To this end, also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
~2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
Blog
And we’re off!
It's been a whirlwind few days but such a blast. Since Daley and Rachael arrived on Sunday night we've taught 7 classes in 3 different studio locations and learned about 15 minutes of choreography. Last night we had a little showing and send off. Thank you to everyone who came out–especially to Daniel Diaddigo for his encouragement and leadership. God has been teaching us so much already and we are incredibly expectant as to what He has planned.
We just wanted to thank a few people before we left:
- Our parents, for supporting us and encouraging us to be obedient to His voice even when it causes them to worry.
- All of you–for praying for us and encouraging us. It means a lot to know that we have a team behind us interceding and cheering us on.
- Courney Bromwich and Sawnee School of Ballet for donating studio space
- Eleanor Rogers and Still Pointe Studios for hosting rehearsals and our send off
- Rhonda Oltjenbruns and Kathy Thomas for inviting us to teach for the Praise in Motion workshop and allowing us to rehearse in the space.
Each one of you is a gift and encouragement!
I've scheduled some posts and prayer updates while we are gone. Be sure to sign up for the webletter if you would like them emailed to you.
Thank you again for your partnership in this adventure!
[pray for us]…that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
~2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
When dreams collide
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” “A missionary!” my eight-year-old self enthusiastically replied.
“So, what do you want to do with your life?” “I want to bring hope and dignity through dance and invite people into a story greater than their own–the story of Jesus” my twenty-one-year-old self would reply.
I guess my answer hasn’t really changed much.
When I was eight, I imagined myself sharing Jesus in a foreign country (one in particular but it shall remain unnamed). Maybe translating scripture in the jungle or living in a trash heap like Daddy’s former college roommate, or dodging the government with an underground Bible study.
Yet as I got older, I realized being a “missionary” wasn’t always defined by where you lived or what you did. In eighth grade, I was reminded by a dear teacher, Mr. Gilchrist, that we are called to “make disciples as you are going” and sometimes that meant staying in the same location on the planet. For the time being, I knew my “mission field” was where I was physically present at the moment. More specifically, I knew it was the dance world.
The desire to GO didn’t leave. But as much as I wanted to serve internationally, I didn’t just want to jump on the next plane to _______ (fill in the blank). God simply hadn’t said “Go” yet. I have yet to travel beyond the borders of the United States of America.
In the past few years, as God has honed the vision for Bluebird, the desire to serve internationally has been rekindled. The idea started seriously bouncing around in my head last summer. What if we could somehow combine dance and serving the nations? In January, He confirmed that it was time to go.
So here I am, about to go to Panama on Thursday. Two dreams, seemingly on opposite ends of the spectrum seamlessly colliding into a beautiful explosion of grace. I’m in awe. He is faithful.
-RKD
Bluebird is taking off…
Come meet the Bluebird: uncaged Panama team!
Join us for an informal showing and time of prayer as we send the dancers off on our first uncaged adventure.
Wednesday, July 24
7pm
Still Pointe Studios
What’s been happening
- In less than two weeks we're headed to Panama!!!
- July 21-25 we will be hosting open classes taught by members of the Panama team. Click here for details.
- Last month, Rebekah taught a master class in NYC for Dance for Change. These guys are leading the charge to use dance for the greater good and are quite inspring. Thanks for hosting us DFC!
- Between his internship and lifeguarding at the Y, Caleb has been hard at work editing the Breaking Free video. Look for it online August 9!
- We've been invited to be a part of Dance Upon Injustice, a fundraiser to fight human trafficking. Save the date: October 26th Athens, GA
- Speaking of Dance Upon Injustice, we've begun working on our next piece which will premiere at the event. Any guesses as to what it might be?
How's your summer been?
Bluebird Uncaged 