Well, I joined a choir. When Brook first suggested it to me, I was totally on board.
and then it all started to actually happen.
and I was terrified.
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Waiting for practice to start |
Joining this choir meant doing this alone. It meant not having Brook or the other missionaries there to be my safety net. It’s all me. I walk to the church with the a few of the choir members. It’s a long walk. Especially when I can barely talk to them. It’s easy for me to talk to my teachers or the workers at Brook’s. I can ask silly questions like “What did you eat for breakfast?” Because I know how to say that. But talking to a teen here? scary. What would I say? The most I choked out tonight was “Do you like to sing?” Duh. They’re in a choir for heaven’s sake.
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missing some of our members, but here we are! |
Anyways, when everyone arrives, practice begins and I fumble along on the dance moves and mumble a few words I catch here and there. I’m sure I look ridiculous, and the village kids like to come watch us, which I have the feeling is more about the fact that a crazy white girl is trying to be in a choir than a love of music. One of the youth agreed to translate, which is helpful. But like I said before, it’s still scary. The girls especially are really shy, which is more of a cultural thing than anything else.
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Benito, my translator, and I |
The reason why I’m scared is because I so badly want to get to know them. I’m scared because I’m forced to be vulnerable. I’m scared because I really care about them and I don’t want to mess up this one shot I have to reach them. But as scared as I am, I look forward to it everyday. I have fun there. I feel like I am a part of their lives there. Tonight, both Teno I messed up a dance step and shared a smile. Darling reader, that’s huge. She actually looked at me and smiled. I pray that in time I will be able to touch them as they have already touched me.
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practicing some dance steps :) |
We practice Monday, Wednesday, Friday at around 5pm. On these days, at around 9am (remember the 8 hour time difference) if you are ever thinking of this ministry, say a little prayer for me, for the members of the choir, and for a breakthrough. I’m resting in the Lord’s strength and wisdom, for Christ’s love is far greater than any cultural or language barrier. May I reflect His love. Thanks darling reader,
-Em
4 comments:
Emily, I am so pleased that you are running after God with your gift of music! His Spirit in you is warm and inviting and filled with joy. I know that others already see that in you. Keep dancing and singing :) Your life is a blessing!
You are going to have to teach us your dance moves when you get back!! Looks like you are having fun and praising God all the while! I am sooo proud of you Em!! Love you and praying continually for you :)
Yeah, I want to learn these dance moves too! Glad to see some pictures of this. And I am glad you have the opportunity to step out and do something alone which means you will have to rely on God all the more. And I am glad its with students because then you can be a youth leader with me someday. ha. Praying for you!
Love Tati
Enjoying your blog Emily...keep up the great work for Him!
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