Postcard from Omaha

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

As Margaret said, the first day is “in the bag!”  By far this will be our easiest day traveling, and it really was!  Only a 3 movie drive, two quick rest stops and our lunch stop and we pulled into Omaha, directly to the University of Nebraska-Omaha Strass Performing Arts Center.  Jim got us here – no problem! 

We disembarked from the bus and into the SPAC for a great chance at warming up those road weary vocal chords in the very spacious space.  After warm-ups, the families had a nice sandwich supper we took out onto the blankets out on the lawn.  Such a great evening under the pines.  Our hosts, the Nebraska Choral Arts Society’s Cantori Choir kids joined us for supper and some great visiting.  Fun to hear the exchanges between the kids, comparing uniforms, traveling, school experiences, life in general.  Next back into the building to get dressed and a few more song preparations and final instructions.  Then our kids took the stage and performed for about 40 minutes.  For the first night on the road, their energy was inspiring!  Guess this trip means business!  We had a brief intermission before Cantori performed their concert.  Great to hear their 40+ kids in 5-10 grade.  The night before heading off to their music festival in Denver, they were so generous to host our kids as well…..not a small undertaking and we truly appreciate their taking us on.  

Off with their concert attire, packed back into our suitcases, kids collected their overnight packs and off they went!  Whew!  The host families were enthusiastic about gathering us up and we were glad to be working out our first day bugs.  Double Whew!

Check out the web site for pictures as we travel on our way west! 

Til next time,

Sue