The month of December is a full month for me. It's the time when I launch myself into action.
Starting from the 1st day of the month, we begin with the 9 days novena for our patron saint fiesta celeb. I play the accompaniment for this and so, before the month started I was kinda problematic looking for an instrument which we can use. I was just using a little portable keyboard and I was doubtful if it can actually survive for the fiesta mass on the 10th. It should be better, if not best, you know. I just want it to be extra special.
I scouted for available instruments with a friendly fellow and fortunately there were a few, however, the unfortunate thing is I don't have the budget.
The wanting of a particular instrument was not only for the fiesta event. But a greater preparation is coming and that is the Dawn Masses which commences on the 16th. It's gonna be a second year and it should be better than the last year. Previously, I had the Technics upright organ, but it didn't stay with me for long. That's why I don't have an instrument for how many months.
Luckily I was able to borrow a portable keyboard-organ from a fellow who allowed me to use it because it has not been used for a long time and she wanted me to work on it. Later on, I discovered that it has something that needs to be fixed. And that sort of thing is risky when the dawn masses start.
Heavens may have heard my concerns and the angels sent me a relief. A friendly fellow came one morning with a delivery - a Yamaha Electone portable organ with a speaker. He came unannounced, and just told me he would let me borrow that for the duration of the dawn masses! Wow! Isn't it amazing? All I could remember was I texted an inquiry to him asking if he has something 'for rent' which I could be used for the De Gallo Masses. That was a half-hearted joke, really. But I never expected he would bring the 'solution' right away! Lol.
Another blessing came my way, when I had successfully solicited the full support of my colleagues in the Youth Mass Ministry of Music and Lectors-Commentators to serve in the Zonal Dawn Masses. I am deeply thankful for having them, for their willingness, volunteerism, perseverance and energy in serving the mass also motivated me to do my best. They are my multi-talented and multi-tasking companions, dependable and skillful. Where can you see a commentator, shift into a lector, into an overhead projector in-charge, into singing with the choir?
I humbly recognize their efforts. And I congratulate us all for a service well done. Hope to see each other with the burning and untiring spirit to share their time and talent in the coming days. For me it's the true essence of my Christmas this year - selfless giving.
:-) Merry Christmas, everyone!
