As I stood on stage, literally shaking in my boots (my very, very cute boots), I looked at the over 100 people in the crowd. I had been so nervous that everything would go well and that people would show. Then, everyone was there and I was just nervous to get on stage. I don't usually (meaning ever) sing on stage…or talk in front of people. I love to sing, just not in front of people, so usually it's in the car or the shower. That night though, I decided to sing to surprise my family-especially my grandma. Every time we get together, they ask to hear my voice and everytime I say no. I refuse, because I know I am not the best and don't want to sound or look stupid, but this time, even though I was afraid, I sang anyway. I wanted to make my family happy.
The first song was a little rough, because my nerves got the best of me, but the crowd didn't care-they just sang along a little louder, trying to help me out. By the second song, I relaxed a little and managed to sing Hallelujah without fainting or wandering off into another key again. As I sang, I looked at my family, standing there with smiles on their faces and I knew then that it didn't matter how off key I was for the first song or even if I would have messed up all three. They love me and support me no matter what. Looking out over that crowd reminded me how incredibly blessed I am to be so loved by so many people.
My parents had gotten there hours before to set up, helped the entire time, and then stayed until it was over to help clean up. My aunts baked and made things to raffle and sell. My friends helped me make posters and desserts. So many talented musicians totally rocked it. I am so serious, how did I get such incredibly talented friends? Cale basically organized the whole thing and hosted for me. Tyler did the sound. Sean did the lights. Emily and Heather sat behind the tables and sold things the whole concert. A bunch of people took turns taking people's money as they came in. Over 100 people came to support me and everyone loved it so much, they keep asking me when the next one will be.
I don't know why, but I am loved by a crazy amount of people. Sometimes I forget that, but Saturday night, God made sure to remind me that He has given me so many people who care and who believe in what I am doing. It is through those people that He is providing. I raised $1,600 that night and reached my goal for Christmas, which was $6,500 (42%). That means I have met my second deadline and can officially leave in July!!
This is real…
Thanks to everyone who is making this so much more than a dream and helping it become a reality. I love every single one of you and had the most amazing night with everyone who came. What is better than music, dessert, and the people you love? …nothing.
Only $9,000 more to raise!!!!
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PS- go check out Clayton Jones (or The Madison Letter), Bluefish, and The Bowtie Trio on iTunes and Sarah Lawson on YouTube!!!!
** Photos by Jessie Flori 🙂
