Neville D and Beauty Of Difference Choir

It started off with my friend telling me that Neville D is hosting auditions for the Beauty Of Difference season 2 and live DVD recording. I then decided to go and try it out, not having much confidence in the hope that I would get in, but I gave it a try anyway. I auditioned at CCFM radio station on a rainy Saturday morning infront of Neville Diedericks and Elton Jansen. I was really trying to calm my nerves and be at ease, and those who came to audition really helped with that as they kept us good company while we waited. I must add, my armpits were so wet after the audition lol. Here you are not just singing to people, but singing to two people who are watching you sing for them. Hahaha. I finally got the email to say "Congratulations Choir Member..." and I was so happy!

So rehearsals kicked off and I started attending the second rehearsal due to my tonsils which were infected. Rehearsals were definitely stretching my vocal ability, my knowledge and my entire being. Through all the hard work Neville D, along with Elton, kept us great company and told many jokes. If people would ask me what type of person Neville was I would say he is very pastoral. What I mean is that he really really cares. I felt so challenged when he asked and challenged those who do not have their learners and drivers license's to get it by the time he sees and works with us again in December this year. He has a heart for the people and he truly desires that we reach our goals and dreams. He is also very specific about what he wants and he works hard toward excellence. You would try your best not to come late to rehearsals and if you do Neville would thank the Lord in Afrikaans for you and the choir's hand claps and cheering would follow. Neville thank the Lord randomly and this became a saying so precious to us.

The day came for dress rehearsal on the 24 July at the Lighthouse Parow. I froze my butt off while waiting as the lights and sound were being tested and tuned. I remember watching the backup singers and Neville up on stage singing a really old song and I felt like sobbing because it was really beautiful, it felt like heaven. I really only got excited as we sat in and rehearsed in dress rehearsals. Then all the photos began piling up on my phone.

Time was ticking and before we knew it it was the 'D' day! Thank you to the Hermans and McCleans who hosted me all this time and really feeding my tummy. Thank you for your servanthood, hospitality and all the laughs together. The stage manager was strict and he went through the do's and don't's of the evening. The choir soon went upstairs and we freshened up, we talked a lot and we laughed so much. Trevor Benson (our conductor) lead us into worship with a guitar. Flip, this was amazing! It was a time of meditation and focus toward Jesus before we gave God glory with our talents. Neville came up and we went at praying again. A coloured guy, a white guy and a black guy prayed. Truly what Neville wanted to see through this concert, the beauty of difference! One choir member got onto the piano in the room and we all started singing in harmony, and started praising God in a way only Cape Town can do! Let me say this God was always the focus as we worked toward this project. We had the privilege to minister with Charisma from Joyous Celebration and Khaya Mthethwa the winner from South Africa's idols. Jonathan Rubain, Allou April, Geraldine from Newbirth and so many others joined in on the BODS2! This night was definitely amazing!

Neville ended off rejoicing with all who worked with him and a thankful speech came heavily from his heart, and the tears could not be held back. I stood in awe. Here a father, a brother shows us how grateful he was to a people who just love what they doing. It was a blissful moment. My friends and I ended our evening with creamy hot chocolate from McDonald's and we felt truly emotional and we felt like we lived a dream!

I am at lost for words Neville. You are so down to earth and you became such a role model to me. I feel like serving along side you in any way I could. I really, really do. No matter what the cost is. I wasn't really a fan up until dress rehearsal. Now I am more than a fan, totally in awe of what God is doing through your life! May the Lord bless you and shine His light upon your face.

Now to get my learner's licence, driver's license and focus on how big God is and that nothing is impossible to Him. We cannot wait to see the dvd and to spend more time with you in the future.

Big ups to the sound and media team and a massive thanks to the admin team and to Faboo99 clothing brand! You all played such a vital role.

I blog on behalf of myself and the Beauty Of Difference Family!

Grateful heart. At lost for words.