All That Has Led To Australia

The story of my journey towards Hillsong is one that really begins for me at a young age. It's actually a story that is not surprisingly filled with great detail, because ( I believe) God loves to do that. However, I will spare you most of them because it could probably create a book, which I'll probably write one day. ;) So here is the outline.

In high school I danced in a pre-professional ballet company. Throughout my almost 10 years there, I constantly felt God's tugging on me, saying "there is more". I knew there was, I knew that somehow there was a divine connection between my love and passion for dance and my love and passion for Him. I even often thought, of creating a worship dance ensemble, but never felt qualified.

When it was time to decide where to attend college, I knew I couldn't leave all the years of hard work, dedication and passion behind. When God finally led me to Grand Canyon University, I was burnt out on college searching. So I made a pact with God. I told him I wouldn't attend unless I was accepted within 2 weeks with the largest scholarship. In addition, I needed acceptance into the dance program with a scholarship (even though they had already finished auditions). All of those things and more happened in less then 2 weeks, and in August of 2015 I moved to Phoenix, Arizona.

At GCU, God began to shape my heart in news ways, especially with dance. Throughout my 3 years there, I gradually found a deeper understanding of dance and how the word itself stands for so many things. I learned how dance has a rich history in the world that we live in. I learned how it has the power to create the most deeply rooted communities regardless of where you live in the world or who you are. I learned that it communicates, creates, pushes, stirs, guides, empowers, strengthens and heals. I mostly learned these things from the people. And for that, I am incredibly grateful.

When I met Taylor, it was actually hilarious because he told me he had always vowed he'd never date a dancer. But 3 weeks after our meeting, he knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. So, HEHE. Around those 3 weeks, Taylor decided that the nickname "Tiny Dancer" suited me, because it went along with one of his favorite songs. And that is really another story I shall tell another time. Taylor really made no bones about the fact that he wasn't the biggest fan of dance. BUT he shamelessly attended ALL of my dance performances, even if it meant skipping out of work and most of the time, he brought flowers. One night when I was at an all time low, he met me in the dance studio, (because that's where every dancer goes to fix their problems) after cutting time at the gym (a very big deal if you knew Taylor). He held me for an hour as I cried my eyes out and then afterwards, he let me teach him ballet. His mom later told me that's when she knew he was really in love with me. HA!

So now here comes my least favorite part of the story; after losing Taylor. I had many decisions to make on April 9th. One of them being what to do on what should have been my wedding day. For some reason, I remembered that Hillsong was having their woman's Colour Conference in LA on that very day. I knew I had to be there. And so, (this is also a long story that I won't go into) God made a way for me, his mother, his sister, his grandmother, my mother, my sister and my best friend to all attended the conference for FREE. And on that day I was handed a card for Hillsong College. Before I threw the card away, I turned it over to see the words "Dance Stream". I had known about Hillsong's connection with dance for years, but I never made the connection to their college. And that was the day the seed was planted.

I knew I was supposed to go to Australia about a month after the conference. God had opened too many doors for it to be just a "coincidence". Yet, in my head I had decided I'd take a year off to "get myself together". Not surprisingly, God had OTHER plans. When I found out January was my best option, to say I was angry at God would be an understatement. To be blunt, I felt as if so many things had not gone according to plan this last year. I at least deserved for it to go my way ONCE. But when I sat down to pray, the answer was INCREDIBLY clear: Hillsong Dance, January 2019.

Why? Because He has known all my life. He has placed seeds in me, even at a young age. Every little detail has been in His care, since day one. And Taylor, I know Taylor would want nothing more than for me to do this. Because Taylor always believed that if God calls you to do something, YOU DO IT. Because there is no greater reward than walking in God's calling. It's not easy, but its worth it.

If you'd like to support me financially in my journey, click the link below:

https://www.gofundme.com/hillsong-dance-education&rcid=r01-154362139734-e8ebea1a5d3f4134&pc=ot_co_campmgmt_w