My Journey, part 1: I'm On My Way!

I’m on my way to Collegedale!

For what? Why is it a big deal? (First, because it's home.  My parents live there, and  Collegedale is where I grew up.  Moving away doesn't change "home.")

Second, because every summer we (my family and I) converge on Collegedale to run not 1, but 2 music festivals.  And this trip has much to do with that fact.

15 years ago, my mother said to me, “If you create it, they will come.” She was referring to a dream I had for creating a chamber music retreat, a meeting of musical friends that would refresh, renew, and rejuvenate us through making music together.

Chamber Music Weekend was born, that summer. It’s still going strong, and any of you reading this who think you might want to come, please do!  More than 40 musicians gorging themselves on chamber music for 10 hours a day for four days--it's a real party!

After a while, CMW grew so strong that we had to create a second event, for students. That began four years ago, and is the heart-child we call “At First Sight.”  The program has been fantastic every summer, with a dynamic staff and marvelous students. . .but not enough of them.   Because of a number of factors, AFS hasn’t grown as rapidly as we have planned, so this week, I’m flying to Chattanooga to help advertise in person.

I’ll be visiting six schools and ensembles, working with a conference-wide string festival, passing out AFS postcards, and spreading the word any way I can. I’m a little nervous. I don’t make trips alone very often. I like to fly--but I get nervous being in strange places.  

Many, many pieces have fallen into this puzzle without my instigation, and I feel strongly that there is Divine plan behind it. That adds to my feeling of insecurity--am I up to the responsibilities that God has for me, and for this trip? It seems like a bigger picture than I can get my mind around.

Nonetheless, off I go. It’s a trip I'm nervous about, and one I’ve dreamed of, both.   It’ll be busy, tiring, and likely, very rewarding.  I'll get to share something I'm excited about, and give personal invitations to fantastic kids to make music with me and my marvelous staff this summer.  It's all good.

 P.S. At the end of my adventure, on Monday, February 20 I’ll be giving a recital, along with my father and two of my good musical friends. It’s in Ackerman Auditorium, on the campus of Southern Adventist University, at 8:00 p.m. If you’re anywhere in the area, I’d be honored to have you there.

Comments

[Laura Sage]

I love you, my dear friend, and am so proud of what you've built and continue to build. I'll be waiting to hear all about your adventures! Toi toi toi!