Reflection by choir member Susannah Edmonds:

I know we want to say as little as possible about the travel nightmares from this tour, but I have one comment I'd really like to share. Through all of the delays, the cancellations, the delays, the cancellations....this group of people consistently kept their cool. Everyone waited patiently, reacted graciously, took careful and serious thought about our priorities individually and collectively, and came to consensus in a thoughtful and respectful manner. It was so reassuring to know that the group of people I was traveling with were so kind, so calm, and so resilient, that I knew we would have a wonderful time together.

Reflection by choir member Wilson Jeffreys:

When we were preparing to travel to Canterbury and its great Cathedral, Andrew asked us to merely say we were on a “pilgrimage” when asked by border authorities of our destination. Saying we were a “choir on our way to sing at…..” would probably bring up more questions as if this was a “work” or a “pleasure” trip. 

We all laughed at the request, but we soon came to realize that it was indeed a pilgrimage to one of the holiest places in the in church history. From the moment we set foot into this great space, there was a feeling that we had somehow stepped back in time – even with the throngs of tourists around us. 

Evensong services further solidified these feelings as we sang and sat in a choir that had been in use for close to one thousand years. I was overwhelmed at times by that thought and very proud that the Redeemer choirs could now say we were part of this wonderful history.

The journey to Canterbury was rough but putting it in context of a true pilgrimage shed some light on how others must have felt over the years – the long travel, and not knowing what hitches you would run into along the way. I’m glad we made the effort. What a reward.

Reflection by Bob Mikrut, The Redeemer’s Head Verger:

It was always my intention to accompany the choir to Canterbury. With some encouragement, I contacted fellow members of the Church of England Vergers Guild at Canterbury, some of whom I knew. They graciously invited me to verge our choir into the cathedral. The feeling of awe and wonder as I led the choir into the amazing space the first time was overwhelming and I will always be grateful for the experience.