you Korea (Saturday)

Today was the final performance in Korea at the Suncheon Bay Garden Expo. The venue was on an outdoor stage with a grass amphitheater. By now the choirs know each others songs and enjoy dancing and singing along together. Just when the choirs were starting to get to know each other and make friends, it is time to say goodbye. (Not pictured: US, Australia, Phillipines)


Cantabella..

Swiss...

Taiwan..

Korea...

Finale...until we meet again!

Rehearsing at the Suncheon Art Center

Suncheon Performance

Suncheon Performance

Closing Song with all Choirs

Arrived in Suncheon

Hi everyone.  Just want to let you know that we arrived safely in Suncheon.  The bus ride was a time to catch up on sleep for some, and for others a chance to see the beautiful lush landscape.  I have heard that we are near the ocean so we hope to have an opportunity to take the kids to the beach.  All of our children are doing well and are enjoying trying new foods.  Those of us staying at Soonshil University had very limited wireless access so thank you to Sylvia and Rowena who were staying at the hotel for posting!  The kids will be at youth hostels tonight, and the chaperones will be staying at a near-by hotel about a 10-15 minute walk away and hopefully will have internet access and we can send more pictures your way.

Closing Concert and so much more! (Thursday)

So much happens in one day in Korea when on tour. In the morning at breakfast the Swiss came in singing their national Anthem, waving swiss flags and looking adorable in there Swiss Flag baseball hats and matching swiss flag suspenders. It was the Swiss national holiday and they also decorated the dorm halls with Swiss flags.

Then after some down time we moved to the Seoul Arts center to prepare for the Closing concert. We said goodbye to our beloved guide Uni and presented them with gifts. Our other guide Amy will be continuing on with us. To say they have been amazing is a HUGE understatement! All the girls got in line to give them hugs and take individual pictures with them. It was like being in line to see the Disney princesses.

I am including a picture of the rehearsal of the grand finale number with the orchestra and all the choirs, probably over 500 kids. The sound was beautiful. They also had the honor of being led by the former Chief Director of Korea Federation of Choral Music, Hak Won Yoon.

We are now off for a 3 hour bus ride to the Suncheon Arts Center for more concerts.

Seoulland Performance and Fun (Wednesday)

On Wednesday after the Music sharing the was a farewell party as pictured in Rowena's earlier blog. I just wanted to be sure to credit the families of the Korean World Vision choirs. Not only did they open their homes to our girls and the other choirs, they also very generously donated and prepared everything for the party. Many of them cooked the special treats for the kids to experience. Their generosity and kindness has been endless. We are grateful to these wonderful new friends in Korea.

After the party the choirs were bused to Seoulland to perform. They were then treated to a traditional Korean dinner and ride passes. Yes, rides after a full stomach...fun!

More photos from Culture Day (Tuesday)

Painting Fans at the National Museum 

Bluesy Flash Mob in the museum rotunda...