"A man sees in the world what he carries in his heart." - Von Goethe
Brian Ernst Music
  • Tour
  • Music
  • Video
  • Bio
  • SouthAfrica
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Journey4YOUth
  • Veggie Bus
  • Photography
  • Store
  • Thailand

change....

9/3/2015

22 Comments

 
Picture
Many years ago we had a dream to travel the world, play music and share our passion with people everywhere. Our hope was to make a living for ourselves and to support a growing number of people in Kenya.

We've been doing this now for 7 years. There have been many days where it has taken everything we have to continue on, however, there hasn't been one single day that we haven't gone to bed without gratitude. Without a doubt we wouldn't have been able to do any of this first without the support of our family and closest friends but second from so many people we have met along the way. From all of you.

It’s hard to ask for anything when we feel we have been so blessed in this life. We know the opportunities before us are rich and we believe that our needs will be met and we will also be able to contribute towards meeting the needs of others.

However, we find ourselves at a cross roads in life. For years we’ve been acknowledging and whispering to one another about the need to really take a season of rest. Our intention was to take that time this winter. We’ve been pushing aside a health threat with Brian’s mouth that is only getting worse by the week.

We’re also exhausted. We've traveled through 23 countries and 48 states. 9 cross country tours and over 250,000 miles of driving. Neither of us have lived in a home for over 7 years. We’ve lived in tents, vans and school buses. We aren’t complaining, we chose this lifestyle and have been inspired every single day by the people we meet and the beauty we’ve seen. Our souls have been overwhelmed by the goodness we have experienced here and our hope in humanity is always growing.

Two weeks ago the transmission on our new bus went out, the mechanics said our engine didn’t look too strong either. This is our second bus, we bought it at the end of March and spent a lot of time and pretty much all our resources making this new home. After losing two buses in less than a year, we’re re-learning not to be attached to anything. We’re trusting this happened to re-direct us and push forward this season of healing and true rest that our bodies and spirits desperately need.

We’ve decided to rest in Thailand. The reason being is that we can afford the medical treatment Brian needs and we can manage to live there comfortably for less than $20 a day. Originally we were going to go in December but now we believe it is time to go now. Brian’s health can't be pushed aside any longer.

We've learned a lot in the last 7 years. This journey has been amazing, however we need to go back to the drawing board. We would never completely walk away from the music or Journey4YOUth but the way we do it in the future may look very different than the past. We don’t know what to expect so at this time we are not making any plans (or booking shows). We want to remain open, trusting God will reveal these next steps to us.

We are on our way to Asia right now with almost nothing. But we’ve lived like that for so many years that we’re not worried about our needs being met; somehow they always are. Our biggest concern is being able to raise the funds for our non-profit Journey4YOUth. We have over 100 kids in our sponsorship program. We also have 15 kids who will be graduating 8th grade this year and we’d like to see them go on to high school which is $300-$500 in Kenya. The average person we work with makes less than $1 a day. (So even an entire years wage couldn’t even send their child to high school). In addition we are giving micro-loans to women so one day they can meet these needs themselves. The women will also pay their loans forward to another woman in 2-3 years. Generating lasting change from within.

Brian and I can live simply, we can live with little but it has always been hard to justify taking the break we need to take because we raise money for these children and these women at every single show and we don’t want their needs that are far greater than ours to fall through the cracks.

We share all this with you with no expectation for anything. We know how loved and supported we are. Thank you. If you want to help please consider donating to Journey4YOUth. You can sponsor a child for $30 a year (nursery-8th grade) or if you’re really ambitious you can find a way to send an adolescent to go high school ($300-$500 depending on the school) or engage your community to fund a micro loan for one of the women we work with.

Those links are here:
http://www.journey4youth.org/children-who-need-a-sponsor.html
http://www.journey4youth.org/empower-a-woman.html

Another great way to support Journey4YOUth is by setting up a monthly donation. There are already several people who give between $15-$25 (which all adds up). We're grateful for these donors because it really helps us maintain our daily programs as well as the larger programs (educating children and empowering women). Daily we take care of 7 older widows and 1 total orphan. http://www.journey4youth.org/donate.html

Brian and I have never taken a single dollar from Journey4YOUth. This keeps our administrative costs below 3%. Giving more to the people we serve, with the ultimate goal being one day they won't need us, and they themselves will be the ones giving to many more.

As challenging as it is to cancel the tour and as much as we don’t want to miss out on seeing so many people (especially our families), we have peace that this is what needs to be done. We’re confident that we’ll be able to come back renewed and ready to give more of ourselves.

As a token of gratitude, Brian wants to give away all his music. Since we can't continue to spread the music ourselves at this time, we want to give it to all of you and let you spread it for us. For the next few weeks you can go here and download Brian's 1st, 2nd and 5th album. He will upload the other two albums in another week or so. It is completely free. Noisetrade (the website we're giving the music away on) gives people the option to leave a 'tip' please know that this is not necessary but if you want to help us personally through this time you could do so there.

Download the music and tell your friends to download it. Take it and continue spreading it around the world. 
http://noisetrade.com/brianernstmusic

Someone told us recently, you can't burn out if you were never on fire.
That is so true.

We're going away for a while but we will come back stronger.

Thanks again, and God bless.
Katie & Brian Ernst
22 Comments
Ann Owens
9/4/2015 08:20:49 am

We are praying for your rest and healing as well as continued funding for your foundation. I will share as much as possible and see what can be done on my end. Be well and safe.

Reply
kat and mike road show link
9/4/2015 08:44:59 am

Katie and Brian, when you entered our lives you brought a joy of friendship we have not known well before. Your humble attitude and giving nature inspired Mike to give(he never gave before) to help the children. And to help the two of you with your journey and cause. Mike not being a supporter of organized religion (but raised going to Catholic church) and usually turns away from faith inspired music, he fell in love with the sound, style, and message of love in your songs. You two are the reason we live in our paradise of the Medicine Bow National Forest, we may have never come to Centennial had you not been here for us to go hang out in the mountains with after one of your gigs. The gig you played at our place in Deadwood was one of the best shows we ever hosted. And this what seems to be a ramble now point is: We love you two and wish we could do more, but we will donate again and look in to the possibility of a future sponsorship or adoption of one of the children of the village. Africa Is In Your Blood!

Reply
Allyson swart
9/4/2015 08:45:18 am

Many prayers to u my friends. Rainbows will prevail happy endeavors to overcome the worst and bring strength to better the future for u both. Much love always ally.....aka. fernandina

Reply
Jennifer Burns
9/4/2015 09:03:26 am

You guys are an amazing power couple that inspires so much good! Sending my love to you both, and speedy recovery for Brian. You both are so loved! :)

Reply
Nancy Fishburn
9/4/2015 09:06:26 am

Anticipating complete healing for Brian and a well deserved rest for both of you. Please keep in touch! Love you both.

Reply
Sheli landrum
9/4/2015 09:10:05 am

Praying for peace and healing. For bodies ,rest and healing. For your mind and hearts acceptance and peace for this season of well needed rest ... There's no way GOD is finished with you yet you touch too many people and I'm sure the people in Thailand you will be blessed by your being there

Reply
Stephen Malone
9/4/2015 09:22:23 am

Good luck guys .... good vibes sent from Fernandina 😀😀😀

Reply
kristi shell
9/4/2015 09:34:30 am

So glad you have heard God words say it's time for a rest. We don't always understand until he makes it obvious.

I don't know anything about the health of Brian's mouth. Hope you are able to get the help needed. Praying for you both.

Blessings,

Kristi SHell

Reply
Scott Leonard
9/4/2015 09:48:56 am

Katie and Brian wishing you the best on your next adventure. I am sure it wont be the last and look forward to your return and listening to one of the most talented musicians I have seen and heard. All the best to both of you. Safe Travels!

All the best, Scott and Shawn

Reply
Joe Van Gieson
9/4/2015 09:58:43 am

All my love and my friends love to you both. You two have been a major part of my personal rejuvenation after a series of bumps in my road and I will do whatever I can to promote Journey4youth and direct everyone to your amazing charity. Be well - you have each other which will enhance your healing. Your spirits glow with everything good in the universe. Anything you ever need from Georgia I would hope I can provide.

Reply
Tracy O'Mahony
9/4/2015 11:03:59 am

Reply
Kelly Turner
9/4/2015 03:21:07 pm

Hi Katie! I met you in a bar, Whanganui, NZ a while ago. We chatted for quite a while about life, family and your plans and vision. I listen to your music almost every day and it reminds me of that chance meeting that somehow I don't feel was so much of a chance:) There is a season for everything, and sometimes to get a healthier and richer future crop the land needs to lie fallow. I am praying that you both find this season of rest and healing an amazing time to grow even closer to each other, to God, and allows you to re-imagine even greater visions for your future as a team:) I feel completely blessed to have met you. Take care and all the best!

Reply
Emily Paulette
9/4/2015 03:59:57 pm

Wishing a breath of peace and the warmth of God's embrace to you both as you take (much needed) rest. Praying for you all daily.

It is wise to listen when He whispers to our hearts.
With love,
Em

Reply
Rachel
9/4/2015 04:14:13 pm

Reply
Rachel Cali-Kiwi link
9/4/2015 04:32:38 pm

Kia ora rā kōrua from Whangarei! <3

You two are so inspiring and it has been a joy to meet you :) I wear my crystal necklaces from Katie everyday and they often help connect me with others, most recently a homeless man in Auckland who really needed to have some kind words and a good talk with someone. I wear them at work and the kids there love the crystals! Thailand sounds like a wonderful place to rest, and from the sounds of it you need a good rest! We all need time to relax and heal, it's healthy and necessary for one's wellbeing. By being compassionate to yourself you can carry on that goodness to others. Sending heaps of love and good vibes y'alls way <3 Namaste beautiful beings and kia kaha (stay strong) xx
~Rachel

P.S. ignore the first reply, it wouldn't let me do it from my phone so I had to switch to the computer to write this haha! :P

Reply
Carole Palazzo
9/5/2015 07:57:39 am

Our prayers are with you. God will provide for all when we trust Him and follow His leading.

Reply
Sue Noxsel
9/5/2015 01:47:59 pm

So sorry to hear, but so impressed with your attitude. And we will be praying for renewed strength and guidance (and health restoration)! God bless you two as HE re-fuels your body & souls!
Love, The Noxfam😍

Reply
Laura Alvarez
9/6/2015 02:28:05 pm

You to are a true blessing from God. Your passion for others is endless and is served with such passion. Your both beautiful people and I pray all goes well. Have enjoyed you bith on St. Marys Georgia as well as Fernandina Beach Florida. God Bless.....Laura

Reply
Brenda Boldt
9/7/2015 11:26:48 am

I just wanted to give you both gratitude for the music, and for what you are doing for the kids of Africa, many blessings upon you both <3 Also, wanted you to know, I uploaded your music but was unable to donate as I don't even have a dollar to my name. I live on a disability pension, however, I will be selling a small crop of squash soon out of my vegetable garden and please know I will be
donating to journey4youth at that time.
Take a much needed rest and heal your bodies. God Bless and Thank you again, for making a difference on this planet! xoxo

Reply
JamiSun link
9/7/2015 03:08:34 pm

I would feel like this is goodbye but I feel in my heart that it's just the beginning of the next chapter for you both. In my time with you, I have felt the warmth and am grateful to know you both. You both inspired me to start a non profit called Muse 4 Change and I put that 4 in there as a tribute to you both. You are moving mountains through people and with your intentions. I can't wait to see what the future holds for you both. Your are being watched over by the most high without a doubt. I will be glad to donate to the cause as well as share this and spread the news. Much love and admiration to you both.

Reply
lauren
9/7/2015 08:25:07 pm

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Reply
Sharon Catter link
10/6/2015 02:44:43 am

Katie: Praying for you and Brian. Praying you get some much needed rest and that Brian makes a full recovery. Love to you both ❤️

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Brian

    Archives

    September 2022
    August 2022
    May 2022
    January 2022
    May 2021
    March 2021
    October 2020
    August 2020
    June 2020
    February 2020
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    August 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    December 2016
    October 2016
    March 2016
    January 2016
    November 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    June 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    March 2014
    October 2013

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

(c) 2007-2023 Brian Ernst Music, inc. // All Rights Reserved