Monday, March 15, 2010

Primary Chorister!?

Yup... I know, I was totally shocked, too.
Lately, every calling I get just completely catches me off guard.
Today, though, beat all. I was trying to be open & receptive, but when he said "primary chorister", I admit that I was speechless.
I got home & made Jason guess. He guessed it on his fourth try (my mom & sister did, too). Why? I say. Why did you guess primary chorister? Because you look like a primary chorister, he says. Hmmmm - what does a primary chorister look like? McKinley says "good!"
So - I guess that's it. I look good. Maybe as in goodie-2-shoes? Dang, I knew I should've had Trish add some serious red to my hair color.
I guess the other question is - why am I so worried about this?
Maybe because I see this calling as the ultimate under-appreciated person. SO much work! SO much energy! SO much patience! And I'M in charge of the primary programs in sacrament meeting? I'm already pretty nervous about that.
I guess I wouldn't be making such a big deal about it either, if there weren't like 500 primary kids in our ward. I mean, seriously! HOW am I going to learn their names? HOW am I going to teach them with so many kids in the room. d-e-e-p b-r-e-a-t-h....
I guess I need to learn to have more trust. I've never had something that has already made me feel so completely overwhelmed. I mean nursery coordinator is one thing, but it's like going from Babe Ruth baseball to at least the minor leagues.
Good thing is that my mom is currently the Primary Chorister (THAT'S why I got called! I remember laughing/feeling sorry for her when she told us).
I need to pray for forgiveness, humility, and a love for each and every one of those children. I need to pray that some way, somehow, I will be able to help them feel the love of their Savior through song.
And I need serious help with my leading skills... although McKinley demonstrated for me how it is to be done, I may still need a bit of practice :)
All you people in my ward that sustained me, thank you (I think?). I don't know how I'm going to fill Ruthann's shoes (Ruthann - you KNOW I will be contacting you!!), but I will sure try my best!

(...However, if your child comes home from church on Sunday and tells you that the chorister was shaking/crying/giggling/banging her head against the wall, we MAY want to re-consider that sustainment ;)

12 comments:

Allison said...

I think you are going to do so well! That is such a hard calling. If you ask me it's as hard as being in the primary presidency. Maybe harder. But you will be so awesome at it. And don't worry about learning all their names right off. (Who could?) That's why you have the sticks with their names on them. :)

Lena Baron said...

Oh WOW! First, You WILL do AWESOME! Second, I hear ya, it was by far the scariest calling I have EVER had! But there are a lot of resources these days and your mom will be a great help for you. Leif is the Primary Chorister in our ward. He loves it! Sugardoodle.net is a great resource. Ahhh, good luck!!

Patricia Potts said...

From one chorister to another: After you get your feet wet and catch up with the VISUAL AIDS you'll be a natural born leader--you always have been! From cheer leader to song leader-- the leap will come from the spirit and one day not too far from now you'll blink your eyes, look heavenward and say "I love this calling!"

At about that same time mcKinley will raise her hand and ask "What's on the ceiling mama?"

Get Hooked said...

I second what your mom said! I totally know how overwellmed you feel. But once you do it, it is the greatest calling ever. I have no doubt you will do a fabulous job, and those kids will love you. I'm sad to say goodbye, but I am so glad that they are getting you. YOU CAN DO THIS. When I was first called, I tried to learn one classes names each week before they got started. It will come, you aren't expected to know all their names right away. HINT: bro & sister (last name) gets you pretty far too if you know families. You will be great!

Marta Nielsen said...

You will be great! I actually miss being the chorister. I came to love sugardoodle as well, it saved me! Having a build up of games is also great, like dice with things like "whistle" or "Hum" or a "fishing pole" with fish that you can change the song on.

Ryan and Shannan Hoffman said...

You should chat with Molly, she was the chorister and I was the pianist in the Kimball Ward. Molly had some really cute ideas and the kids loved her.

Can't wait to see you this weekend!

Britany said...

Oh girl - that is a calling that scares me. I am in the Primary Presidency and write the program, but that is nothing compared to teaching songs. That said, you will be PERFECT! Sugardoodle all of the way!!! :)

cellosara said...

Heidi, I was chorister for a year-and-a-half. I still call half the adults by the wrong names and don't know the names of the other half. It's fun. You'll love it.

Amy and Kris said...

Oh wow! Good luck! I think I'd be just as nervous if I got that calling! At least primary kids are SUPER forgiving if you ever get flustered! I bet you will be great though! Like Lena said, sugardoodle is a great site!

Melissa said...

I'm so excited!! Just remember lincoln's name! Haha just kidding! If it makes u feel better when I teach relief society I don't remember half of the names and I've lived here 4yrs! I'm HORRIBLE with names.

You will do so well and the lord will bless you. I'm realizing more and more how important music is for kids. It might feel "thankless" but I promise we are so THANKFUL!

Brynn said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Gardners Glad Tidings said...

Primary Chorister = Acrobatics + the Spirit!

Good luck with that!