30 years ago, I was an uncoordinated child who just loved to dance. My grandmother took pity on me and decided to pay for dance lessons. Little did she know those lessons would only be the beginning. 6 years later at the beginning of high school I joined the dance team. It just happened that this dance team did something unique – our amazing coach allowed the seniors to actually choreograph the routines. Not only did this give me first taste in choreography, but our routine revolved around the theme of the Lion King where we actually went and took some classes in African Dance to prepare to choreograph it. Soon after high school someone at my church approached me about choreographing something for some girls at our church, I wasn’t confident I could do it on my own, but I gave it a shot. This soon became a regular thing providing a little bite of practice as my comfort in this area built. Then a few years later a local Christian School lost their dance coach and asked if I could help them out. This was so much more out of my comfort zone, but I decided to step in and help. This resulted in 2 and half years of coaching a team of junior highers. After that as we went began missionary training and all of this faded to the back ground as it was no longer a regular part of my life and I didn’t really ever think it would be again.
Then we left for Africa. Dance is a huge part of live and celebration here. The dance here is quite different from ones I am used to and each people group has their own twist on things. I worked hard to watch and pick up what I could so that when I was asked to participate I could at least move with a similar motion. There was a lot of laughing together in the process, but that was pretty much true for all areas of life in this new world. I started to appreciate the training I had in dance, It had taken me to a level that at least made me not afraid to participate. Then a year and half ago I was asked to help choreograph a routine for the kids and the rest is history.
Just recently I was looking back and thinking…
Who would have known that uncoordinated girl needed a little dance practice to be able to look just slightly less the fool in the world of African Dance? Who would have known that choreographing routines would be part of the ministry she would have in her local African church?
God Knew! Sometimes I just need to look back and remember how he was piecing everything together from the beginning.
Yes, it’s amazing how God prepares us and also brings opportunities into our lives to participate in the things we love. He is good like that. Now if we can just relax more and actually trust him. (I’ve realized dancing looks better when you’re more relaxed as well. )
How true Andi, I imagine my life is a tapestry that God is sewing adding color and designs that don’t make sense. As the tapestry grows and I have something to stand back and look at, some of it becomes clear to me. I trust the weaver and look forward to seeing the tapestry revealed. Thanks for sharing, how lovely that dance is a thread in your tapestry.
Awesome post Andi. So true, God uses so much for future glory to Himself. I loved reading about dance in this culture. You were lacking one thing in this post however…. I wanted video of you bustin a move!
Once again you have shared your heart with us. Thanks so much. You have literally brought me to tears. Much love and prayers, Jane and Bud Van Ryn.
Thank you for the reminder that God is always working for His glory even when we aren’t paying attention, or we when we feel so insignificant. He has a plan so much bigger and better than I could imagine. 🙂 I am thankful your plan is still evolving for you to use in your ministry.
I tried to edit the typos but I guess I don’t know how. I think the post is readable anyway. I hope so. LOL Carolyn
Thanks again Andi for posting and.letting us onto your life and your reflections on life. I wish I had paid more attention to you as a young girl st church. I didn’t really know you then but I’m very proud to say I know you now. I look forward to reading each post. You do an amazing job sharing your life, your family and your mission with us. May God bless you, Joel and the boys every day.