George Martzen "georgos"

This week marks the 10th anniversary of our arrival as missionaries in Singapore. I have a framed B&W print next to our front door as a reminder that every transition has its trade-offs. Done by my brother Paul from one of may father's old negatives, the print is of our late Uncle Joe looking over a vineyard to the Kaweah peaks. Ten years ago I entered a different place in a new role full of challenges and blessings. But the transition has not been without emotional pain. It was a significant transition for me, on that day after Christmas, when Chin Cheak, Walter and I boarded the plane at LAX (a very chaotic place in those day because of 9/11). We arrived in Singapore 18 or so hours later on the 28th of December. I had visited Singapore before, but never expected I would be living in that "fine" city. Chin Cheak came to teach at her alma mater, Trinity Theological College; I came in nervous openness to the Spirit. I had already spoken over the phone with Bis...

I handed in my music folder the night before the concert, which is to say I wouldn’t be performing with the others in Christmas Eve concert. Too busy. I missed most of the rehearsals, and didn’t have adequate time to practice. The weekend is very busy with church, family and college activities. Two pastoral colleagues already sick this weekend. I need to lighten my load so I also don’t get sick. Nevertheless, I was sad as I listened to the orchestra from the audience position. All the parts working together to create one harmonious sound. It is so fulfilling to be part of a group with that kind of purpose. Each person enters the group to contribute to the whole. Most of the members and guests playing in the Elite Symphoniker Orchestra are already accomplished musicians. They are all lovers of music and of their musical craft. Yet the members of an orchestra are not there to shine on their own. It is a wonderful irony that each person contributes her or his e...