Following breakfast at the hotel, we made our way to the National Capital & Virginia Divisional Headquarters for morning devotions (led on this occasion by Karen Farmer) and to deposit our cases prior to a few hours sightseeing in Washington DC.  Here we split up into various groups, some choosing to visit the local museums, monuments and galleries, with others preferring the shopping malls to pick up those last minute presents for the folks back home.

Upon safe arrival at Birmingham airport (despite a leaking overhead locker!!) we were 'treated' to a wait of over an hour for our baggage to appear, but that did not in any way detract from the wonderful reception we got from our friends and families who were waiting to greet us.  We are home at last and the much anticipated trip is now over.

Without doubt this tour has been an amazing experience for all involved.  We have led meetings in Salvation Army centres, presented programmes of music in Churches and Community homes, conducted 'Bandstands' in shopping malls and parking 'lots' and participated in a State Parade and a summer camp for under privileged children.  We have been given the opportunity to reach thousands of people with the message of the gospel and we just pray that God will use our efforts long after we have left the USA.

We have met some wonderful people and been inspired by their example.  In particular, we want to thank Jeanne and Joelle in Des Moines and Craig and Ruth in Washington DC for their wonderful hospitality and great organisation during our time with them.  They will remain very much in our thoughts and prayers as will so many others that we were fortunate enough to meet.

I also want to thank all the members of BCB.  This was a physically demanding trip in many respects with several over-nighters spent on coach and plane journeys.  The fact that most members of the band had to use up much needed holiday days, and pay their own travel expenses, is certainly not taken for granted.  Thanks to the relatives too for sacrificing family time and money to make this ministry possible.

Both individually and as a band we have grown and matured over the last 10 days.  We have also got to know each other a little better which will stand us in good stead as we continue our mission in the Birmingham area.  We have a great deal to look forward to and with God's help we will move on to even greater things.  The band's motto reminds us that the best is yet to be.  We pray that God will continue to bless and use our efforts as we seek to serve him in the future.