About 'Two Things'
Good things come in two's!
The little story that inspired 'Two Things'
It was my first full year of teaching music in Wichita Public Schools. We were learning about ‘tone color’ in my kindergarten classes. I also wanted my young students to learn my name rather than calling me “Music Teacher” or “Mrs. Music.”
The following day, one little girl raised her hand. “I have two things. I know your name and I know the meaning of ‘tone color.’ Your name is Miss Hendershott and ‘tone color’ means that every instrument has its own sound.” “Wonderful, Jessica! That’s right,” I said, praising her for catching on so quickly.
On Wednesday, Jessica’s hand shot up again. “I have two things. I know your name and ….” Every day that week, Jessica shared her same ‘two things.’ On Friday, when she raised her hand once again, she heard a collective sigh from her classmates, looked around and then put her hand down. Very perceptive for a five year old.
Thirty-five years later I can still see her sweet, eager face, and it makes me smile. “I have two things!”
One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving.
– David – Psalm 63:11-12a
About Mary
What do you want to be when you grow up?
When we were little, my girlfriends and I all said the same two things… An airline stewardess or Miss America. I didn’t become either, but something better happened. Music!
My Mom was my first piano teacher. She gave me the choice of practicing or helping with the supper dishes. At a young age I learned the joy of practicing … and the art of avoiding dishes.
In fourth grade, when it was time to choose a band instrument, I had already decided on the trombone.* However, when the instrument salesman came to our school, he handed me a flute. I produced a note on my first try and he said, “You’re a flutist.”
In High School I discovered the joy of improvisation. Later, in college I wanted to join the jazz band but, as a flutist, I would need to play another instrument. The director of the jazz ensemble said that if I could learn tenor saxophone I could double on flute. Yes, please!
I graduated from Friends University (Wichita, Kansas ’85) with a degree in Music Education. ‘Plan A’ was to be a High School band director, but my first job offer was as an elementary music teacher… and I loved it. I taught for a couple of years and then went back to school to get my Master’s degree in Flute Performance from Wichita, Kansas ’88.
I added a second Master’s degree in Ethnomusicology from Bethel University, St. Paul, ’09.
In 1989 I joined Wycliffe Bible Translators and after several years of preparation, including linguistics courses in Dallas and French study in France and Switzerland, I boarded the plane for Burkina Faso with two friends also headed to francophone Africa.
As we deplaned Amy said, “Wow! Feel the heat coming off the engines!” “I don’t think that’s from the airplane,” I said. It was 10:30 PM and 105 degrees as we walked across the tarmac to the terminal in Ouagadougou, the capitol city of Burkina Faso. That first week I told someone, “I don’t think I can live here.” But I did… for the next twenty-six years.
In 2019, I wrapped things up in Burkina Faso and moved back to the US to continue with Wycliffe on this side of the ocean. I’m thankful for the rich experiences of those years. Plenty of laughter, wonderful friendships, music, dance, and fun stories to tell. There were also some rough seasons, but I can say that it was through those times that I learned the most about the reality of God’s presence. Thankful for it all!
Two things you might not know about me....
Funabashi City, Japan
When I was nineteen, I spent six weeks in Japan, teaching conversational English with OMS (Oriental Missionary Society).
Samogohiri, Burkina Faso
My initial role in Burkina Faso was as a literacy specialist. My teammate, Fiona Holburn and I, lived in the village of Samogohiri, and started a literacy program for the Dzuun language group ('94 to '98).
*Bonus item
My dream finally came true: I played trombone for one year in the High School marching band. (Seiling, Oklahoma)
Thanks so much for letting me get to know you through your website! I’m glad you included me in your friend list, especially since you will be moving soon to achieve your dreams. You’re a very beautiful person and I will miss you when you leave, but I’m sure we’ll be together for all eternity in the future! I will be praying for you as you continue your journey, working for the Lord wherever He sends you! With love from Jennifer Sutton, “fellow flutist.”
Yes! Fellow flutist. I didn’t know! I feel the same way, Jennifer – it’s been a special blessing getting to know you. Thank you so much for your prayers and your friendship.
What a great website Mary! Love you bunches!!
Thanks Vicki! Love ya, too!