The third weekend in September was a new experience for me with traveling to the National Hammer Dulcimer Championship held during the Walnut Valley Music Festival in Winfield, Kansas.
It was the first time I had ever entered a musical competition and I was surprised at how nervous I became since I've performed on stage shows at other festivals. I had many people praying for me and thankfully I was able to hit mostly right notes. I was delighted to make it to the second round of the competition. I ended up tying for fourth as a finalist.
The whole trip was a great experience—I was able to see some beautiful country, play dulcimer next to the Mississippi river when we stopped for lunch, and had very positive feedback about my song selection and playing. My final song, “Wonderful Grace of Jesus,” was very well received with a couple of people commenting that it's their favorite hymn and they loved hearing it again.
Will I try again? Maybe someday, maybe not…but I know Who knows the answer—My Savior, Jesus Christ who saw me through this time and will continue to guide my steps.
