TULSA, Okla. — A youth choir from a local church is back in Tulsa after travel issues forced them to cancel a tour to the Bahamas.
FOX23 spoke with parents outside Boston Avenue Methodist Church waiting for their children to get home safely.
Due to plane trouble, the kids couldn't go.
“Welcome Home” signs and balloons were clutched by parents, grandparents, friends and even dogs as they waited for the charter bus to return to Tulsa.
FOX23 spoke with two parents who say their hearts break for their children because they know how much they wanted to go on the choir tour and missions.
“It's unfortunate that we can't do that. It's unfortunate that we can't have that once in a lifetime trip for these young people going overseas. Going to the Bahamas would have been a great trip for these kids and unfortunately it didn't happen,” said Jonathan VanBever, a father and church member.
The group's original flight from Tulsa was canceled.
They eventually made it to Dallas, where they faced yet another cancellation.
They had to make the sad decision to board a charter bus and return to their home in Tulsa.
“I feel bad for the students and I'm just disappointed that it all didn't work out. We plan these trips a year in advance and let the students choose where they want to go,” said Jennifer White, their mother and church member.
This year is unlike any other, she said.
“This year was very special for them because they have a new youth pastor at Boston Avenue. He's from the Bahamas and that's why they chose to go there,” White said.
With their once-in-a-lifetime trip canceled and unfortunately unable to be rescheduled, families lined up days earlier than planned, holding signs and balloons to welcome their children home and try to offer some solace to their children.
The parents said that while it wasn't ideal for them, they were able to see how their children would cope with this difficult and unexpected situation.
They told FOX23 they welcome the Tulsa community to come out to the concert, which will feature their performance scheduled for 11 a.m. Sunday at Boston Avenue Methodist Church.
