Hmmmmm ... NOT.
Many thanks to my parents for not saying "I told you so."
Other than working in a church setting, I hadn't figured out how to use my training in a way I found truly productive. I knew I wasn't an entertainer or cut out for teaching, so what do you do?
Pan through several years in Corporate America and then even more time as a stay-home mom. The question of my life in recent years has been "What will I be when I grow up?"
In my experiences leading music at church, I felt the most comfortable and at home when I was operating in smaller, more intimate settings where there was more of a healing focus -- whether it was at women's retreats or healing prayer services. Was there anything beyond that? I didn't know.
While listening to NPR last year, I heard a story on healing music. It was so intriguing that I got online and did a web search on the subject. This is where I discovered the MHTP website.
So what is MHTP?This is straight from the student handbook, folks:
"The Music for Healing and Transition Program is a course of study which, in recognition of music as a therapeutic enhancement to the healing process and the life/death transition, prepares musicians to serve the ill and/or dying, and all those who may benefit, by providing live music as a service to create healing environments. Our graduates are Certified Music Practitioners (CMP). To advance our student interns in the development of their skills, we affiliate with healthcare facilities and community organizations."
This sounded like THE program for me to pursue. Problem was, they are located in New York. The training involves several weekend modules and a full-blown internship. Since I'm still that stay-home mom, it just wasn't practical for me to pursue this until Em was older or had graduated from high school.
But this is something I was willing to wait for. No problem.
Much to my surprise, I received an email from MHTP on January 1 saying that they were bringing their training to the Kansas City area, and was I interested in applying.
WAS I INTERESTED?!?!?
... and now thanks to many of you, here I am -- a student with MHTP.
I still have to pinch myself.
3 comments:
Cindy, I'm so proud of you! It's not often that I'm priveleged to witness God working in someone's life so clearly. He's really got His hand on you, and it's amazing to see how you're already growing and changing (becoming more confident, at ease, present) even at the beginning of this long journey.
I can't wait until you're a certified CMP and ready to take on the enemies of disease and fear of death. They have a formidable adversary, to say the least! Thanks for enabling us to be a part of this journey. Bless you. Love, -art
With a voice like yours, it's obvious that this is God-given. Even when it takes years to find how God wants to use us, it's never too late to start a new venture when God orchestrates the paths of the venture. God, in His timing, has prepared you for this season of your life. May you find contentment and joy as you bring the same to others. What a privilege to minister to those that others may have forgotten about. This has an eternal purpose, even when you may not see it. We love you beyond words. Pam, Doug, and kids
Cindy, this is just an incredible format that you have put together! We will look forward to viewing it and keeping up with what you are learning. We just continue to be so excited for you. What a blessing you will be to so many people. We will continue to undergird you with our prayers for God to enable and direct your path as you go through this journey.
We are so blessed that you are a part of our lives. We love you, precious Daughter-in-law!
Mom & Dad Purifoy
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