Magnificent Harmonies

In doing our research for this trip, we had read about the church services in the Cook Islands so we attended services yesterday. The majority of the service, including the sermon and the hymns, were in Maori; however, what we had read about the harmonies was true. The voices filled the large space, up to the tin roof, with glorious harmonies. Almost all of the hymns were memorized, and quite long. Some sounded more like traditional Maori chants based, as they were, on a "call and response" between the men and the women but I think I haven't heard a more wonderful blend of voices in a long time. A very moving experience.

As you know, we arrived two days after a cyclone. We are now waiting for another to hit. More from Mel.

Love,
Janet