This morning I woke up late after a night of fretting and thinking of worst case scenarios. I skipped morning devotions to prep the gym and organize everyone's costumes one last time. I had a class full of excited kids fifteen minutes before the bell even rang. I spent that time giving a pep talk to them (they had tummies full of butterflies) and getting the Herdmans ready. The Herdmans had wet coffee grounds smeared across their faces (to make them look dirty), the girls had their hair ratted, and the boys had their hair sprayed in so many different directions that they looked like porcupines.
By 7:45 we were in the gym and ready to do one final run through before the performance. We had to do some last minute adjustments because one of our main characters was sick. It was truly a good thing that we pre-recorded the audio because kids had to double up on lines and switch roles. However, I managed to keep my cool and a great attitude. I set my mind on the fact that the kids were going to do their best and that was all I could ask of them.
As the gym began to fill up with elementary and middle schoolers, I tried to keep my mind focused and keep my girls under control (Budi was in charge of the boys). They started off with a bang and carried intensity throughout the entire show. They were exquisite and ended up superseding my expectations.
When it was over the audience erupted in applause and cheers. Parents were thrilled with the performance and so proud that we were able to pull it off with such success. After 2 months of hard work, we were able to put on the best Christmas pageant ever.
I don't think I've ever felt a such a surge of pride as I do right now. I wish you could all see it (and you would have too, except our cameraman forgot to push record - bummer). However, this is one thing that I will never forget!
No comments:
Post a Comment