From Tom at the American Embassy in Cameroon

Hello from the American Embassy, YaoundeCameroon. The trip is going well, on budget and with only one real illness that has passed with god's grace. The blessing are countless.

Last night we sang for about 800 people who included 6 other choirs
(graced us with a few pieces each...rocking!), some of the kids from the
American School that we visited/sang/cliniced yesterday, as well as the
american cultural attache to cameroon who joined in the dancing of
praise as she made her way up to the choir, (think gospel church!)
laying money on the forehead of the soloist...it seems that is the true
sign of recognition for their efforts. The little girl (about 5 yrs old)
with one of the choirs was the financial queen of the night...her
singing and dancing gained much praise!

CANTUS was nothing short of a miracle in the flesh to these people who, though many have heard some western choral music (one choir sang Alleluia Amen from Handel's Judas Maccabeaus), few have ever heard a polished western sound on such music.
As I told a student yesterday..."in music of this sort, soul is better
than expertise," these people are living proof of the power of song.

This morning we sang at the american embassy, from where we send this
messege, and from where we just recieved the sign we must leave...time
to see the gorillas in their natural habitat!

Love and blessings to all, continue to pray for our safe journey...


Tom McNichols, Bass