Angels We Have Heard, was the name of the small production the elementary aged kids put on right before the older group went on.We managed to get 20 angel costumes wings, halos, and all on the kids within about 10 minutes. The kids went out and gave it there all and were beyond amazing. They put everything they had into it. All of their crazy energy came forth through their songs, dance, drama, etc. They were not nervous or anxious just excited and happy to be there, sincerely happy to put on the show they had worked so hard on for the past four months. And they did everything better and more amazing than in any of our rehearsals. I watched from the side lines with the older choir singing quietly all their little songs. I was so proud of them. Their smiles were bright their body language projecting pure joy and good pride. They knew they were going a great job. Their last song was sung and they were guided off my cottage parents as the set was changed. Sharon had the audience give the little one more applause and lead them in a few Christmas carols as we went up with the older kids, and the set was put into it’s proper place.
"There's a lot of people here." Gloria whispered in my ear as we came to our places on stage."It's okay Gloria," I told her. "You've done this plenty of times. You know all your lines and all the songs, it'll be great.""But there's so many p- I don't feel well." I lifted my hand to her should and then rubbed her back gently."You got this girl, you're talented, it'll be fine, just get started, and be confident. You'll be great!"The music faded in and Sharon, the choir director introduced the production. Our opening scene took place and then our first song began.The whole choir and drama team quickly turned from wobbly nervous kids to confident, talented young people, projecting their energy into the audience.Towards the end of our first song Gloria got her cue to slip out back stage to get into her costume for the next scene. I heard her take in a deep breath and let it out before she turned to go. The song ended and the other interns and I quickly moved the mics and came to our positions as the scene began. Gloria, Angie, Sofia, and Katie took their places and began the scene with more energy and emotion than ever before in rehearsal. The audience laughed in all the right places and the scene got better as the girls fed off of the audience.The smiles on their faces and the continued energy throughout the production was more than what I had hoped for. These kids had worked so hard, been through so much, and this was their big moment.They were wonderful!We went back and forth between songs and drama seamlessly. Angie and Michael slipped out at the end of another song and were soon back on stage left in their UPS uniforms, moving their prop boxes and speaking to the audience their lines with confidence and realism.They drew their amazing comparison between the gifts that are sent and accepted or rejected at the holidays to the glorious gift that God has sent to us through his son Jesus Christ. As I watched them both speak the lines they had practiced several times it became apparent that Angie and Michael really had a grasp on what they were saying. They really understood the skit as more than the lined they projected but as something they actually believed. Michael's face lit up when the crowd roared with laughter at a punch line, his smile so bright he didn't need the spot light. Angie relayed feeling and emotion in what she was saying as best she could and the audience felt it, they were both aware. They were well received, and doing a fabulous job. Everything just kept on getting better. The songs were beautiful, the drama, spectacular, the audience, hooked on all that was before them. It wasn't long before the production was at it's end and our final song was played. "I Believe in Miracles" Mostly sung by middle schoolers Michael and Jerry. The boys' voices so innocent and real, both holding onto specific words as if they believed them with all that they had. How anyone could listen to that song and feel as close to all the kids as I had become and NOT tear up is beyond me. I couldn't help it. I felt like everything that had happened to me since the start of the school year was ten times better than the past few years and all started when I began working with these incredible children, and amazing faculty members. My being there, and being able to continue to work with them, get to know them, and continue to love them, felt like a miracle in my life. This feels like and answer to many of my prayers. Things seem more clear to me. I'm more aware of things, more determined and motivated. I know what I want to do, and I'm fueled by the energy and love of these children.
I wanted to sincerely thank everyone who came to see the show, everyon who was, has been, and still praying for the kids and their productions and choir work, and everyone who was involved. It meant so much to all of us, and I was so blessed to see your lovely faces, hear of your prayers, and encouragement, "good luck" and well wishes, and am so glad to share this with you.
I am beyond blessed to have Sharon in my life, to have met Sarah, Janell, and Barbara, and to be able to work with people of the same mind and passion, and with these amazing kids.This production was a wonderful way of wrapping up and incredible semester. I am so thankful that I was a part of it, and am very thankful to continue to work with these kids in the spring. I love them. All of them, even when they're trouble, and even when my patience is wearing. These are God's children, and so often I leave wishing I could take home as many as would fit in my car.
Even my parents had mentioned the desire to take some of them home, and tearfully asked why and how long they had been there, and while the Children's Home isn't an IDEAL family situation it is MUCH better than many alternatives. These kids get the care that they need and are loved by many. I pray that God will show me how I can get even more involved and that MANY blessings would be poured out upon all of the house parents, case workers, directors, and other faculty members involved, that it may go well with them.If you're reading this, thank you for indulging my Christmas spirit and the pride I have in these kids.
Wishing you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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