A Backpack for the Trip

Sometimes good things just happen to a traveler wanting to be practical, and let's face it, cheap when possible.  I am a student, after all.  On Thursday, I took advantage of a lovely evening of movies, munchies, drinks and good company with my friends Beth and Stephanie, and I met new friends Katie and Courtney.  I was telling people about the upcoming Turkey trip and sharing my excitement, and learning some travel tips.  At some point in the evening, I asked out of the blue if anyone had a big campers backpack, which I think will be ideal for traveling to three countries and hauling my own stuff.  Courtney responded "Yes--do you want to borrow it?"  Keep in mind--I have only met Courtney that night for the first time!  She called her husband and got him to bring both backpacks over to the party so that I could choose one.  I couldn't ask for a better deal than that!  Lots of generosity and thanksgiving going down in Berkeley due to one nice traveler loaning out this fabulous-looking backpack.  Doesn't it look like it will be perfect?  It's even got straps on the outside so that I can tote my harp around on it, too.  Thanks Courtney!

Big Surprises

I just found out my new balance, and I've been given an award for the "most unique balance" of anyone in the trip!  I was so surprised to see the names of people who had given, and am incredibly grateful.  Norma, Sara, Lou Ann, Sheryl---a big thank you.  You will be the recipient of a fancy postcard and maybe some holy water from Mary's house.

Long time, No Write! Making Music in Oakland

Whoa, long time, no blog update!  I am correcting that now.

I was privileged to play my violin at Mills Grove Christian Church, and it was my first time to worship with them though I've been at retreats and in classes with many of the women for several years.  This is sweet, delightful and energetic congregation---I thoroughly enjoyed my worship there.  To the right, you will see the wonderful Rochon, who is a supreme pianist and musician.  She can sightread anything and add dimensions to accompaniment that I would never imagine.  What a wonderful gift to play together!  So wonderful in fact......that she helped me fix a big, big mistake---the kind I haven't made since I was about 11 years old.  Right in the middle of "Jesu, Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" (which I've played about 1,000 times), I looked up at the congregation, looked back at my  music, and could not find where I was.  I mean, I was LOST.  Then Rochon was lost.  Then we were both lost.  So, I did something that I have never done before.  I stopped playing, laughed and just said "This is TERRIBLE!  I've lost my place!"  Rochon and I picked up and kept going til the end.  The most wonderful part, in my experience, was the warmth and joy of the congregation---everyone just rolled with the punches.  It turned out that a few of the people really loved the piece (even with the error), so everything ended well and on a high note.  The amazing Rev. Clarence Thomas even managed to incorporate the "wrong note" images into his sermon, so we all made lemonade out of lemons.

I can't wait to give my "thank you" to the congregation for their donation after I get back from Turkey.  It will be great to worship with y'all again!