Travel in the age of a global pandemic looks a bit different these days, but one thing I've learned as a Traveling Art Minister (and having traveled overseas a week after the 9-11 terrorist attacks) is that we as humans can learn to adapt during incredible circumstances as we need to. Life finds a way.
Before COVID-19 became a global pandemic I had already purchased my airline tickets for a planned Art Ministry trip to Texas. Once the pandemic became a thing the whole world has had to hold plans with open hands and flexibility as there has been so much uncertainty and unknowns with health and safety and restrictions and the stability of anything. So I patiently watched and waited to see if I would still be able to take my trip. I spent a lot of time in prayer tuning my heart to the conversation that God was having with me and with those I was scheduled to come alongside. Months went by. It was touch and go for a bit, but as the time for my trip came closer everything worked out and with peace in my heart (and lots of prayer covering from my Commissioning Circle, Ke Aha Ohana, and friends and family) I was able to travel at a time when a lot of people have been choosing not to travel due to fears or inability.
My trip to Texas this time brought me to the Austin/Roundrock area where my hosts were long time dear friends (I've known for 30 years) who have spoken into my life and encouraged my artistic and ministerial endeavors at various points throughout. On this trip I was able to come alongside them to encourage their creativity and to celebrate in their accomplishments.
My friends are creatively active within fine arts, crafts, and performance production (along with many other talents). Marc founded The LoneStar Saber Academy, a Star Wars themed cosplay performance company that trains members to perform light saber duels for city-wide events. Heidi founded Esthers Corner, an artisan craft business selling at art shows and events. Marc and Heidi are the Arts Ambassadors for the city of Roundrock. Shane and Jillian founded Silver Entertainment Arts, a dance and drama production company. Ken is a photographer and artist and a train model builder. Carmilla paints and is the Director of Arts Ministry at their church. The whole family is talented (even the kids!) While I was with them all on this trip I was able to experience many aspects of their creative activities and I got the opportunity to help support them in various ways (this was a real treat for me, as they have supported me in so many ways over the years).
Also on this trip (like many other trips) I was able to visit art galleries and attend art shows, view street art, and have creative conversations with artists that I met along the way. Maybe it was the nature of this trip (happening during a global pandemic and a national time of racial unrest and politically charged division...which has created a lot of uncertainty for people, a lot of fears, a lot of desperation due to hardships, and a lot of distrust) that kept me alert for interactions or maybe it was that my spiritual ears and eyes were opened in paying attention...but there were some specific moments in meeting people that I was compelled to interact and help support the artists in my path (through taking the time to converse, listen, purchase art, give a financial donation, encourage creativity, and even pray for them). In Roundrock...one artist owned a gallery for local artists to submit to themed exhibits and she had a studio in the back where she offered classes to kids. A couple of artists I met at a local art show featuring black artists. One artist I met at a local co-op gallery that sold art to help support the arts in Roundrock. And one artist I met in a parking lot in Waco, she was offering portrait sketches in the heat of the day to anyone who might take the time to help support. Each of these encounters were memorable for me as I took the time to see them...to talk story, listen, and truly see them, and then compelled to engage in supporting them (however I heard God prompt me). If I had any doubts about if I should take the risk and travel at this time, it was moments like these that showed me I was right where I was supposed to be. I love how God (in His goodness and faithfulness) will take one person from point A and one person from point Z and work all kinds of maneuvering to have them meet up at point M at the exact time for a very specific encounter and conversation that can be pivotal and practically life changing. That's the nature of the God who knows us and sees us and hears us and is with us...the God who LOVES us so much...down to the details.
A big surprise that took place on this trip was that I was chosen to be the Maid of Honor for Marc and Heidi's Star Wars themed 25th Wedding Anniversary Vow Renewal Ceremony...and then a very last moment surprise (due to circumstances related to COVID-19, Plan A and Plan B had to be scrapped and Plan C was initiated)...I got to officiate the Ceremony! It was held at a rented outdoor amphitheater with a very small private party with physical distancing and face masks (for those who chose). The theme and setting was a fun way to celebrate their 25th. I was so honored to be a part of Marc and Heidi's celebration, as I had been in the wedding party during their original wedding too!
photo credits: VX Photography
There were many other fun things I got to do while I was in the Austin/Roundrock area...but for this post I just wanted to focus on the creative conversations that I was able to be a part of (and there were so many, so I've had to summarize). It was definitely a trip that created some wonderfully fun memories and as I boarded my plane to head back to Idaho I marveled at what I had just been allowed to experience.
My takeaway from traveling during a global pandemic...2020 is the year of clear vision. We have a choice in what we want to see. We can choose to see chaos and disruption, fear and panic, struggle and uncertainty, hatred and division. This paints a bleak picture of life. Or we can choose to see the beauty in each other's eyes, the resilience of the human spirit, and the joy in everyday moments that speak hope. Our stories are meant to encourage (even the parts that are hard and full of pain) they are meant to inspire each other. We need to look beyond the fear, beyond the face masks and allow ourselves to truly see each other. Let's not let this thing tell us who we are. For we are beautiful and amazing and we can do hard things. We each have the capacity to be loving, to be kind, to be patient, to be gracious, to be forgiving, to be generous, and to be peacemakers. For such a time as this we were created...to be the hands and feet of Jesus...to love people and to shine His hope (His light in the darkness) wherever we go. Love finds a way.
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