Review of Dickens

Hospital Festival Venue

Our family was added the last day to this venue because there weren't enough singers. I was worried before the venue for several reasons. First, it was scheduled right after our 2 hour Dickens Rehearsal that I was leading--I was nervous about leading that rehearsal and wasn't looking forward to chaperoning a venue the same day. Second, I'd had a cold all week and was a little worried that I wouldn't have the energy to be out all afternoon and evening. Third, going to a 'festival' of trees made me nervous; I am not a Christmas Tree aficionado and didn't know what to expect. Lastly, when our group of singers first practiced at the rehearsal, it was evident that they needed a lot more time to practice. Most of the singers for this venue were new to Dickens this year and some were new to choir also. Our group of singers practiced and practiced at the rehearsal, then again at the hospital before we were scheduled to sing. They started to work together as a team, and they prayed for their efforts to be glorifying to God and to those who would be listening. When they finally caroled, they did an amazing job because they had gained confidence and worked with the voices they had so they would harmonize well together. It was really amazing watching the team work in action. And after the venue when we gathered in the little conference room again before leaving, no one wanted to leave. They all sat down at the table and talked and laughed about how it went and what people said. I was blessed to be a part of that group as a chaperone. I knew how hard they had worked to do their best and I knew how much they enjoyed doing it. This venue is caroling in the background; it was so busy in the lobby of the hospital that it was hard to hear anything. But the kids sang from the second floor looking down, and people downstairs were sitting under them, listening. One family commented to one of our chaperones that it is a highlight of their Christmas season to hear our Dickens Carolers. Hospital Venue My kids told me that they sang to some individual patients, one of whom was dying. Her daughter asked the group to sing. They sang Angels We Have Heard on High. The patient couldn't move or respond visibly to them, but they felt she heard them and was listening.  These are the moments when you know that no matter how busy the Christmas season is, you have to heed the call to serve the Lord with your voice and heart. Because the Lord may use that day to gather His children around someone who can hear the Good News one last time before departing this world. rs!