Transitions

Hello Readers! SO many things have happened in my life since I last updated you! All good things I suppose, I just don't know where to begin! I guess I'll pick up where I left off!

"If you are not growing, you are dead" - anonymous

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In my last blog post, I reported to you about my final experience performing as a professional ballerina on tour with Ballet Magnificat. A night to remember, my final bow can be viewed HERE. Special thanks to my dear friend Ashley for capturing this footage for us. Even though May 10th marked the end of my touring career, I still assumed my position with Ballet Magnificat until the end of last month where then I officially retired myself from the world of professional dance. 
So what is next, you ask? Well, before I jump into that I would like to take a moment to touch on the amazing month I had this past July. It would be outrageous of me not to mention it! Every July, for the past nine years of my life, I've had the wonderful opportunity and privilege of participating in Ballet Magnificat's Summer Dance Intensive, my first year as a student, and each succeeding year after that as a ballet teacher and counselor to the students. This year I was put in charge of shepherding eleven 12-to-14-year-olds in the dorms. A splendid group of girls, they are pictured to the right. My responsibilities to them included, but were not limited to living in the Belhaven University dorms with them, caring for them, praying for them, planning weekend activities, and leading bible studies for them. It is Ballet Magnificat's busiest but also most exciting time of year! We all love it! The Ballet Magnificat Summer Dance Intensive is so much more than just an intensive for the students to perfect their ballet technique, but is also a time of intense growth spiritually as well, for students and counselors alike! I was blown away this summer by God's unabated presence, and by witnessing the awesomeness of his power soften hearts and change lives.
SO NOW that my last summer dance intensive with Ballet Magnificat is all said-and-done, and my contract with them, expired, the season of fun transitions begins! It was only five days ago that I pack up more than just my suitcase this time, but my whole life, into two vehicles and with the help of my parents, trekked back up north to Pennsylvania where I am originally from. 



I am thrilled to share with you that for the 2019-2020 school year as I reestablish a new life for myself in the Lancaster County PA area, I will be entering into a new career teaching ballet at both Silver Spring Dance Conservatory and the Cavod Academy of the Arts in New Holland.     These days I feel like I'm on a rollercoaster though! There are so many unpredictable ups, and downs, and twists, and turns, in this season of new opportunity, and I have so much to plan for that I've never planned for before. When my thoughts are directed toward my future, it's as staring at a plain white canvas just waiting to be painted on, and transformed into something new. I can't remember the last time I've experienced so much newness, all at the same time. Sometimes I get scared by it all; scared to "make the first brush stroke" so to speak. I don't know how to prepare for what the Lord is going to create in and through me. I don't know "what colors" to start with on my canvas. And I question, I almost fear, and wonder what this "masterpiece" will look like in the end. Some say taking the first couple steps is the hardest. Honestly, informing Ballet Mag leadership about my decision to leave this past January was a breeze, But a semester later, reality sets in now that I am actually in Lancaster with a long to-do list before me that though is daunting, I know will ensure a smooth transition into what's next for me.

"You are the Potter and I am the clay
You are the Artist and I am the paint
You are the Writer and I am Your song
I will be Your instrument my whole life long" - shannon wexelberg


I've spent most of my first week here getting housing details squared away. I think I've found the perfect studio apartment for myself which I am so excited about, and hope to be all moved into by the end of the week, just in time before I get started teaching next week with the new organizations. There is a special little nook in the apartment I plan to dub as my crafting corner. I am dying to get all of my craft and sewing supplies unpacked so I can get Lilly's Creations back up and running again. Should I take pictures of my modest little home to share with you? Let me know in the comment section down below if an apartment tour would be something you'd be interested in seeing. Maybe I'll also do a blog post sharing my best moving tips or another on small-space living. Let me know if those ideas interest you and while you're at it, If you have any questions or ideas of your own on what I should blog about next then I want to hear! Let me know!

Lancaster Country Horse And Buggy spotting. A new normal.

So, I presume my blog will change shape slightly. Naturally, you can expect that I'll be dishing out a bit more content about Lancaster County and teaching ballet, and a bit less content about traveling across country and performing ballet. At the outset, this may sound like a step down from my previous lifestyle, what may have been perceived as an adventurous and somewhat glamorous way of life, But join me in faith believing that Lancaster Country has a lot more to offer than any of us even know. Not to mention, the Holy Spirit has reassured me the adventure has just begun! 💗 Thanks for stopping by! If you're new then welcome! If you are a returning visitor then you deserve  my deepest thanks for sticking around! I know things might be changing  a bit around here, but I want to reassure you that you won't be seeing an end to me posting about ballet, travel, and other relevent topics. Those things will forever be a part of me.  You can only expect MORE! More of everything! Life is never boring. Now go live it! Be blessed!

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