What I enjoyed most though was (and is) the people! So many of them have become wonderful friends, the best kind of church family!
A couple of weeks ago I found out that I had been recommended to another church in the area, one that was looking for a Music Director. Some conversations, an interview and such, and I was asked how I felt about joining them. They have a lovely, enthusiastic choir, they are very similar to the doctrines that I grew up with...and they have a wonderful (real) grand piano (something that doesn't exist in many churches in the lake area nowadays!!) Definitely enticing!
After a lot of soul-searching...especially relating to leaving a congregation I love dearly...I decided that this was a place where I could fill a need and be immersed in the rich music I've loved so much in the past. I finally realized that all the dear friends I have in the other congregation will still be a part of my life...they will still be as close as the phone or lunch! Does it get any better than that?
This past Sunday (my last day) though was a day of many hugs and tears. The pastor came in before the first service with a beautiful basket of flowers and set them right in front of my piano. Would you believe that in all the years I was a florist, I never received a bouquet like this!!!! I did many of them for lots of other people...this time it was my turn to be thrilled!
To this remarkable group of friends, you are beautiful people and I love you dearly. I hope that the music I've played for you touched you as much as you have touched my life.