I
found these facts in the Curtain Call display on the second level of the Downtown
Nashville Public Library in December one year ago. And the hidden gem for me was that I found
the Jeter-Smith dance troupe. Yes, tucked in the Nashville Conservatory of
Music was a School of Dance. The display contained old black and white photos of
this dance troupe. I had no idea there was a heritage of dance in this city
known for music.
So,
it is no wonder that God brought this next interviewee for The Nashville Napkin
to this city. Let’s learn together about Serenity Vanderschoot, the visionary,
dancer, certified deaf interpreter, and now blog writer in responding to these
questions prepared for her!
1)
Like me, you are a
transplant to Nashville. What brought
you to this fair city?
The Lord in his goodness led us! My
husband had a good friend and some family here and was familiar with the area. After
serving in church ministry in Illinois for two years, we desired to branch out
from our hometown and prayerfully considered Tennessee. It was a harder move
for me than Matthew. But I trusted the wisdom God gave him. I could not have
dreamt up the blessing we’ve been allowed here for raising a family and
serving.
2)
How would you
describe Nashville to someone who has never visited?
A rich community of families, art and
compassion. Very laid back, something I have come to appreciate.
3)
What delights you
during this year’s holiday season?
Anticipating Christ’s birth with our
kids and creating traditions with them that mean so much. I love how they
recall last year’s celebrations and get so excited about repeating the littlest
details. Our favorite this year has been rewrapping old Christmas books that they
take turns opening one for each night. Also Christmas movies, cookies, gifts to
bless others, spending time with loved ones near and far, hot drinks and
lights, quiet nights-just being still.
4)
What is one of
your favorite Christmas traditions?
As a child we didn’t have much at all
and yet those simple Christmases, listening to Sandi Patty’s Christmas record, were
so full because we had each other, seriously. We had a tall tree with bear branches
that was kept in the apartment all year round, so when Christmas time came my
brother and I were thrilled to decorate it with our ornaments and garland. Another
favorite was going to my grandparent’s house, enjoying their company and a warm
fire.
Today it is one thing - circling up with
my husband and kids Christmas morning to read Luke and watch them piece
together the nativity as we reflect on the one important gift. We appreciate how
Luke seems to elaborate more on events that happened around Christ’s birth than
other gospels and because Paul gives the lineage in reverse order all the way
back to Adam. But with our boys being so small, we’re lucky if they can sit
still long enough for the first half of chapter 2!
5)
I know you
are a woman of prayer. Recall for us a
time when God answered a prayer extravagantly.
That’s a hard one. There are a few.
The most important would be His confirmation
given for marriage. After witnessing broken marriages as a child, I had much
fear to work through. I had a longing for security. I knew I loved Matthew with
my whole being. But we live in a fallen world with great challenge. Sixteen
years ago (at college) we spent seven days fasting, staying after in chapel
services, coming back in the evenings to the alter to just read the word
together in prayer … just waiting on God. He met us in three different ways to
confirm that the glory He had planned was a new thing, nothing I had known before,
and personally that I could trust Him with it.
The most life changing answer has been
one of healing and grace that comes with true forgiveness. Something I don’t
have strength to accomplish on my own. Yet surrendering I can. Turning to Jesus with great expectation for
impossible things. The painful places He allows me to go in life, until
desperate for Him to invade, this is where I meet Jesus. And this is something
He does for His children time and time again until they are set free. That is
the kind of love that draws me, that is the love that saves.
6)
What principle or
lesson is the Holy Spirit teaching you right now?
It always seems to be a life journey of
grace. 1 Corinthians 13:12 comes to mind, where it says “For now we see in a
mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know
just as I also am known.” It is the Father that reveals mysteries to us. His
love in spite of me and my filth is just that, a mystery. How he loves us! When
I look at Jesus and what he did for me on the cross, I’m compelled. I don’t feel
like I have much time here. This is not my home forever. So I want to invest
love as intensely as I can while I have today.
7)
What was the last
thing you scribbled on a paper napkin?
Probably a verse from the book of
Isaiah. I have spent the entirety of all seven of my pregnancies there. Saying
good-bye to three of them by the second trimester and raising the other four with
Matthew in truth and love and peace, Isaiah seems to be where the Lord speaks
to me most. And I am left changed.
8)
You have served
in ministry in several places around the world.
Tell us about one of your best memories.
Dancing at an orphanage in Kiev,
Ukraine, and sharing in the presence of God with the deaf as we lifted up the
name of the Lord in sign, not dependent on song but as an outpouring of our
response to His presence, and His great love toward us.
9)
You are the
founder of Adonai International, a dance studio that has taken on a broader
vision. Give us a brief history and take
us into your future plans.
Adonai International, Inc. is a nonprofit organization devoted
to reaching the world for Christ through the visual and performing arts. Our
programs provide professional training for student artists of all backgrounds,
abilities and ages in order to enhance their gifts and equip them for ministry
using the arts.
The seeds for Adonai International were planted in 2007 with a
summer program to provide Christ-centered dance instruction for girls. This
first program, God’s Princess, was attended by 12 girls. Adonai Dance, a full
dance academy, opened in Lebanon, in fall 2009 with 25 students.
In order to expand its reach into all art forms, Adonai
International incorporated in 2011. In 2012 we introduced painting and a program
for boys named Royal Knights. The summer programs can currently accommodate 130
boys and girls. In the fall of 2013, we started a music program, offering
guitar, percussion, piano, and voice instruction.
Today Adonai Dance is at maximum capacity for its current
facility, and we are praying and working toward a future Adonai Arts Centre. It
will provide beautiful and creative spaces for professional training in the
visual and performing arts as well as venues for student performances and
exhibitions.
10) Are you planning any resolutions for 2014?
... Foot rubs, Legos, Bible, dolls. Just
to be more on the floor with those I love and listening more for the voice and
whispers of God. Jesus has been so
patient with me.
Back
to that library display …
“Throughout Nashville’s history residents
could participate in the performing arts and entertainment through local
organizations and could also attend performances by national known
artists. With such a rich history it is
no wonder today’s Nashville performance venues, historic and new, continue to
promote Nashville performing arts and entertainment traditions, including its
world class symphony, opera and ballet, active community theatre companies and
hit-making musical artists.”
I
think Nashville has another hidden jewel, and they just might want to make room
for Adonai Arts Centre and Serenity Vanderschoot!
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