Wellington Citadel Band ~ 2019 Tour Day 14

This morning was another very early start (5:30am with the bus leaving at 6:00am) so that we could get to Narita Airport in preparation for our flight to Singapore in the first instance. It was quite impressive that a large number of those staying behind got up to see us off.

After getting through the numerous airport processes with all the baggage, as our quota’s were different to our initial flights, due to those remaining in Japan for a few days or more for holidays we waited for our flight.

Bidding farewell to Aika, Nao and Brenda who have been looking out for us on the Japan leg of the tour ~ you’re help and guidance has been awesome and very much appreciated.

After what seemed like forever, especially at that time in the morning we boarded our flight and were on our way.

Upon arriving in Singapore we had approximately a five hour stop over, so we went our separate ways to do a spot of shopping etc. to fill in the time.

Again after quite a while sitting around, we boarded the flight to Auckland for the longest leg of the day. Most of us intending to get some much needed sleep so that we would be able to see the day out in New Zealand when we get there.

Upon arriving in New Zealand we had a very short turnaround before our next flight to Wellington and by the time we got through baggage claim and immigration it became more and more apparent that we wouldn’t make our connecting flight.

Air New Zealand staff after a bit of discussion were very accommodating for us as we were travelling in a large group and had heaps of luggage to book in again (which could have caused a bit of an issue with limits) but they were very hospitable, which was awesome.

Unfortunately one of our party won’t be making it home until tomorrow due to interconnecting flights not working out. All in all by the time most of us get home we would have been on the go for over 36 hours; sitting in planes, airports or getting between terminals. Making for a very long day!

It has been an awesome Mission Trip away in which God has been praised and His Word has been spread far and wide ~ it will be fascinating to hear how the seed germinate and comes to harvest over the next few weeks, months and years.

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Wellington Citadel Band ~ 2019 Tour Day 2

Day 2 started off with a buffet breakfast at the hotel before heading out to the waterfront so that the band could do an outdoor collection of songs in front of the Fullerton Hotel and take in the sights of the waterfront.

While there we experienced not only the heat (which was in the high 20’s) but also how the weather can change so quickly with a downpour approximately 3 songs in, which forced a slight shuffle so that we could get out of the rain.

The crowd came in waves as tourist buses disembarked & embarked at the same spot, which meant we had numerous people stopping to appreciate the music and take photo’s.

No sooner had the rain arrived it quickly dissipated, although thunder could be heard in the distance rumbling away.

After about an hour we loaded up the coaches and headed to the American Club for a buffet lunch, which was well received by all. Before heading back to the Days Hotel to get ready for the evening concert which was being held at the Singapore Central Corps.

We had a sound check before having dinner with members of the executive and some of the Territorial Officers and their families.

We then made some final preparations for the Festival of Praise, before featuring in the main programme for the evening; which included a testimony from Peter Hennessey, a timbrel presentation and a songsters slot as well as a massed band which filled the entire stage.

The audience was extremely appreciative of what we brought and as the band mixed and mingled after the evenings festivities, many positive comments and words of encouragement and appreciation were expressed by those gathered and they wished us well on our remaining time there and as we prepare to head to Japan tomorrow evening.

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Wellington Citadel Band ~ 2019 Tour Day 1

By 10:30am today everyone had gathered at Wellington Airport for the flight to Auckland. All our personal bags and additional band gear was loaded up onto the baggage conveyor taking into account the amount of extra luggage. This was a bit of a juggling act to ensure we individually kept within the limits and the staff @ Air New Zealand were very accommodating.

After grabbing a coffee we set off just before 1:00pm and we didn’t linger too long upon our arrival at Auckland as our connecting flight to Singapore was due to leave @ 3:15pm.

Then it was movie time, sleep time or music time (which ever took your fancy) as we settled in for the long haul flight to Changi Airport.

For some of us we were able to get a bit of a kip while on the flight, but for many they took in the on-flight entertainment, catching up on some of the reasonably recent movie releases.

Upon our arrival we gathered all our gear and after clearing customs were greeted by the Singapore Central Corps Officer, Major Mark Hall who loaded us onto the appropriate coaches. After dropping off all of the band instruments and gear at the Corps we headed for a much needed bed at the Days Hotel at Zhongshan Park. All in all a full-on day of travel.

Tomorrow we get into the swing of things with two concerts; one in the late morning and the other in the evening. 😊

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