East Coast Tour Day 4

This morning was a struggle.  We had host families who didn’t want to let the boys go and boys who found a second home with new found siblings and parents.  We parted ways with promises to stay in touch and well wishes for a safe and fun tour.  Off to Mordecai Historical Park in Raleigh, NC.  The Mordecai House sat on a plantation of 5,000 acres, the largest in Wake County NC, and used 150 slaves to operate.  We saw the original house and other buildings that had been transplanted for authenticity.  These included a separate kitchen, management building and church.  The church accommodated about 75 people and was periodically visited by roaming ministers.  Slaves were not allowed to attend.  The 5,000 acres has been reduced to 3 and part of the property was donated to the State of North Carolina as a foundation for the city of Raleigh which ultimately became the capital of North Carolina.  Back on the bus and on to the North Carolina Museum of History.  We spent a short time there seeing the changes that occurred in the relationship between races.  There was a quick turnaround after the museum.  Checked into the hotel, traveled to First Presbyterian Church Durham, rehearsed (which was scary good and raised anticipation), ate another great meal provided by the church, then voice rest before the concert.  Not only is this church one of the oldest in Durham but it had amazing acoustics.  Easily the best sound so far (they just keep getting better). The boys performed for 100 people and received a couple of standing ovations.  We returned to the hotel where Auggie Nelson’s grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Glaser, treated us to ice cream and a smorgasbord of toppings.  The boys were exhausted and even with a heavy sugar infusion went to bed and fell asleep.  Tomorrow we will be going to Nofok Naval Base.  Sorry, we’re developing a southern accent.  Norfolk.