First off, things have been very good. I feel very blessed in my life currently; in my marriage with the charming, funny and adorably frustrating Jesse Einfalt, in my community at church and in my friendships, in my work and interests, in my relationship with the Lord. It's been busy, so I feel like I'm enjoying all these aspects of life while on a roller coaster. Relationships take time to cultivate and keep healthy, and with how busy things have been, I don't have as much time as I'd like to spend time with friends- or with Jesus! Jesse and I are able to make time for each other as we run at our current hectic pace, but that's the only relationship that is really blooming. Again, I attribute this to busyness, but it also shows I need to learn how to balance my spiritual life along with being a wife. Jesus and I are doing well, but I still crave extended silent, quiet, alone time, and that opportunity hardly ever happens.
Here's the news:
- Jesse and I were in the Music Man this summer, which was very, very fun. It was great to get to sing and act a bit, and I love that we have that interest together. What a blessing!
- I'm continuing to take voice lessons from a truly awesome husband and wife team. They have been so gracious with me and I have learned so much! I'm working on one Mozart aria and a German art song. This Christmas, I'll sing a duet with the wife at her church. Having these voice lessons twice a month has been a wonderful thing for me emotionally and musically. After such a "traumatic" experience with my last teacher, it's great to have healthy student-teacher relationships. Plus, it's always good to keep your instrument active and to keep learning.
- Jesse and I auditioned for a L.A. based caroling company called, Goode Time Carolers last month. They company started up in Dallas last year and this year they needed to expand because of their success last year. I went in nervous, because since I graduated from college, very few auditions have actually produced a role or work. This time was different (!) and I am happy to say that for the first time in my life, I can be considered a professional singer, or aka: a singer who gets paid to sing!!!! Holy Moses, that's exciting! We have to memorize 70 songs, so that's been a challenge, but we are enjoying ourselves immensely. I get to wear a truly magnificent costume, Jesse and I get to sing together (more bonding time), I get to put this on my artistic resume, and best of all- we have our Christmas Card this year (us in costume!).
- This is very very new news: I just might have an art gig. I might be painting the sets for a local show in the upcoming season! Again- a paid thing.... which means (technically), I'm a professional artist too, right? lol. Maybe in a couple more years... :)
Here's the biggest piece of news that's happened recently: I'm changing my work situation. Coming this November 11th, I'll be starting full-time at the medical office, and resigning my position with Woodcreek Church on the 13th. This was a huge decision process for me. I don't like decisions- never have. Choosing what to eat is hard enough, so imagine me coming to the conclusion that working in the church ministry I love, with the amazing Kidcreek ladies I adore... is no longer what I should do. When a full-time opportunity at the medical office arose, the pros simply outweighed the cons. When that starts to happen, you have to pray about it and make sure you aren't deceiving yourself. But, after much prayer, discussion with Jesse, and seeking advice from brilliantly wise family and friends, I felt an immense sense of peace about the entire thing. It's a hard transition, and it's still hard leaving the position, especially when I've enjoyed it so much. But, this is the right decision for Jesse and I. This decision will lead to a shorter work week, a larger paycheck, more time to slow down and to pursue more art and singing opportunities. If we decided or needed to move one day, I would be able to find a job in this field. I really enjoy the work, and there are tons of advancement opportunities. So yes, it's a hard transition, and I will MISS the church work hugely, but I'm happy with where God seems to be leading here.
So, that's what's going on right now. It's a pretty exciting time, and I feel very blessed right now. That's not to say life hasn't had it's hard moments. My stuttering is what I would characterize as "out of control bad". It's been that way for a while... I think I haven't gotten help because I'm afraid it won't work. But, I'm at the point where, now that I'll have more time (and more money for therapy), I'm going to pursue it. This has been the one truly difficult thing right now. I don't want to get into it to much, because it worries and upsets me deeply, but it's been so bad that I swear I'm inventing new ways to stutter lol. That is, my stutter is changing. There are much more blocks than repetitions, and my chest is so tight that I can't catch my breath. I'm horrified at these changes, and I easily become ashamed at how bad it's gotten. If you think of me, please pray for me in this area. It's been a hard struggle.
Additionally, Jesse's grandfather, Ned, passed away this morning. Although I only met him a few times, he struck me as a very kind and gentle man. I wish I had more time to get to know him better and spend more family time together. We'll be driving up to Nebraska this weekend to attend his funeral. Please pray for traveling mercies and for comfort for his wife, Marilyn and his children. Death makes you realize how important it is to love on everyone in your family. I'm so grateful I'll get to see mine soon.
Love to you all,
Madeleine
