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 Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 2:28 pm
Aparently, on our upcoming choir tour, we're doing homestays with volunteers from the churches that we're performing at.
Hoooo boy. This could be VERY interesting, as I'm decidedly not Christian, I have my fair share of piercings, and I'm what some people would consider a "goth." So... basically, NOT what these people are expecting.
I don't know what to expect with them. Do they do a family bible-reading? Cause I've met plenty of Christians who do that. Do they expect me to pray with them even if I don't believe?
The most useful item in the universe: the towel... should I bring my own? o_O
Have you ever done a homestay (not necessarily limited to choir-ness)? Would you be scared of doing one?
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Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 2:39 pm
My United Church of Christ-affiliated college choir does homestays during our 9-day spring tour every year. It's not as scary as you might think! Most families do not push Christian things on you, they're just nice, generous people who will probably talk with you a bit, try to get to know who you are, show you around the house, sometimes feed you ( 3nodding ), and give you someplace to sleep. Every home I've stayed in has provided things like towels, bedsheets, etc. though you should probably check with your choir director to see what your choir's standards are for what to bring with you.
As for piercings and stuff, I would try to leave out as much of that as you can when you go to these homes. I know it's your style, but you are representing your school and choir when you go home with these people (they're not getting any reimbursement for you eating their food and using their shower!), so our director always told us it's best to present your best face. "Goth"-ish clothing would probably be okay as long as it's tasteful, though. Again, check with your director to see what kind of clothing would be acceptable.
I hope that helps! smile And have fun, enjoy meeting new people every night. And honestly, I think homestays are best for tours, because you're stuck on a bus with all the other choir kids all day every day for the duration of your tour, and it's nice to be able to get away from them a little. xd
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Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 3:05 pm
Cobalt My United Church of Christ-affiliated college choir does homestays during our 9-day spring tour every year. It's not as scary as you might think! Most families do not push Christian things on you, they're just nice, generous people who will probably talk with you a bit, try to get to know who you are, show you around the house, sometimes feed you ( 3nodding ), and give you someplace to sleep. Every home I've stayed in has provided things like towels, bedsheets, etc. though you should probably check with your choir director to see what your choir's standards are for what to bring with you. As for piercings and stuff, I would try to leave out as much of that as you can when you go to these homes. I know it's your style, but you are representing your school and choir when you go home with these people (they're not getting any reimbursement for you eating their food and using their shower!), so our director always told us it's best to present your best face. "Goth"-ish clothing would probably be okay as long as it's tasteful, though. Again, check with your director to see what kind of clothing would be acceptable. I hope that helps! smile And have fun, enjoy meeting new people every night. And honestly, I think homestays are best for tours, because you're stuck on a bus with all the other choir kids all day every day for the duration of your tour, and it's nice to be able to get away from them a little. xd
Lobe piercings, I can take out... but those probably aren't offensive. I've got a tragus piercing that I can't take out (literally, the jewelry and placement mean that a professional needs to do it), and an eyebrow piercing that I can take out... but can't get back in. But the barbell's a nice one... it's actual gold. So it's not like I'm wearing disgusting jewelry. o_O;
I hope the homestays go well...
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Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 3:33 pm
I don't think you'll have to do any 'family bible readings' 3nodding
Most families are pretty easy to get along with and don't demand much. I think you'll have fun.
And I don't think your piercings will be a problem, or your clothing style. Be nice to your host family, and mostly (Families sign up to host you because they WANT to) they'll be nice to you!
Cobalt pretty much summed up homestays really really well. I'd definately check if towels were provided, too 3nodding
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Posted: Wed May 31, 2006 7:12 am
Choir people are allowed to be a little weird.
Plus, I'm assuming you're a young adult... The older folk always think young adults are weird no matter how they're dressed... ;3
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Posted: Wed May 31, 2006 11:15 pm
homestays are amazingly fun. what the family who volunteered to put you up wants to do most of all is to make you comfortable, so don't stress about it. If you're different them, they'll try to accommodate your needs. I've done homestays in japan and basically it was awkward at first but by the end we had become really close. just have a positive attitude and don't expect to be disappointed, and i'm sure it will be really fun!
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Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 12:44 pm
We did homestays for my last choir tour and I've done them for pony club trips before, and I must say I much prefer that to staying in a hotel. Possibly because one of my families gave us fresh strawberries and sweet bread for breakfast. xd They're not expecting everyone in the choir to be christian, and probably won't bring up the subject if you don't. On my tour, we were really only at the house to sleep, we got there late, and left early in the morning. It could be different for different tours though. I think as long as your peircings and dress is tasteful, you should be fine. You can make yourself look presentable without compromising your style. Just be polite and friendly, and they'll do the same. Most of the time. You get a few crazy ones on occasion, but those are few and far between, and the best answer to that is to lock yourself in your room. smile
But truthfully, you shouldn't have anything to worry about.
And if you have a towel you are particularly attached to, you should bring it. Also, seeing as it is the most useful item in the universe, you may need it while your traveling as well as while you're sleeping. biggrin
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