Why can’t I have the faith that it will be a good, purposeful, enjoyable thing before experiencing it?
Yesterday, Becca & I went to Moi High School to talk to their music class. This is a wealthier private school built by the former president of Kenya. Neither of us wanted to go. We still weren’t feeling all that well & were told – last minute – that the school was near Nakuru, an hour away. But, we were also keenly aware of the desire that our contacts and their contact, whomever he was, had for us to do this. After all, there were violin students to encourage, among other things! So, Becca and I go.
When we arrive, I had to go to the restroom. I vomited a little, but had no other issues. We headed to the music class. As we entered, the students were singing. Well!! Strong, solid, male & female voices in harmony. It was the typical “African sound” you would think of in the States. As we found our seats, they finished the song they were singing and then launched into “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” It was great. Afterwards, we introduced ourselves and I told them that, while Becca and I had not been feeling well the last couple of days and even now were not, hearing something that good could raise ANYbody’s spirits, I don’t care how awful they felt! They all hooped & hollered. I added that, though I know all sounds lifted to the Lord in worship are considered a “joyful noise” to His ears, it is not so true to human ears unless the “sounds” sound good. And then I told them, “…and y’all sounded pretty frickin’ good!” …more hoops & hollers! J Becca gave her introduction and encouragement and the “program” began.
At this point, we weren’t sure what was supposed to follow. We hadn’t been given much information as to our purpose there, which is no surprise, honestly. But, what we found ourselves doing was pretty incredible. One of the teachers, Mrs. Dorothy Zalo, would have Becca & I play/sing something and then the students would do something. We heard two violinists play Pachelbel’s Canon in Dmajor, a group of the men sing, a clarinetist, a women’s group sing and the brass band play. It was fantastic! The students’ instrumental skills were not quite as good as their voices (though, not terrible by any means!), but we were thoroughly enjoying ourselves, nonetheless. Eventually, Becca didn’t really know what else to play so I offered to do a fiddle tune – SOLO!
…haaha, yeah, I know. A year ago, that would have never happened! I don’t do “solos!” Ask my family.
Anyway, the time comes. I stand up, walk around to the front of the small table that’s protecting me from the vulnerability of being directly in front of the students, say a small disclaimer – something to the effect of, “uh, so this is a style called ‘fiddle’ and is very common where I’m from in the States, but I haven’t played it in front of people in a long time, so bear with me” – and launched into a truncated version of “Orange Blossom Special.” It was, honestly, not the greatest performance I’ve given of that tune. It was dirty & out of tune in areas. …haha, but…the kids apparently loved it! When I cut it off, they went crazy! They were hoopin’ & hollerin’ again, throwing their hands in the air and bowing at the waist repeatedly, etc. The two violinists, Debbie & Roxanne, sheepishly walked over to me with their hands out for a handshake and then bowed to me when I did shake them. I just giggled and kind of curled up into a ball in the chair, hiding my face.
