On October 24th my ASU Women's Chorus performed at Camelback Bible Church with the Men's Chorus. The women were truly amazing and I am so proud to conduct them. I will later post a recording of their performance, but this is a picture of me conducting their processional. They surrounded the audience and sang three African pieces. Way to go ladies!
I have an incredible seminary building to teach in. We are very lucky to have it and recently an air hockey table was donated! But the seminary building has some issues--one of the doors will not unlock so we prop it open (birds have flown in twice!), and we have some bugs. Here is a picture of the scorpion that almost stung me last week. I was all alone after the students left, packing up my things and I looked down and this was maybe 2 inches from my big toe. Yikes!
This past week (October 27-31) Abby and I flew to Minnesota to do research for my final paper so that I can actually graduate! Matt stayed in Tempe to teach his classes and work on his dissertation. He had a very productive few days. Abby and I went to Northfield, MN to see St. Olaf College. My cousin Melissa just happens to live less than a mile from the school so we were extremely fortunate to be able to stay with her. Abby absolutely loved Melissa, her daughter Lexus and husband Jeremy. We are so very grateful that they allowed us to stay. Melissa was so wonderful--watching Abby while I went up to the school and even having dinner ready when I finished each day. Lexy played with Abby and Abby just loved her! Thanks Melissa & Lexy!
While at St. Olaf I had the opportunity to see some amazing choirs and very dedicated directors and students. I saw two rehearsals of their St. Olaf Choir and was blown away by the dedication of the students. They have an incredible program and I feel I gained much more than my research while I was there. I feel renewed as a conductor, teacher and person. I was fortunate to interview a renowned conductor, Anton Armstrong for two hours at his home. Here is a picture of my with Anton Armstrong after their Friday rehearsal.
Abby and I flew home on Saturday--Halloween! She was able to sit in her own seat like a big girl! She kept saying, "side, side" which means "outside." She loved looking out the window and trying to climb up the seat she was sitting in. It was a long process to get from Minnesota to Phoenix, but we both made it safe and sound! She is the best traveling buddy I could ever ask for!
Our Church had a wonderful Trunk or Treat with dinner outside and a Harry Potter theme inside. It was designed like Diagon Alley and featured Olivander's Wand Shop, Flourish and Blotts and more! It was a great party. Here is a picture of one of the Wand Shop.
Matt, Abby and dressed up as witches and a wizard. Matt with his amazing ability to find great things on-line for low prices found his wizard costume and my witch costume. Abby's very cute costume came from my sister Tiff. Thanks Tiff! Our costumes were a hit. No one knew who Matt was, I was mistaken for one of the young women a couple times (must be the wig), and everyone, I mean everyone thought Abby was simply adorable. They were still talking about how cute she was at Church on Sunday!
Abby and her very cute friend Indy Lee!
Matt and Abby "Trunk or Treating!" We didn't really get much candy. We don't need it!
Jen and Abby at the cake walk. We won yummy cupcakes!
What an incredible October!
