Hello everyone!
So everyone suggested that I write some type of blog when I'm out in California. At first, I thought, "Uhh...that takes a lot of effort and I'm a horrible writer..etc..." However, I decided to give this a shot and see what happens. So I thought I would give some background about this spur of the moment move to California. (It wasn't really spur of the moment...but I guess for a lot of my friends...it was!). :) So here it goes: (this might be very choppy and I have a weird obsession with parentheses these days...bear with me! :D).
This past summer, I was questioning a lot about my degree at The University of Missouri-Columbia. I was majoring in Education-Language Arts (grades 5-9) and at that time I loved kids, writing, and reading. However, I didn't see it as a full-time passion I could handle. If any of you know me or knew me...I am not very certain about what I like to do...I switch very frequently. I went from business major, to music major, to communications, to education. UGH. Not a very stable situation if you'd ask me. This past semester I struggled in many different aspects which led me to thinking I wasn't going to be successful in this field. I failed College Algebra (such a shocker, haha) and I needed to pass it in order to move on into more education-based courses. I was forced to take it again this upcoming fall semester (2011). Ugh. Not my idea of a "fun time." Off and on, I was working at the MU library this summer. I didn't like it much. For my time off, I was able to return home (Chicago) for a little time at the end of May before starting my second round of work there for June. This is where the story turns.... :D get ready....
Back home, my friend Angela Ballmaier (Hey gurlll!) was planning on attending a Worship Conference in Indiana and originally I was going to go but things didn't work out. The day before she was leaving we were hanging out and I got a text from my worship leader (who was going to go to the conference as well) said "Hey I have an extra ticket to this conference because I signed up at a certain time...did you wanna go?" I thought, Wow, what an awesome opportunity! I should really go! I asked my parents and the next day I was off to Indiana for a four day conference!
The experience at the Worship Conference: Amazing. I learned so much about leadership qualities, song writing, God (in general), and the purpose of what worship is and how it plays an important role in a church service. It taught me so much and it was very overwhelming for me...in a very positive way! The main worship leader who was leading us into worship, Scott Cunningham, was so encouraging and so informative about many things involving worship and certain aspects of it. I found out on the third day he was the director/leader for the School of Worship in Costa Mesa, CA. I was very intrigued by this place and the purpose it shared when he discussed it with all of the other worship leaders. At that moment, I was thinking I really wanted to go there, but I knew my parents wouldn't approve of going there. Period. I knew they would shut down the idea as soon as I would mention it. But, for some reason...I knew I had to mention it to them when I came back. (total God thing right there).
So. When I came back, I told my parents about how cool the conference was and...I decided to mention the School of Worship. My parents responded, "Well maybe you can go there when you're done with your degree at MU." BOOOOOOOOOOO. I was a little disappointed but I accepted it and thought it was smart for me to receive a bachelor degree first before doing something TOTALLY different. Yay for math a second time around!
About three weeks after that, I was in Missouri and my mom called me to just talk about my future and what my ideal plans were consisting of. I told her that I wasn't confident about MU anymore and that I wanted to do something different. I said I would pray about it and see what God had to say. For about a week, I just really dug deep into the Word and prayed and asked God what I should do. By the end of that week, I was certain that The University of Missouri was not an option for me. My mom called later on and asked what I was thinking...and I said...I'm not really feeling like MU is the right place for me right now...I need a change and I want to pursue something involving worship. That's when my mom shocked me and said..."How about you just apply to the School of Worship for this upcoming fall semester." I thought, "WHAT?!?!?! are you serious? Did you actually just say that?" At that point I was really excited and I wanted to hug my mom over the phone. So, yes. I applied, sent in a sample of my music and was accepted two weeks later.
Yes, this is all so fast, but it's good this way. I have one chance to do this and I'm so excited for it! It's a great way for me to draw closer to God and see what plans He's made for me. I want to take this music thing a little more seriously. All glory to Him! He's the reason why I'm pursuing this! It's going to be one great adventure and experience. Needless to say, I am very fortunate and blessed to have parents and friends who support this new change of direction in my life. Of course I thank God for giving me this wonderful opportunity to pursue more of Him through my passions for worship and music in general. I want God to be glorified in all I do. That's it!
What I will be doing at this School of Worship: First of all, here is the website to the school so you all can check out the details about this place: School of Worship I will be learning about worship in general, song writing, rhythm, all the instruments, recording, biblical history, personal experiences from various christian artists, and etc. It's a time to confidently see how God works in all aspects of worship before, during, and after a church service. I'm excited! :D
I ask that you all keep me in your prayers. Pray that I would seek God through all these new changes and go after the things He wants for me. In the past, I've always wanted to be in control of everything so please just pray that I follow the One who has set a specific plan for my life! Pray that I would make great friends out here and I wold familiarize myself with this town. I need all the prayer I can get.
I will be blogging once a week or so to tell you all what is happening out here! I might even share some new ideas for a song or just my personal thoughts. Feel free to comment and just enjoy this wild journey with me.
Love you all!
<3 Helene M. Gerts
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