We spent a whole weekend in Jamna (around 70 km south-east of Cracow), where we stayed at the Dominican center, located in a picturesque area. The weather was bad, but we didn’t mind, because our agenda was packed: workshops, a concert and an integration evening.
Grodzka Gospel was accompanied by our children of all ages, some friends, including members of Skawina gospel choir, and, guess who? Brian Fentress! An American living in Poland, Brian is a charismatic and talented teacher, the founder of reGeneration gospel group and instructor of Gospel Joy choir.
The building we rehearsed in was perfect for us, with wide windows and decorative angels smiling at us from each side. Being surrounded by quietness and peace and close to the mountains, we also felt closer to God. Our hosts father Andrzej, the lovely nuns, helpful staff and friendly animals made our time in Jamna very pleasant.
The time flew, just like it always does on our trips. Saturday evening turned out to be spontaneous, entertaining and really surprising. We discovered and re-discovered talents, and then it was already late by the time we started to listen to Karolina’s stories from summer camp in the USA, where she worked with the disabled.
On Sunday we took part in mass and gave a concert entitled “Jesus Promised”. The mass ended with Gorzkie Żale, a sung reflection and meditation on the Passion of the Christ. Some of us probably wondered how to sing lively gospel in that context, but Brian reminded us about the importance of different denominations and cultures coming together and exchanging our experiences and the ways in which we worship God. Father Andrzej congratulated us on our enthusiasm and we thanked our audience as they thanked us.
