Julie Halitzka

Life in Louisville

Life in Louisville overall is really good. George and I love our condo in Irish Hill, it’s starting to feel like home.

Being a 1 car family occasionally has its challenges, but overall it’s working out well. I am now the proud owner of a bike, which I’ve used 1 day so far… I biked 10 miles that day.

I have completely given up all Mountain Dew - yes, it’s true, you can ask my husband.

We are both employed, me at Gymboree with occasional graphic design work for Educational Resources. George is working for Mad Science, still writing for Boundless, has sold a script to Drama Ministry due out in their December issue, is teaching at three SBC arts conferences this year, and has interviewed Douglas Wilson about his book on Christian Satire entitled A Serrated Edge. George is also praying about putting a small Christmas show together as entertainment to be performed in area churches, and doing touring drama for a ministry to raise HIV awareness over the summer.

My husband and I are considering Highland Vineyard as our church home; we’re waiting to sit down with the pastor before we finalize that decision.

Seminary is overall really good. I like my profs, I like my classes, and I’m learning a lot.

It’s been a challenge musically. I don’t think I realized just how contemporary my musical center was until I arrived at Southern, which is overall very traditional. I am working on learning about 18 hymns for the piano proficiency, my vocal pieces are all classical, my choir music is all classical, and songs I’ve written have been more traditional by necessity (we’ve been told not to use any syncopation in vocal parts, which has been limiting me alot!). On Tuesdays for chapel, I “robe up,” sit in a choir loft, and sing with organ and orchestra accompanying us… which may always feel weird, not because there is anything wrong with it, but it’s just way out of my comfort zone.

Some days, I do okay with all of that traditional. Other days, I long to worship in a musical style that is more “me.” I think I kind of understand what the older generations go through when they are transitioned out of most things musical that they love. I do have a couple of more contemporary piano accompaniments that I’m using for the piano proficiency, and I’ve taught myself how to play chord charts on the piano. I also must confess to pulling out my “I am Free” tracks and singing through my favorite 4-5, which is always soooooooooooooooo good!

I’m starting to get used to the funny looks when asked “So is your husband at the seminary?” and I answer “No, we moved here for me to attend school.” I guess that is kind of weird? For the record, I’m wildly in love with George. He’s the head of our household and first in my life after God, and our relationship and marriage is priority over seminary. I felt called to music ministry, and had enrolled in classes to begin training before we were married, and he is VERY supportive of me getting my degree.

So, overall, the move has it’s challenges, but things have been good, God is providing for us, and it’s great for me to be able to study at Southern.