I have the opportunity to sing in a women's choir that will perform this Saturday, September 27th, during the General Relief Society Meeting. I won't be able to accurately describe how much this experience has impacted me. BUT, it has been life changing! Every Sunday night for the last 6 weeks, 363 other women and myself meet to practice and rehearse. But, not just to practice. To share, to learn, to grow. I want to share a few of the things that I have found particularly important (at least for me) in this journey. Our choir director is an amazing, incredible person! Her name is Merrilee Webb, and if you ever have the opportunity to work with her, DON'T pass it up! I'm pleading! You will BE different! I promise! She shares her talents and her testimony with and energy that is absolutely amazing! The very first rehearsal, she wanted us to understand the power of connecting. Connecting with someone....someone whom we may never meet, but that may see ME singing and will feel of my love and my testimony. We are wearing white shirts with black skirts. Julie Beck, General Relief Society President, explained that wherever they are travelling in the world, and are blessed to hear choirs, themembers of those choirs are in white shirts. No matter the economic status or living situation, somehow members were able to find a white shirt; even if it meant turning a t-shirt inside out. We are singing 4 songs. The music will not be translated into different languages;the meeting will, but not the songs. So the songs that we are singing are songs that have been translated into every different hymn book. If the sisters don't speak English, they will at least recognize the music. We were asked to add to a room, just by being there, not take or detract. We learned that "you are enough." We shared experiences. We shared "ha". We were challenged to "learn the healer's art". Maybe we learned "the healers art". We were taught "I am the precious adornment worn around the neck of my ancestors." I have always loved music. But I have been reminded of the power of music; of how much music can really and truly teach us. I know I will never be able to generate the kind of feeling and transformation that I have experienced in this post. I am writing this, mostly, for my own sake. Knowing that this experience will end on Saturday, in front of 20,000 people, is very emotional-even now, I have a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. Just know that I have had a WONDERFUL experience! And know that I have changed.
"The opportunity of a lifetime lies within the lifetime of the opportunity."
Last week we had a dress rehearsal at the Conference Center. Our families were invited to come up and watch. Hannah was with Brad, but my friend, Emily, had her family there. Thanks to Wes for taking the pictures. (Center section, third row, fourth from the right)
