Reflections

Members of the Concert Choir each kept a journal during the trip to China. Below are excerpts from a few.

 

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It was amazing to see the Chinese people’s response to seeing “colored” people. Some were so fascinated that they stared, pointed, whispered and even took pictures. It was a celebrity experience that boosted and enhanced my self-esteem and has demonstrated that racism does not exist everywhere; and that all peoples of all colors, creeds and races and nationalities can co-exist in peace, harmony and unity.

I have gained a lifetime of memories, experiences and friendships that will be treasured forever. My life will never, ever be the same again … and I am extremely happy about that.

 

Petrina Phillips

Trinidad & Tobago

 

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June 17, 2008

We had our wake up call at 7 a.m. We visited the Yu Garden and market for about two hours. It was like a little China Town that had side streets and items priced for less. Unfortunately, I didn’t visit the Garden aspect of it because I went straight to shopping. Afterwards we had lunch and then headed to the Oriental Art Centre for our second massed performance of the trip. We arrived at 2 p.m. and then had a dress rehearsal before the start time at 7:30 p.m. Once the show started it was a very good event with the choir packing the house with an even bigger number than the performance in Beijing.

After this, we had a late dinner. Then, unfortunately, we had to say our goodbyes to Julia, our tour manager, because she wasn’t able to see us off to the airport because she had to await another group’s arrival in Beijing. We love you Julia!!!

 

Brandon Hicks

Orangeburg, SC

 

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I CLIMBED THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA!!! It was so much fun. I was actually relieved to find out we didn’t have to perform there. I was kind of tired this morning. I only wish that it wasn’t so foggy, misty and rainy, although it did provide a good landscape. Only four of us made it further than all of Claflin: Bianca, Kris, Amanda and myself. We would’ve gone further but we didn’t have time.

I wanted to get my name engraved on a coin saying I was there and climbed the Great Wall, but then I thought about it: Who do I need to prove this to? I know I climbed the Wall, and took pictures I will cherish. It’s the experience that matters to me; the mark that I leave is in my own heart and those of my fellow choir members.

 

Cole Harper

Washington, D.C.

 

 

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Well, it’s our last day in China and my heart is full. I’ve been extremely overwhelmed from the sincere hospitality of our tour guides and will miss them. The person I will miss the most is the lady who has guided us from the time we got off the plane until last night when we departed after dinner. We all shed tears, either externally or internally, because we made an impression on Julia and she on us. I truly thank God for the opportunities that he afforded to us while on this trip and the ones to come! I cannot begin to express my sincere gratitude to our esteemed president for giving us permission to travel internationally, our choral director, Dr. Isaiah R. McGee, for his vision and executing it, and all of our supporters for aiding us in the educational experience that I will never forget!

 

Andre Lemon

Manning, SC

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As a whole this trip has been an enjoyable experience. Through the ups and downs, happy and sad moments, I had a GREAT time and I would do it all over again, especially if we stay in the Holiday Inn in Shanghai and go shopping, which were my favorite two parts of China.

I would just like to thank Dr. McGee and all those who helped this dream become a reality. I don’t know how many chances I would have been given to experience this opportunity … I am truly grateful and appreciative. Thank You!!!

 

P.S. I love our tour guide Julia!!!

 

Bianca Thomas

Gary, Indiana