Entry 28: "Memory- I can smile at the old days..."

It has been so weird adjusting to this week! Last week already seems so far away as I look back on scrambling to get the kids ready for their performances, and waited with anxious jitters for their shows to be complete. I miss the project part of my Senior Project so much!! Now I have to start putting my portfolio together and start thinking about presentation day. I have a lot to do in a short amount of time! I really want to start playing around with movie maker/power point in hopes of creating a very nice slide show for my Senior Project. I hope all goes well!!! Other than that, I am anxiously awaiting Saturday because we leave for Nicaragua!!! I pray that God will use us in whatever way he deems best--I can hardly stand my excitement!!! :D
(By the way, my title alludes to the famous song "Memory" from the musical CATS, in case you didn't know!)

Entry 27: Costumes, Cameras, ACTION!!!!

As all of the performances draw to a close I cannot even begin to express how proud I am of my kids. In all honesty, these kids have truly developed into actors/actresses! They all worked so hard to memorize their lines, and they all collaborated when it came to encouraging others to stay in character, project, and not be nervous about the performances. God is so good! I was so impressed with my kids on Monday when one expressed, "I'm nervous about doing this in front of people..." and then one of my other students responded, "We've already done this in front of people, you're going to be fine!" I have to admit, those kind of moments bring a smile to my face. After the performance today all the kids told me they wanted to do another play and wished they could continue drama. On Tuesday when the kids started realizing that drama was coming to a close, their faces dropped and were astonished with the realization that they wouldn't have drama anymore. It broke my heart and yet warmed it at the same time. I hope to go down and visit them even when my Senior Project is over! I love these kids! There were a couple times I almost cried when they gave me flowers, or just hugged me to tell me thank you. It has been such a wonderful experience, and I can't believe there's only one more to go! More pictures are coming if these don't seem like enough! :)

Entry 24: "The Show Must Go On"

With less than a week away from my kids' first performance I am beginning to understand the thrilling/terrifying experience that Mr. Tinkler (and all other Drama teachers) have to endure everytime before productions! The amazing thing is you can only tell the kids so much, but it is ultimately up to them to showcase what they have learned. This week was called "dress rehearsal," but unfrotunately not all students have had their costumes...however, I instructed them to bring them in by Friday and I have been observing all of them. My class today was the most successful yet with the abiliy to try on their costumes and practice diligently in them. They did a fantastic job and THEY ARE ADORABLE! The kids are so cute there's a chance no one will be able to concentrate on their lines! However, that would be a shame because the kids have worked very, very hard on memorizing. I have been pleasantly surprised with the diligence of the kids. I understand the 1st and 2nd grade mind is very high wired and energetic, but I am so thankful they are learning how to harness their energy and put it into something productive! Unforunately a child has been missing from every single class (due to sickness), but I am praying they will be able to be there (with costumes!) for the performance!!! I am very tempted to have the students perform the play twice so the parents could possibly observe what they have been learning...however I have not decided yet. My biggest class is moving to the gym tomorrow, and I am anxious to see how it all works out! God is good, and I am so excited for what He has in store for me and my kids!