Day 4: Lots of Laughs on Lake Erie

Singers started the morning with breakfast at homestays, before all meeting at First St. Andrews for their sunday service. We were happy to see the singers all well-rested, and ready to sing another day. The singers shared Sleepy Song (a Cree Lullaby) and I Dream a World during the service. We especially enjoyed the message of the sermon, “The Wisdom of Emancipation”. Today was Indigenous People’s Sunday, an opportunity to celebrate the gifts of our Indigenous siblings through word and song. We felt so welcomed by the congregation, who thanked our singers for sharing their voices.

Then, the singers went home with their host families for lunch & get ready for our beach day.

Then we all convened at Lake Erie! We had a chill beach day at Port Stanley. Many marveled at the lake which looked as big as an ocean but without waves. Zoe, Zuri, and Marco got buried in the sand by their friends. Sara, Caroline, Ginevra, Nora B. & Nora F. had lots of fun floating on inner tubes from the “Dollarama.” Ember & Lauren collected cool-looking rocks, and many marveled at ladybug-type insects that landed on us as we splashed around. Everyone had a smile and nice things to say about our wonderful hosts. Kids and chaperones alike were having so much fun, that we didnt get a chance to take many photos - you’ll just have to ask your kids how much fun they had when they return on Tuesday!

Before long, we packed up and waved our goodbyes - and the singers were off to their homestays for dinner. Many said how excited they were to give out their homestay gifts. Others talked of a barbecue and pool party at someone’s house - how fun! We will be sure to add photos shared by the homestays tommorow!

We say our final Goodbye to Junior Amabile tommorow morning at the bus - until tommorow!