me to overcome issues which included that of being and feeling alone. A great example of that comes to mind. It was 1996, I was sixteen years old, and I had been nominated by my chorus teacher to spend sixteen days abroad in Europe as an ambassador of music. The opportunity to visit seven different countries singing operatic and classical music was so very exciting! The cost of the trip was three thousand dollars and we were determined to successfully raise every cent. My mother started fundraising. She sold more chicken and spaghetti dinners than ought to be allowed, yet we were determined to reach our goal. I took candy and capri suns to school and sold them while in the hallways. We received donations from family, friends, church members and even a few of my teachers supported our efforts. Aside from fundraising, my mother signed me up to have voice lessons with a lady who attended our church. She helped me with reading the sheet music and we practiced weekly to ensure that I was ready for the trip. I was so very proud to represent so many people who loved me in Europe. Soon, it was time to meet the other nominated students and to prepare for our trip. When we knocked on the door of where the others were gathered, the gentleman took one look at me and then told my mother that “the black college tour was a few doors down”. My mother assured him that I was signed up to go with them to Europe and gave him my name. He sighed before checking the list and then confirmed that I was in the right place. The door was opened wider for us to enter and I could feel the many stares. It had never occurred to us that out of the over two hundred students we knew were going on this trip, I would be the only African-American. When I stood in the alto section next to the others I was greeted by some faint smiles so felt at ease. We started rehearsals and I had been placed between two girls who I noticed wouldn’t sing the first note until I did for each rehearsed song. I was not sure if they were waiting for me to give them the correct key to start with or if they were checking to see if I knew what key to start with. We had an amazing farewell concert for our families and friends and although bombarded with several racial questions, I was happy to be a part of the group and excited to be going on a European tour! The organization we travelled with was very thorough in their execution and everything from arriving at the airport to check in went very smoothly. We were well informed about international travel procedures and customs, everyone was at ease. The excitement of the unknown started to set in and I became anxious. This was not my first international flight, but it was my first without family members and the flight felt like it took weeks for us to arrive at our first destination! I gave my life to Christ the winter before and started memorizing scriptures months before my trip. I cannot accurately tell you how many times I tried to recall and honestly misquoted Deuteronomy 31:8 to help to ease my mind during the flight; The Lord is the one who is going ahead of you. He will be with you. He won't abandon you or leave you. So don’t be afraid or terrified.
never alone 45