Summer 2018: From Estonia to Arizona

Summer 2018 has been filled with exploring new scenery, meeting new people, reconnecting with friends, traveling, and pressing the reset button.  Starting off with international travel was the perfect way to celebrate past accomplishments and prepare for the future, however, it was just the beginning...

Over the course of the summer, I have reconnected with friends and family that I haven't see in months, maybe even years, because of my work/school schedule.   This opportunity to see family and meet the newest members of the family was a reminder of the lineage that I come from and how it has shaped my life.    Connecting with past students was also an incredible experience - coming together to celebrate the love and friendship that began during my time at LUHS.  Going home before my next big adventure was just what I needed to reflect on the past and renew my energy to pursue the future. 

After the 24 hour trip to Arizona with the U-Haul, a packed Jeep, and our pup, I was overjoyed to plant roots in our new home.  Spending most of my summer in Phoenix, I can honestly say that I love our new space and community.  In just a few weeks, I was able to secure work at Love of Christ Lutheran Church and Henderson Academy of Music.  From this experience, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to know what you want.  As soon as I decided to move to AZ for graduate school, I knew I wanted to find a church for community and, hopefully, for financial security, as well as a job teaching voice lessons.  Musicians these days continue to lean on these types of income to simply pay the bills, so we can also work on other projects.  I am so lucky to say that I have found a church home where I feel called to use my musicianship and leadership skills to enhance worship services and encourage the next generation to get more involved.

As the last few days of summer slip by, I am truly grateful for the many opportunities I had to spend with people I love and cherish, as well as meet new people who have already shown me so much generosity.  Cheers to the next chapter!