“Hey Madison, do you want to teach the girls violin lessons?” Yes!!
One of the days in week two, I was in our team room and a teammate came in to tell me our host had a violin. I jumped right up and eagerly went outside. Our host shared with me that they have had a violin the last year but haven’t been able to figure out how to play it. She brought it out, and immediately I felt so filled with joy!
Imagine this:
Opened the case
Purple, sparkly violin
Smiles
Loosened the pegs
Put on the bridge
More smiles
Found YouTube video to hear pitches
Tuned the violin
Smiles
Found masking tape
Created tapes for fingers on the fingerboard
Able to pluck and play
Asked to teach the girls violin lessons
Smiles and gratitude
As I’ve held violin class this last week, I have been learning a lot. Recalling treble clef. Connecting violin class to what the girls know from taking piano. Learning how to read notes and play the violin itself. How much I enjoy teaching one on one or small groups. To release pressure to meet unrealistic expectations that I put on myself. How students become teachers real quick. The girls were able to teach their younger brother and a family friend to hold the violin and pluck the strings on their third day of violin class. Reminders how music fills my spirit. God is good. Praise the Lord
There has been such a joy of learning in spending time with the girls. It has been so encouraging to see their excitement and joy as we all come together to learn songs like Twinkle Twinkle, Amazing Grace, and Joy to the World. (Their favorites have been learning Christmas ones which I’m really enjoying!) I’ve loved being able to connect with them and learn more about their interests and stories. How they care to tell me – “now it’s your turn to play the song” – as I’m learning with them.
Lord, you brought me a specific ministry this month. You knew what I needed and what would fill me with such joy and laughter. You choose me to be here in Keta, directed my steps and our teams’ steps. You brought a piece of home to me. Something I never expected. You remind me of the love I have for teaching. To walk alongside people as they develop and grow. To meet people where they are at and live life beside them.
Thank you Father for speaking to me personally- your love is so full and abundant. You know what we need and want and desire to live close in relationship to us.
