Walking to the edge

"When we walk, praying for guidance, to the edge of all the light we have and breathlessly take that first step into the unknown, we must believe one of two things will happen: either God will provide us with something rock-solid to land on and stand on, or God will teach us to fly." [Luci Shaw]

Life has taking an amazing turn. I have accepted a ten-month violin teaching fellowship in Arusha, Tanzania with the Umoja Arts Centre.http://www.umoja-arts.com/index.html.

'Umoja' is the Swahili word for unity. The mission of the Umoja Arts Centre is “to play a key role in creating an artistically aware and appreciative community of people from all sectors of society regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion and socio- economic background.” It all could not be better.

The job starts in August. I still have some time to get used to the idea. Friends and loved ones are so excited for me. Everyone says I am brave. Perhaps it is true, but right now I am not feeling brave, All the fears and doubts are rattling around in my mind. Fear of not being the right person for the job. Fear of leaving home where I'm known and loved by many, and going to a place where I'll be neither known nor loved by anyone. Fear of too many things changing while I'm away. Luci Shaw's quote about walking to the edge is a great description: I picture the entire Great Rift Valley opening at my feet. 

 

I have to remember a few things. First of all, God has brought me to this place and this is where God wants me to be. So I just have to continue taking one step at a time. Second, I draw strength from the love, support, encouragement, and prayers of many people. I continued to be awed by the abundance of love in my life – more love than I ever expected. It is tangible and it keeps me going. And I want to share that love with open hands. Third, I am inspired by the courageous examples of many people who have risked, dared, loved fiercely, dedicated their lives to changing the world. To all of you – you know who you are – asante sana! And fourth, this is where I want to be. This is my heart saying yes.

Mostly, I am so excited I can hardly sit still. (What else is new?)

For the next three months I will be wrapping up this teaching year and several projects, arranging for the transfer of numerous responsibilities, figuring out what to take and what to leave behind, trying to learn a few words of Swahili, reading about Tanzania, and most of all, savouring day-to-day life and the people in it. Oh, and volunteering for three weeks in New Orleans in June. (More about that later!) 

 Stay tuned!