...And That's a Wrap!

Hello everyone!

Well, this is it. The day that I have been dreading the past few weeks is finally here - my last day interning at my home church, Calvary Assembly of God. I am feeling very...sad. I actually was shedding a few tears as I headed home last night. Cheesy, I know...but I have developed some close relationships here at the church - especially within the church staff - and I cannot imagine not going to church in the mornings throughout the week, not attending meetings, not planning Sunday services, not singing and/or playing on Wednesday nights and/or Sunday mornings, not directing the orchestra, etc...the list goes on and on.

What. An. Incredible. Summer. Experience.

That basically sums it all. I really cannot begin to describe how this internship has changed me. God literally showed up throughout the 12 weeks that I was a music intern. First off, I am so thankful for Calvary - a healthy church that really welcomed me with open arms when I first set foot in that office. The staff and pastors were very kind and caring that they quickly became my second family by the 1st or 2nd week!

I am also feeling very, very blessed to have such an incredible mentor, Pastor Dan Schmalz - who is truly a humble man of God. He has shared and given me countless advice and wisdom based on his past experiences, as well as given me opportunities that challenged me, yet allowed me to learn and grow at the same time. There may have been frustrations along the way, but looking back, I couldn't ask for a better person to intern with. I have learned a lot from him this summer and have taken away many of his words of wisdom towards my future career. I have shared many of my personal challenges and struggles not only as an intern, but also as a music student, with him and have received great encouragement from him. He is very kind-hearted and is always willing to listen and give advice when needed. I am incredibly blessed and thankful!

The most memorable thing about this internship is that God's calling in my life to be a worship pastor continues to be confirmed throughout my 12 weeks. In fact, more than ever do I feel anxious and excited to be done with school so I can start doing this for a living! It has truly been a passion of mine since I was 12 years old to be a worship pastor who uses her gifts and talents to lead the people of God in worship. Obviously, it is far from being a 'perfect job' because there are still ups and downs in ministry as I myself have experienced even just as an intern. But honestly, I have felt a sense of joy and peace the past 12 weeks as I do what I am passionate about. It is truly a blessing to be a part of life change in the church. Most of all, it is a blessing to do - for the rest of my life - what we will all be doing in heaven: worshipping our Lord Jesus Christ! I have also received many encouragements this summer, not only from the staff and pastors, but also from the congregation, that continued to motivate me to run after my passion of being a worship pastor. What an incredible feeling!

Through this internship, my eyes have definitely been opened to my strengths and weaknesses in ministry. I begin to learn more about myself - my character, personality, and flaws - through the tensions of ministry. These tensions will never disappear but I have been challenged to live and be present within those tensions in order for me to grow and learn how to best work in ministry.

Things have been somewhat crazy around the church because of the transition that we will be making in the next few months to a movie theatre. There has been lots of renovations and constructions going on in that facility and I feel very sympathetic for the pastors and staff who have worked endless hours in trying to get everything figured out in that building. They attended and sat in numerous meetings that last at least 3-4 hours, on top of their own responsibilities for the church. I know they will all be glad when this is all over! I continue to pray for each of them as they make final decisions leading up to the first services in the new building. Nevertheless, it was so cool to be a part of all of this process and witness the construction that is going on! I know that God will do great things through Calvary in the future and I am so very excited to see how it all enfolds!

All in all, I have truly enjoyed interning at Calvary, not only because of the experiences I'm encountering but also because everyone who I work with truly show Christ in all that they say and do, in their character and personalities. What also surprises me the most is that, working in an office is really not all about work and busyness! In fact, even though everyone does their own work, they also have a lot of fun, doing pranks to each other once in a while! What a fun environment to work in...seriously! It really gives everyone a break from their work and just have a little fun - I really love that!

To sum it all up, I just had one of the best summers of my life. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything in the world! I'm so thankful to have been given this opportunity and I will definitely remember the past 12 weeks for the rest of my life - so memorable! Thank you so much for your prayers and support this summer...and of course, for reading this blog and following my journey as an intern as I learn more about being in ministry.

And with that, that's a wrap! To God be the glory!

With love in Christ,
Andrea

P.S. Just a few pictures from my internship...

My mentor, Pastor Dan Schmalz, and I on my last day as his intern...bittersweet!

(Proof that I actually did an internship!)

Doing a quick run-through at 7:30 AM for the 2nd orchestra performance! 

They all did a wonderful job! I'm so proud of all of them! 

The group of orchestra members who I was blessed to work with this summer!

Unfortunately, 4 people were not able to make it that Sunday.

Singing and playing for worship - what I get to do for the last half of my internship, which I really enjoy! 

Time to Wrap Things Up!

Well, this is officially my last week! It still hasn't hit me yet - next week, I'll still be interning, but not really doing much - just wrapping things up with an "exit interview" with my mentor. As I look back on this experience, I am so very blessed. Calvary is such a great church with very encouraging congregation and staff. My mentor has especially been so kind to me - a very humble man of God, for sure! I have been welcomed with open arms like I am family, here at the church, and I cannot thank God enough for this wonderful opportunity.

This week, not too much has happened. I co-led worship on Wednesday night and will be singing and playing this Sunday for services. The worship leading experience has helped me tremendously - I have learned a lot from it and gained more confidence each time I do it, whether by myself or with my pastor. Although I wished I had more opportunities to lead, especially in different contexts, I am still encouraged and excited to feel pure joy and excitement as I lead the people of God in worship. My calling to be a part of the music ministry has been confirmed more and more this summer and I'm excited for what lays ahead.

The orchestra ministry is also going well. This Sunday, we will be performing "Give Me Faith" along with "I Exalt Thee." What's cool is that we're going to have someone sing and lead the congregation in singing the hymn at the end and I think it'll have a very, very cool effect! I'm so very excited - this is the climax of the ministry and although some people have "bailed" on me for the performance on Sunday, the rest of the members are committed and ready to perform. I'm seriously blessed for having such a strong group of people who have been given the gift of music and really have become my family. I hope that as they play this weekend, that God would be glorified and that the hearts of the people in the congregation would be moved and ministered to by the music. Unfortunately, there is no one to take over the ministry when I leave, so I'm also praying that it will not completely fade but that someone will step up and lead this ministry in a way that pleases the Lord.

All in all, this week has been one of the craziest weeks this summer, in terms of preparation for the end of my internship with worship, orchestra, music, etc. but I really have learned a lot. Next week, I'll be writing and reflecting about my internship experience as a whole and really look forward to what God has in store for me in the future.

I'm heading back to Wheaton next Saturday for a student leaders' retreat at Honeyrock for a week, then I'll be on campus a week early before classes start. To be honest, I'm not ready to go back yet - I actually feel as if I haven't had a summer. There is still a lot that needs to be done and I don't want to face the challenge that lies ahead for me my senior year. But, I need to trust and have faith - God will help me through every obstacle and challenge that I face! Glory be to God!

Thank you all for your prayers and support this summer...and for reading this blog - remember, last internship blog coming next week!

Love,
Andrea

And There Goes Another Week...

Hey everyone,

Well, I'm down to a week or so left in my internship. Seriously, where did the time go? I can't believe that it's the end of July...it's the end of my summer...and it's almost the beginning of the school year. I'm heading back to Wheaton in about 2 weeks and it seems too unreal that I'll be beginning my LAST year of undergrad! SO CRAZY!

Well, this week was another chill week - not too much happened, except the weekly happenings, so I had a lot of down time. As my internship comes to a close, I actually don't have a lot to do. Orchestra work is dying down - except leading rehearsals. Worship team rehearsals are still going on and so are Wednesday night adult Bible studies. Other than that, nothing too much.

I helped out the worship pastor's assistant getting things done for Child Dedication Sunday this weekend. There are 12 babies/kids getting dedicated and she had to get all the letters, certificates, slides, and Bibles ready to go. I'm glad I was able to help her out some so she didn't have to do all that...after all, I had nothing to do!

My pastor has been busy with the move of the church and everything, so I often feel bad if I interrupt his time or be a burden...but he has always been willing to help in whatever way he can. He is always willing to listen and give advice whenever is needed, which I truly appreciate. I'm always encouraged and blessed to be mentored by him.

But, God has also continued to challenge me to be patient and humble about even the very little things. Sometimes, I find myself being caught up in my own pride and my own satisfaction that I begin to let it get to me. In fact, each day of my internship, I feel frustrated at something or someone about what I am or am not doing, what my pastor is or is not doing, or even other people. I definitely don't take pride in feeling this way, but I know this is also my weakness. Through this, I'm learning more and more about myself and what I need to change. I believe that God is continuing to work in my heart so I can continue to imitate His ways and become more like Him. I'd appreciate your prayers in this - I know that it won't happen overnight and I probably still have to work on it in 10, 20, or even 30 years but I do pray that God would continue to mold and change my heart so that I can be the woman He wants me to be.

Thank you all for reading!

God bless,
Andrea

Where did the time go?!

Hey everyone!

What a fast week! I can't believe it's the end of the week already! This week definitely went by really fast! Couple of significant things though...

Calvary orchestra was a success - they performed for the first time in decades this past Sunday, the 15th. It went well, especially for the first performance. We all received many compliments and look forward to playing again in a few weeks! We had a rehearsal last night (Thursday) for our upcoming performance and it went well - at least a lot better than I expected! I hope as we continue to rehearse and perform, all of the musicians will continue to become more confident in their playing.

I led worship by myself this week for the adult Bible study on Wednesday night. It wasn't too bad for my first time around but I know there is a lot of room for me to still learn and develop. There were still some awkward moments and silences here and there, so that's something I'm definitely going to work on and hopefully it won't be as awkward the next time around.

Other than that, nothing significant really happened...especially since I'm almost done with my internship in the next few weeks. As I finish my time here at Calvary, I'm continued to be challenged and go out of my comfort zone in different areas of worship ministry. With the experiences I received here, I'm looking forward to what God has in store for me in the future!

Till next time,
Andrea

Prayer Request: I haven't had a great week in terms of practicing and my recital date is not going to change, so please continue to pray for my progress in piano and my upcoming recital and grad school auditions. Thank you!

3 Weeks Left...

Hey everyone!

Well, I just came to a realization that I only have about 3-4 weeks left in my internship. Wait, what?! Where in the world did the time go? This saddens me...mostly because I don't want it to end, which means that I'm going back to school pretty quickly. I'm NOT ready for school to start yet!

In other news, this week has been a good and fast week...yet once again! I played for Sunday services this past Sunday and that was such a blast, as always! It's just super fun for me to be a part of a ministry that leads others to worship our Heavenly Father - I get goosebumps every time!

Not too much happened this week, but the orchestra ministry is getting ready to perform for the first time this upcoming Sunday. We just had a dress rehearsal Thursday night and it's finally coming together! I'm more nervous than anything because I'm only directing and not playing so I'm not in control how it actually sounds, but it's still music to the Lord! :) I still cannot believe I successfully created an orchestra...from scratch! It definitely hasn't hit me yet! There are only 17 people in it now, but hey...it's a start! I'm excited for Sunday and really praying that the music that the orchestra plays will fill the hearts of every person in the congregation and will minister to each of them. After all, that is what worship ministry is all about!

This week, I've also had many conversations with my mentor about different things that are going on in my own life and he has been very, very encouraging through all of it. I'm seriously very blessed and thankful for him and for the opportunity to be his intern this summer. I'm looking forward to the rest of the summer! :) Thanks for reading everyone!

With love,
Andrea

Prayer requests:
*I have big decisions to make the next few weeks about my future and things are getting complicated. Please pray for peace so I can listen and follow God's plan for my life.
*My senior recital is in exactly 3 months from today - pray for continued progress as I continue to prepare with the limited time I have. I also got my recital pictures taken this past weekend too...here is one of my favorites! :)

Week 8 Already?!

Hello everyone,

Well, I CANNOT believe it's the end of my 8th week here as an intern at Calvary. Time is flying by and I feel like I just started interning yesterday! It has been a pretty good, yet fast week...that's for sure!

My worship pastor came back from vacation this week and things are going at a fast speed for me now till the end of my internship. We had a service planning meeting Tuesday morning...then a meeting with my pastor. At this time, we were able to catch up with the past 2 weeks and "get back on track" with everything. We talked about creating a new vocal ensemble, Christmas plans, orchestra stuff, etc. On Tuesday, I also finished my 2nd orchestral arrangement - this was a better piece than the last just because now I know what I should do. This piece will be performed on Sunday, August  5th - my last Sunday here as an intern for the summer. The first piece will be performed next Sunday, July 15th so we all need to be ready by then! Ahh!

I didn't intern on Wednesday because the office was closed on July 4th - it was such a productive day personally. I spent 7.5 hours practicing on my piano for my upcoming performances - and I was very encouraged by the productivity and progress I made. Unfortunately, my back and arms are completely sore from it...but recovering fairly quickly now!

Thursday was filled with very few events but very long ones. I had another meeting with Pastor Dan, my mentor (continuation of Tuesday's meeting) and it was a very productive meeting. We talked about what I need to do for the last 4-5 weeks of my internship, leading worship on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday nights, learning more about how to work the sound board, learning how to lead, etc. etc. It is going to be a good, yet very challenging last weeks and I'm super excited! I know I'm going to learn a lot more the next few weeks and I'm especially excited to see what God will do through me through these experiences.

Thursday night was filled with rehearsals - I had to run orchestra rehearsals and had to be a part of the worship team rehearsal for Sunday. Unfortunately, I didn't make it to the worship team rehearsal, but Pastor Dan filled me in on Friday and went through the worship set with me. As of the orchestra rehearsal, it was a very frustrating one - my expectations were not met and my patience was tested. Although it turned out okay, I think I had very high expectations especially with us performing next Sunday - it scares me a bit! But I'm just hoping for the best - these people still have a passion for music and they are still playing their instruments for God's glory. I'm challenged to really discover a way to minister without getting frustrated or annoyed - what a great conviction!

I finished off the week with just wrapping things up on Friday - Fridays are the days when only the worship arts department is in the office and some others on some days. So, I basically just do whatever needs to be done for the week and for Sunday, if needed. It has been a good week and looking forward to more in the next 4-5 weeks! Obstacles and challenges, here I come! :)

Thanks for your support and prayers!

With love,
Andrea

Anddd on to Week 7!

Hello everyone!

Sorry for the late post today - my computer has been at the Mac/Apple store this week for some renovations and I JUST got it back today! But because I haven't had my computer, I haven't been able to work on arranging and recording music this week - especially since my computer is the only one that has the programs and software for that. And plus, my mentor/worship pastor was still on vacation this week. So, it definitely has been a pretty relaxing week!

I actually only went into the office on Wednesday and Thursday, and worked from home on Friday - still managed to work about 15-20 hours this week though! Since I got my computer back at noon today, I didn't feel the need to go to the office - a good 20-minute drive - and decided to just catch up on work that I had missed at home. I mostly finished the orchestra music that I have been trying to arrange...I just need to add a few touches to it for expressions and dynamics - my project for next week.

When I went into the office this week though, I still did my weekly tasks of stuffing bulletins and taking care of the order of services for the pastors for Sunday. I also cleaned the communion trays from this past Sunday - which actually took a little longer than I thought, but they did get cleaned! Then, I decided to help out my worship pastor by getting all the music ready for Sunday since I think he just got back tonight and I don't want him to be too stressed out at the early morning sound check/rehearsal on Sunday morning.

This week, I also led Thursday's orchestra rehearsal and it went very well! Unfortunately, only half of the members were able to attend because the youth were at a church camp this week, but we still managed to polish different spots in the music in preparation for our performance on Sunday, July 15th. I'm excited that everything is coming along so well!

All in all, even though it has been a pretty relaxing week, it has also been a productive week. I got some work done and I can't wait to do more things and even face more challenges in the rest of my internship when my pastor comes back from vacation next week!

Oh, and one last thing...practicing has been much better these past 2 weeks since I wasn't at the office as much. I'm finally able to feel a bit more at ease with my own responsibilities as a music student. Although my repertoire is not up to a point where I want it to be, it is definitely coming along and I am very encouraged by the progress I am making right now! Hopefully it continues to be this way! :)

Thanks again for your constant support and prayers. I say this in every post, but I truly appreciate it!

In Christ,
Andrea

Halfway Through

Hey everyone!

This week marks the halfway point of my internship! 6 weeks in and 6 weeks to go! 

This week has been a particularly busy and chaotic week – it’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) week for the kids at the church. The theme this year is MegaSports Camp: Go Beyond the Gold, where each child signs up to be trained in a sport for 4 nights, while also receiving God’s Word into their lives during the ‘halftime’ sessions and rallies at the end of the night. I have always loved VBS – it is such a joy to watch all the kids who came out, had fun, and some even accepted Christ as their Savior. It was cool to watch them get very excited for each night with the video episodes about a heroic story – filmed by the video staff at the church that featured many other leaders of the kids’ ministry. This week, I had the opportunity to be a “huddle coach” (devotion leader for the halftime sessions) for the volleyball team and talked about how to be a member of God’s team. Some of the kids in 5^th & 6^th grade were also a part of “Ignite” ministry, helping the other kids in VBS engage in the worship songs and stories through skits and human videos. They put a lot of work into it, coming to the church early in the morning every day this week for practice.

Because of those kids, the church was quite chaotic during the daytime since things are needed be done each night. However, the other music intern, Sam, and I were still able to record a few songs of the list our worship pastor gave us for the choir music. He recorded it to his computer while I played the different parts. Through this, I am learning how to record music through MIDI (keyboard) and how easy it was to make it ‘perfect’! It was a great learning experience for sure!

For the rest of the hours, I started writing another orchestral arrangement of a few songs for the orchestra ministry. Unfortunately, it has been a really slow process because it is taking a while for me to think and write harmonies, but I feel like I’m getting faster and faster at it as I have more experience doing it.

That’s pretty much all I did this week. I didn’t work as much in the office because I helped out with VBS from 5:30-9 every night and it took much of my time, but I still managed to still learn a lot about what I am doing, even when I am helping out with the children’s ministry! 

That's all for now. Time to face more challenges in the next 6 weeks! Thanks for your prayers, support, and encouragement - they are truly appreciated! :)

God bless,

Andrea

Good Week With New Experiences!

This week has been a good and encouraging week, perhaps the best week yet because I was actually doing something…completely new and I was put out of my comfort zone!

I spent most of my hours this week arranging music for the orchestra ministry that I am creating from scratch. It was a lot of hard work! Recruiting people was already hard, now I actually have to write the music...because we don't have the "right" instrumentation for regular orchestra music. I’m not so good at composing and arranging music in general that arranging orchestra music served to be a greater challenge. But I did finally get them done for our first orchestra rehearsal Thursday night...took me about 2 weeks to get 1 piece done though! I’m definitely learning as I go especially because I’ve never exactly started an orchestra before. Nevertheless, it was a good week of writing music and just learning even from the musicians during rehearsal on Thursday. What was to be a 3-person orchestra grew to be a 16-person orchestra! It's incredible how God works! I’m so blessed that He sent those people my way and we are all able to share our gifts and talents with one another!

This week, I also had the opportunity to lead worship for the first time…and it was good that my worship pastor was also up there with me to help me along the way. I was very, VERY excited when he told me that we were going to try and start doing some worship leading this week. It was for a Wednesday night adult Bible study, which had a smaller group of people than Sunday morning – a good way to start, especially because it’s a different crowd and feels more “awkward”. I was more nervous because of the fact that I hate hearing my voice through a microphone...let alone, singing! There is a reason why I'm a piano major! I never consider my voice to be all that great, but I'm learning...or trying to, at least! It was definitely a new experience for me!

As Wednesday night rolls around, I became more and more nervous but just like performing on the piano, my nervousness faded as I stood up on stage and started worshipping. In that moment, I just felt a sense of peace coming over me and I began to see my passion for leading worship began to grow. I began to see more and more of what God’s will is for my life, as my calling to this vocation continues to be confirmed. Although I still do not know his exact plan for my life, I know that ministry is no doubt a part of it – I really love and enjoy working at the church the past few weeks and it has given me more joy and happiness each day. I’m thankful for many people at the church who gave me encouraging comments that continued to lifted me up. And I’m especially very encouraged by my worship pastor and mentor who constantly encouraged me each step of the way, giving me advice and critiquing me when and where needed. It’s really a blessing! This whole week has been a great learning experience for me all around and I’m truly blessed to have encouraging people around me to speak to me so that I can continue to create a character of Christ within myself and become His humble and faithful servant. 

However, as I'm going through my internship, it has been very difficult to spend time practicing with the piano (as I have addressed in the past few blogs). I have less than 4 months to get ready for my senior recital and I'm completely overwhelmed because nothing is up to a point where I want it to be. I've been more and more discouraged as I practice and it has proven to be very, very challenging. Although I have not lost my passion for the piano and performing, I am beginning to be hesitant in the plans and expectations I had set for my own life. I have realized in myself more and more that I need to start letting go and surrendering everything to Him. He is my Rock and Strong Tower, my very present help in time of need - a devotional that I read last night when I was at the peak of discouragement. I need strength and wisdom each day to get through because He is faithful to His children. "Lord, help me rest in Your promises."

And that is my prayer request this summer, friends: patience, humility, strength, and wisdom through these challenging times both within my internship and my own life. Again, I thank you for your constant support and prayer for me...I truly, truly appreciate it!

God bless,

Andrea 

Week 3 Already?!

Hey everyone! I'm back with my internship update for the week...I can't believe that it's already almost mid-June and the weeks are flying by fast! 

This week has been a good week – a better week than the last few weeks, mostly because I actually did something! :) However, it has also been one of the longest weeks I've ever had - I have been staying at the church for 11 hours each night. So THIS is what it's like to be a part of the worship department...now, I feel the pain of my worship pastor and his assistant! They work hard to make things happen...it's incredible how much work behind-the scenes they do other than just leading worship on Sunday morning. Seriously, this was very eye-opening for me!

On Tuesday, we started planning Christmas services...yep, we're going to make a big deal out of it! I'm really excited to be a part of its beginning stages, but sad at the same time because I won't be home until a few days before Christmas this year (school runs late!)...but we are planning lots of videos, music, and fun into the services and we have some really cool ideas for it! Actually, my pastor and the other intern pretty much thought of everything...I just sat and wrote things down for them. As you can tell, I'm NOT at all that creative...and I can't just work in a group setting or something! 

Tuesday night, I had my first orchestra ministry meeting...it's happening! Unfortunately, only 3 people showed up, but hey, that's a start! 11 people total are signed up and I'm going to make it happen no matter what! First rehearsal will be held next Thursday so right now I'm trying to arrange the music so that with the appropriate instrumentation. Actually that's pretty much all I did Wednesday and Thursday. I got most of the strings part done...so I just have to add the clarinet, trumpet, and trombone parts in. My thinking right now is that they'll probably just double the strings part because we definitely need a fuller sound...and then I just have to add articulation and dynamic markings, which shouldn't be too bad...but then I have to practice conducting it before rehearsal so I'LL actually be ready and know how to conduct it! So, still lots to do but I'm excited to see what God's going to do with this ministry this summer! 

Thursday night was my first worship rehearsal where I actually play! Yes!!! :) I was sooo excited! I finally get to play the keys after a long time not being a part of the worship team for a few months. I’m continuing to see how much I really love doing music ministry! Ahh, excitement! 

On Friday, I did my normal Friday routines in the morning (stuffing bulletins and make sure everyone gets a copy of the "order of services" for Sunday), then met with my pastor about the paper I'm supposed to write in a couple of weeks. He'll be on vacation for the last 2 weeks in June so I figured it'd be a good time to do it now, so we can work towards something if we need to improve it. This was probably one of the best meetings I’ve ever had with him. We were able to connect and communicate with each other and I learned a lot about worship leading from him, especially the leadership and pastoral aspect of it, giving me some advice and warning me of some things I will encounter as a worship minister. He is putting a challenge for me to lead worship in the next few weeks: co-leading worship during Wednesday night service next week and doing it on my own when he's gone on vacation - then the same thing for Sunday services. I think this is best because I need to start with a smaller "audience" before diving into our huge church services...that scares me...and excited me at the same time though! So, we'll test out some songs and have me sing/lead through them Tuesday afternoon of next week just to get used to microphones and stuff (ugh, I hate how I sound through the microphone...so awkward!)...

Overall, I’m very encouraged this week, especially after my meeting...things are definitely looking up (hopefully it doesn't stop here). Thank you so much for all of your prayers...they are appreciated! I’m continuing to learn with others seeing their strengths and weaknesses as well as my own. Through this internship though, I'm able to see more of God's calling in my life and that is the best part! :)

Until next time,

Andrea

Life Update!

Hey everyone,

So here's the blog I promised you about in a couple posts ago about my life updates, especially regarding grad schools, senior recital, music, etc. Just a warning though, this will be a super long post, mostly because this allows me to "talk through" the craziness in life right now...

After classes and exams ended this past spring, I had 1 week to get ready for my 1-week Discipleship class back at Wheaton. That week, however, I also started doing my internship - well, only observations, but I was at the church at least 6-7 hours a day. While going through the internship, I was also reading 2 books and writing 2 papers for the class because they were due on the first day of class. The class itself lasted for 5 days, 5 hours each day...yeah, it was a LONG class. On top of the 2 papers, we also had to write 3 more papers for the class due a month from the last day of class, so June 18th. When I was packing for that week, I decided not to bring my music along because I figured I'd rather finish all my papers the week I'm at Wheaton and not worry about them when I am actually interning the rest of the summer. Well, that worked out well! I finished all my papers by that Friday AND I even had a few hours to squeeze in some practicing time (and just borrowed the music from the library). That week, I literally felt like a non-conservie! My class started at 12:30 PM and I woke up around 8 AM NOT to practice, but to write papers. It felt weird...but I guess it was good to experience as well!

The class itself was incredible! I'm so glad I took the class...the professor had incredible things to say and I came out of the class learning a lot! There was only 1 other undergraduate student and we were in a class together last semester so it was good not to be the only young one there...the rest were graduate students and I had a blast getting to know them as well! Another exciting thing was that one of those graduate students in my class was from Indonesia. At first, I didn't think too much into it but he asked me to be his friend on Facebook and it turns out that his wife is my mom's cousin! Yep, you heard right! It's been more than 30 years since my mom talked to her cousin because they got disconnected when they were younger, but they re-connected...through Facebook! This was truly a blessing! I wouldn't have been able to meet them if I didn't take this class! It was nice for them to invite me over to their house and we were able to re-unite somehow, even though I never knew them growing up! God is so good!

Alright, back to life: after I got home from the class, I immediately started my internship...officially (which you can read about each week in this blog). Thankfully, I get Mondays off from the internship, so Mondays and Saturdays (and Sundays) are my days when I can really sit down and practice for at least 6 hours, while also trying to fit in some time to practice violin. I also teach for a few hours on Monday since that's the only day I can actually teach, so my day "off" is not exactly a day off! I feel a bit disappointed that I'm not able to practice as much as I wanted...especially since I realized my senior recital with all of my grad school repertoire in less than 19 weeks. October 13th is coming sooner and sooner. Why won't time stop for once?! It is quite overwhelming...I'm worried that I won't be able to get everything polished and memorized by then! Yeah I've learned all the notes but that's only the beginning and I have about 4 months to pull it together somehow. 

As of grad schools, I've actually researched them last summer and got information from them. Decisions and applications are getting a bit complicated because I will not be entering grad school for piano right after I graduate with my undergrad. If you don't know, I was accepted into the Accelerated MA program in Christian Formation & Ministry (focusing in Children's & Families' Ministry) at Wheaton - which basically means that you finish your Masters in a year. The way it works is that you take some classes (up to 16 credits) of the Masters program during your senior year of undergrad. Well, unfortunately things aren't looking quite that way. Because I'm currently a double major trying to graduate in 4 years, I don't have that much room to fit in 16 credits. In fact, I only have room for 10 credits to take my graduate classes...so I'll be taking grad classes in the fall. Yeah, call me crazy...I don't know what I'm doing...

(Stay with me here, I know it's a bit complicated to grasp and it doesn't end here...)

The problem with my schedule is that I'm not sure if I'll actually be able to graduate in 1 year for my Masters. I can only if I take 16 credits per semester as a graduate student...which I heard is called suicide, but doable. So right now, I'm not even sure if I can make it happen in 1 year...or if I have to stay for the summer right after my undergrad. Who knows. Again, decisions...

So because of this program, I can't go right away to grad school for piano. Here's where it gets MORE complicated. I actually have to apply and audition this upcoming year as if I'm entering grad school for piano in the fall of 2013. And then, I'd have to defer my decision to a year later. The reason I decided to defer instead of just applying the year after is because I'm already preparing a huge list of repertoire for my senior recital and I wouldn't be able to spend that much time with the piano the year I'm finishing my MA at Wheaton anyway. So, I've had to change plans on grad schools based on their allowance for deferrals, looking into some that I really didn't want to go to. I've narrowed the list down to 7 schools and I'm so glad I actually finished the applications for them the past few weeks. Now, I just have to practice and audition! 

SOOO, this has been my summer and what I'm dealing with in my head. I'm really loving interning at the church and doing music ministry - and more than ever do I feel God calling me into that ministry. At the same time, I still find joy in practicing piano and performing (just not the sense of frustration because I'm behind). In the fall, I'll be starting my senior year and my "first year" of my MA, along with my senior recital, grad school applications & auditions, chapel band, theory TA, orchestra, and teaching piano. I really cannot feel more blessed for all of these opportunities but thinking about all of this drains and overwhelms me! Soooo much to do! 

So yeah. I'm overwhelmed...perhaps the most I've ever felt. But I can still feel God's presence and peace in the midst of it all. I'm really learning how to trust and surrender more than any other. I like to have things organized in my head and if I draw my cards right, it'll all work out. Well, God is definitely telling me otherwise. I know He wants me to let go and let Him take care of things...everything! It's been a challenge for me to walk through this process and I'm asking for His help each and every day. I would appreciate your prayers at this time as well. There are many decisions that I need to make regarding all of these things, and I pray for wisdom from Him. He has the master plan for my life. Who am I to control my own life? Besides, I'm here on earth to glorify and praise His wonderful Name! I'm reminded each day during my quiet time and devotions that even though I often fail, God still loves me because His love never fails! I know that I'm not the only one struggling with this, so I pray that if you are in this position, you will also overcome this obstacle. God is truly faithful and He will never leave us nor forsake us. Just hold on to that promise. 

Well, that's about it. A part update and a part reflection. Thank you so much for reading about my life and struggles the past month since the semester ended. I'm thankful for each of you and for your constant support, encouragement, and prayers. Let us all continue to live our life as best we can for the sole purpose of glorifying our heavenly Father! To God be the glory!

In His love,

Andrea

The Internship Continues...End of Week 2

Well guys, this is the end of my week 2. Unfortunately, this week turned out to be a little more frustrating than last week. If you didn't read my post last week, I mentioned about being stressed out because I have nothing to do - or at least very limited things to do. This week, the same thing happened but a little worse. I did try to find something to do for myself though, and my worship pastor's assistant gave work for me to do so that was good.

To recap though, I attended my first staff meeting on Tuesday, which was pretty cool! It was 45 minutes of quick updates from each ministry within the church and it was cool to hear about the stories through the work God is doing in our church! We also start renovations this week in our new facility, which is so exciting! It looks different already...JUST from the carpet removal from the wall. Then, another intern and I met with our worship pastor to brainstorm some ideas as we move to our new facility. Lots of "big plans" coming up and we're hoping they'll actually happen! :)

Wednesday, I didn't do much, mostly because my worship pastor ended in the ER that morning! He did something to his back the night before and doing much better now. So that morning, I just did more research on orchestra music, contacted several people, and trying to find things to do. We had our service planning meeting that afternoon (although delayed for an hour) and got some ideas going for the next few Sundays. That night, I recruited some young students for the orchestra ministry I'm reviving and attended the youth group. Unfortunately, only 1 extra person signed up - but I'm still praying for more!

Thursday, I had a meeting with the worship pastor from Westgate Chapel to get some ideas for the orchestra ministry. Although I'm glad that some people have graciously volunteered, I wish more would sign up! I'm just praying and hoping more people would be involved in the coming weeks. Lots of ideas (and music) were given to me at that meeting though and I'm excited that this is actually happening at Calvary! I did a lot of research for the rest of the day at work, for other kinds of music that is appropriate for the level of the musicians, and thinking through little details for the ministry. I stayed that night for worship rehearsal so I can learn about the sound system - I was so overwhelmed to sit in the sound booth and just literally starred at the different buttons to figure what it does. So complicated! This is definitely one thing I want to learn before I leave my internship.

On Friday, I didn't really do much around the office...I wish I did though. I cleaned the communion bread and cup holders with Windex - who knew that thing gets so dirty?! Then, my Friday routine of printing out the order of service and distributing them to respective pastors and places around the sanctuary. Then, I spent an hour stuffing bulletins with paper for sermon notes and list of graduates (graduation Sunday this Sunday!)...that took a long time! The bulletins came in the late afternoon, so I waited a while for that thing to arrive...but it's finished. I was also assigned to do some research for music ideas for the upcoming Christmas services - since we'll be in the new building this Christmas. I didn't get too far on that, because it's not as easy as I had expected! Oops.

Well, there goes my week. This week, I've been struggling a lot with the idea of "what am I doing as my internship?"To be honest, my first answer would be: “Umm…I’m not too sure.” That’s exactly how I feel about this internship. I feel like there is a lot to do as a worship pastor and there isn’t one specific thing that working on or anything...besides the orchestra ministry, I guess. Because of a few special services this summer and my pastor being on vacation 2 weeks in June, I haven’t been able to play in the worship team or lead worship – which somewhat upsets me, because the vision I had for this internship, is to learn how to lead worship and become a worship pastor.

Well, I really shouldn't complain - I'm definitely getting acquainted with the duties of a worship pastor - which is quite different than what I had imagined. My pastor has definitely allowed me to be involved on most of these "administrative" side of things so I really appreciated that. Lots of planning for services, music, production teams, bulletins, graphics, video, and the list goes on and on. So yeah, I'm learning a lot - but not what I had envisioned. So I think I just need to change my mindset and attitude and work through it because I really am learning, just not in the way I had wanted. I know it will take a while to get used to – I just hope in the bigger realm of things, I can walk away from this internship learning a great deal. Right now, I just have to think outside the box, and it has served to be quite challenging for me, but I continue to pray for God to give me the patience and ability to learn when I am out of my comfort zone.

I'm definitely being reminded to be thankful in the midst of different challenges this week. Gotta push through. I would appreciate your prayers in this process. Thank you for your constant support for me!

In Christ's love,
Andrea

And the Internship Begins...

Hello all!

Well today is the end of my first official week doing my internship. It was actually a good start...getting to know everyone on staff and doing some things that will be useful in the future. I did a lot with Planning Center, scheduling things in online for Sunday services and other special services. I'm beginning to like it, because it organizes everything for us...and if you don't know me well, I loveeee organization! I have also decided that I'm going to try learning to play the drums and guitar this summer while I'm here with my internship. I'm working with people who are SO good at them, I might as well learn from them! ;)

However, I am beginning to learn that I am different than a lot of people on this team. I am very work-minded and I get super stressed out when I don't have a specific thing to do because things are literally scattered everywhere! Yeah, I know...it's actually really weird. But when I'm sitting in my cubicle with an assignment given by my mentor, I finish it at a very fast-paced rate. Some people in the office seem so relaxed and chilled...which makes the environment so relaxing and I love it, but I'm so used to working in an environment where there is a lot of stress. So now I'm getting used to this "laid-back" work environment, which honestly is not too laid-back because there is a lot that needs to get done but these people are not stressed about it (or it doesn't seem like they are)! It amazes me! Maybe it's because I was just in a 1-week intensive class and I did all that I could to finish all the assignments ahead of time (5 papers all done in 1 week). And I guess that's how I am with my classes during the year too. So I get stressed out when there is a lot work, but I also get stressed out when there is not enough work for me to do! What?! Yeah, I have come to conclusion that I'm just plain weird or something! In all seriousness though, I think I am learning how to work with others. I like doing things my way and doing things at my own pace, but it is a valuable lesson to work with others. Ministry is NOT a one-man job and I want to make sure I have that mindset.

I really am learning a lot through this internship, even just this 1 week, so I'm looking forward to the 12 more weeks that are to come! Although I wish we all can stay focus all the time, I am learning that there is a time of rest and relaxation as well and how that plays out in this kind of environment. It's weird that it's hitting me now rather than the past 3 years while in college. I definitely know that, but it just isn't hitting me quite yet until this internship, I guess.

But God is so good. He allows me to learn all of these things by being in this kind of environment. Although sometimes I find it hard to connect with some people, I really do love the people I am working with. God created us all so uniquely with different personalities and I appreciate that. I'm continuously being reminded by how faithful He is and I'm so thankful! I am blessed to have been given this opportunity to intern at my home church and I love being here! Right now, however, I have something else that is overwhelming me more than this internship though: graduate schools. Ahh, so overwhelming! Updates will be given later on in this blog, but right now I just need to pray and surrender to Him all. I'm reminded of Psalm 37:3-7...
               Trust in the Lord and do good;
                     dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
               Delight yourself in the Lord
                     and He will give you the desires of your heart.
               Commit your way to the Lord;
                     trust in Him and He will do this:
               He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
                     the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
What a wonderful reminder! And with that, until the next post! Thanks for your prayers during this busy summer!

In Christ's love,
Andrea

1 Thing Finished!

Hey guys!

Today marks the last day of my intensive discipleship class and my last night at Wheaton until August. Although there was a lot of work and I felt out of place at times (I was one of the 2 undergraduate students), I learned SO much in that class on how to be a disciple of Christ. Seriously...that was probably one of my best friends classes ever! I learned a lot!

This week has been a hard, yet good week. Even though I had this class, I had time before and after class to spend time with my Heavenly Father. In fact, that was the goal of all of the assignments was to meet God. I didn't bring my music with me because I thought I wouldn't have time to practice, but I did check out some of the music from the library. I was able to practice some this week, but not much. I was able to finish all the papers that are due for this class this week though! I'm really blessed for this time of rest, because I haven't had the chance to rest since probably Christmas break, so I am enjoying this time to be still and relax :)

This week, I was really blessed with a very cool discovery. In my discipleship class, I met a pastor from Indonesia...and it turns out we were related! Yeah, not joking! His wife is my mom's cousin. WOW! After a whole week of class, I really believe that it was God's plan for me to be a part of this class - to meet my family who lives at Wheaton. It was amazing! So thankful for God's perfect plan!

Now, I'm headed back to Toledo (tomorrow afternoon) to spend the rest of the summer doing my music internship. I'm really looking forward to being home because it's been lonely here at Wheaton. No one is here and I don't know too many people who are here. BUT, it's been a wonderful week making new friendships with those in my class and my roommates here in this apartment. It's been quite a blessing. But, now I'm heading home to continue the work God has called me to do. I'm looking forward to being able to practice piano again. Preparations for graduate school and senior recital will officially begin!

Thank you so much for reading this blog and for the support you have given to me! I hope you are all having a wonderful summer! May God bless you all!

Love,
Andrea

Quick Updates!

Quick updates!

Junior year is officially done and summer has approached! …that means…discipleship class, internship, grad school prep, recital prep, etc. Ahhh! The semester was very rough, but by God’s grace, I pulled through! He is SO faithful to me! My brother and my mom also graduated this year, so that was another huge milestone for our family! What an awesome blessing!

Anyway, this week was my first week doing my internship at Calvary! …actually, my first official week starts in 2 weeks and this week was only doing observations around the office, following the pastor around, and helping him if there is anything that needs to be done. It was a good experience just to be exposed to the schedules and activities that are done as a music pastor. Obviously, I did not really get to do much, but I was able to plan out what I am going to be doing the next 12-13 weeks here at Calvary…and it will be quite a journey! Each day, I pray that God will keep working in my life, as I open myself up to a new “world” of music. May God continue to challenge me so that I can continue to use my gifts for His glory!

Now I am off to Wheaton for a 1-week intensive Discipleship class, then I will be back to officially start my internship on May 22! I will hopefully update my blog as I go through my internship and keep you all posted at what God is doing!

In Christ,

Andrea

God's Gift of Music

Hello all! :)

I'm actually blogging...in the middle of the busiest semester yet...imagine that! I actually wanted to blog to express my gratitude and thankfulness for the work God has done in my life and share that with those who are reading this, specifically in terms of music. 

Today, I uploaded a video of my most recent performance on the piano - my junior recital here at Wheaton last October - on Facebook and YouTube because my family in Indonesia weren't able to see it live. As I sat in my room, listening and watching to this recording, I was moved...not because it sounded great, but actually because I have been given such a gift - a gift that I often take for granted in this materialistic world. In fact, I never imagined in a million years to be here at Wheaton, learning and enhancing my gift of music, and even sharing it with others with great joy and delight! 

Then, I began to look back through my high school performances, specifically my very first orchestra debut with the Youth Orchestra - a time when, looking back, I knew nothing more about piano than black notes on a page or about performing with an orchestra! I've always done competitions, festivals, and contests, but this experience was a huge milestone in my life - an experience I will always remember:

It is such a humbling feeling to know and realize how I have been incredibly blessed by this gift of music that my Heavenly Father gave me. I was only a junior in high school - 4 years ago - when I performed the piece in the video above. But, 4 years later, this is where I am now...

What a huge journey I have been on! Sometimes I don't even realize how much I've improved as a musician, but now it's even more evident that God is truly using my gift of music to minister to His people. In fact, this has been my biggest passion ever since I was a young girl - to become a worship leader and music minister - one who does not bring glory to herself, but to her Heavenly Father in heaven. I am truly humbled to be sitting here in my dorm room, in awe of the wonders of Christ and the way I have matured not only musically and technically, but spiritually as well. God continues to break me down each and every day in order that I see more of His holiness! Thank you, Lord! 

You're welcome to listen to the videos above and may you be blessed through it! However, I don't want to take credit for these performances - they are God's and God's alone. May His Name continue to be glorified!

In Christ,

Andrea

What a Wonderful Opportunity!

Hello all,

If you’re reading this, I have to apologize first and foremost for not writing on this blog for a while…a good 3-4 months. Guess I’m not so good at blogging, especially when classes are in session. Sorry about that! I probably won’t be writing for a while either because this upcoming semester will be crazy busy!

I’m sitting here in my dorm room once again for another semester to start. Today will be my last “free” day before the semester starts…it is so hard to believe that I only have 3 semesters left before I graduate! But I’m going to enjoy this last day doing whatever I want! :D

There is also something that I want to share with all of you if you’re reading this, as I have wanted to post this blog for a few days. As many of you may know, I have had a huge passion in doing music ministry in the future. I am so very happy and excited to share that I’ll be doing a full-time internship opportunity this upcoming summer as a Worship Arts intern at my home church, Calvary Assembly of God in Toledo, OH. This will be a new and exciting experience for me, and I am beyond anxious to get started!

I am so very thankful to have this opportunity, especially during this time of transition that my church is going through with moving buildings. I had a meeting with the music pastor at Calvary the other day and I am very excited as to what I will be learning this summer. There are so many things that we both talked about doing and I am so ready for everything to unfold! I know that I’ll be learning A LOT from this experience, not only toward worship leading, but also with my relationship with Christ. Through all of this, my passion to lead worship continues to deepen.

I am grateful to the staff at Calvary for allowing me to be a part of their team this summer. But most importantly, I thank God for giving me this gift…it is such an honor and privilege to serve a God like our God. I will try to post updates on this blog a few times a week this summer to keep you posted about my journey as a Worship Arts intern. Thank you everyone for all of your love and support for me!

Love in Christ,

Andrea