Friends and other blessings...

(Trying Columbian soda for the first time!!!!)

(Me, Mook and the king...!)

(Some really awesome gal pals...we were on our way to dinner!)

Hello dear readers! Welcome again to my journal:) I promised to add smaller entries more often, so here goes... I must say that one aspect of coming to school that I never pondered much over was that of making friends.In my mind, I saw myself studying music and practicing into the wee hours of the morning, and being solely focused on my work without regard to creating friendships and learning to rely on those closest around you. I have been so incredibly blessed in not only having the most wonderful roommate (her nickname is Mook!) , but also having the chance to be with so many other Christian young ladies on campus.

(Watching the stars and playing games at night on the beach!)

This past weekend, the Christian group here on campus-CRU- took a weekend retreat over in North Miami beach. The goal of this time was to allow all of the young believers on campus to have a chance to draw closer to God, to each other, and to the realization that we need the support that comes from being a part of God's family and fellowshipping with our brothers and sisters...

These are just a few pictures that I took from this special weekend. Each photograph holds a beautiful memory for me and symbolizes the importance of having true friends. These young people are close to my heart, and are part of my family away from home...

My Final Farewell

Dearest Friend,


This afternoon I had the immense pleasure of performing for a benefit luncheon for the Anson County Arts Council in Wadesboro, NC. For quite some time now, plans had been underway for this event-and I was very honored to be able to participate.

The Arts Council has been such an incredible means of encouragement and support to me as a student artist- providing me with performance opportunities, helping me gain exposure etc... When approached by one of the board members about being the guest performer for this afternoon's lunch, I was thrilled accept!

For the past few years, the Arts Council has been putting on three "Bach's Lunches" over the summertime in an effort to gain support for their renovation project of the old Ansonia Theatre ( a wonderful historic theatre in downtown Wadesboro with an intensely rich biography!)

In appreciation for all that has been afforded me through the council and its kind board members, I composed a special piece of music for this Bach's Lunch and titled it "Ansonia". I do believe it was received well...:)I consider my time spent with the council as a truly sweet time in my life. Now, as I prepare to begin my professional career as a composer, all the memories and faces of gentle souls who warmly prodded me along as a child and into my young adult years flood back to me, and the Arts Council holds many such dear faces.

May the most remarkable and enduring of blessings be with these kind people, and may their efforts to strengthen and encourage the youth of our community through the world of art never be forgotten.

Affectionately Yours,

Kate

p.s. I hope you enjoy a few of the photos I have enclosed below!








My mom and I arrived at the church at around 11:20 a.m. Imagine our surprise when we saw this sign outside! It was a pleasantly warm afternoon, brimming with promises of a beautiful time of fellowship and music. What a combination!






Haha- can you tell that I talk with my hands??? This shot was taken from across the dining table by my mother, who thought my engrossing account of how music is built around "themes" would make for an...interesting photo. Thanks, mom. :) (Although now that I think of it, I don't look very excited, do I? Just a thought...)











I played altogether six pieces of music, ranging from the first song I ever performed as a student composer, all the way to a piece that I finished two nights ago-"Ansonia". I composed and dedicated this music to the Anson County Arts Council, and performed it in honor of the future young artists who will one day grace the stage of the renovated Ansonia Theatre...

A very kind gentleman complimented my playing and asked me if I wanted to go to New York one day to pursue my endeavors there---now, do I ever??

Following the performance, I had the opportunity to talk with some of the wonderful people who came to the luncheon. We shared a good deal of smiles and hugs and made promises to meet again. I intend to keep that promise!

Getting Ready for College...At Last

Hi There! It's been awhile since my last post and I am hoping to fall back into the groove of writing again. It's been another year of growth and learning for me-in my faith, schooling, music, and essentially entire life. Over the past months, seemingly insurmountable obstacles have been conquered, broken hopes and dreams restored, and a resurgence in my faith in Christ as my only hope and redemption has blossomed within me. Soli Deo Gloria.
The chapter in my life entitled "HIGH SCHOOL" is finally finished- including years' worth of writing, re-writing, and editing. Now, as my university education looms ever nearer, I look back at all the many wonderful blessings and memories during the past four years and cherish each with a happiness that seems to grow every day. Truly, the days for me now are bittersweet. It is with joy that I enter college life with many wonderful plans for pursuing music composition, but I also long for the comfort and rest found within the arms of my family. My prayer is that my trust will be rooted firmly in the Lord, and that I will look to Him always.
In two months' time, I shall step on the campus grounds of the University of Miami and (hopefully!) enter an exciting time of my life. My roommate and I are communicating back and forth, eagerly sharing ideas for what to bring, how to prepare, and praying about how we can be shining lights for the Lord while at school!
I hope to post more regularly, and look forward to sharing this journey with you all!