carol singing

Something very different - last night we sang Carols (and a few hymns) at an old-age home in Pinetown. Spreading the Christmas spirit to the older folks - and the Good Word at the same time - was great. I wasn't really looking forward to it earlier this week (what me, actually sing? and in public? you must be mad :-) but i'm glad we did. We're not exactly a church choir (we don't even have an official choir) but the old folks joined in, and everyone really got into the spirit of things. I think they really appreciated it... most of them got dressed up specifically for the evening, and sang along. Clair sang a brief solo piece, and Branden gave a brief but moving testimony. The home chairman said a brief thank-you afterwards on behalf of everyone:

Chairman: "... and it's great to see younger people willing to spend some of their time visiting and singing to us. The average age of residents here is 80 - "

Little old lady who could easily have been 95 (loudly): "Speak for yourself!"

It was actually a very nice home - cottages and flats, plenty of communal room, great garden and huge kitchen. They also had the coolest Christmas tree light system i've ever seen.