Who's in control anyway? Ethnomusicology day 4

"We need a champion." Well, that could be me.

"We need an islander who will champion this project."

Well that's not me. As much as I work to become an insider in the culture and a belonger, I'm not someone who's planning on being buried here. Yet.

One of those "principles of development" that everyone working on a development project needs to recognize is that the leader/instigator/main inspiration person must be (or become) a long-termer in the community. And anyone who is not planning on being buried there is not the right person. 

This week I was able to help facilitate island brothers and sisters in creating their own worship music. We walked away with three songs in the local language put to local music. They're not the best songs ever... but this is a first attempt. And if the only thing we accomplished was to show the delight of local worship music... well it's enough. Because if someone delights in it then they might catch a vision and become that champion.

I'm not in control. I can't create a champion. But I know the One who is in control and delights in the worship of all peoples. Just like it will be before the throne. And what a glorious experience that will be, right?

So, it's just one thing-- music. But I believe it's important, and I'm excited to see what may come in the future.

Do you have questions about the process of song creating? What type of music do you delight in the most? Have you sung in a foreign language? Have you ever tried your hand at songwriting?