Faith and her friend J have been very busy for the past 6 weeks or so.  They decided to hold a show in our backyard for their friends and family.  A script was written which consisted of two dance numbers and one drama.  They created a backdrop, chose costumes and wrote and delievered invitations.  A snack booth and a tag sale area were also set up.  And then they practiced. 

They practiced almost daily.  The most amazing thing was seeing their excitement and teamwork.  I mean these two 9 year olds really dedicated themselves to putting on an amazing show, dress rehearsals and all.  I know Faith prayed for good weather.  She hardly slept all night.  And then yesterday dawned rainy and cool. 

In the afternoon, we saw a clear break and we set up our yard and placed the chairs.  I set off to deliver Garnet and Faith to their classes and that’s when I drove into it.  A sheer wall of rain.  It was a downpour and it was headed our way.  I quickly called James at home and begged him to quickly take down the show area and bring everything inside to the schoolroom.  I felt sick.  Off I went to pick up Faith early from her class and let her know we’d had a change of plans. 

As I picked Faith up, we were still hopeful that it would pass us by.  We talked about how God could make the rain go by us and into the draw just behind our house.  We talked about trusting Him to know best and yet asking Him as our Daddy to do the right thing for us.  We drove down the main road toward home and only a few hundred feet away from our turn-off the rain stopped!  Our hearts soared and Faith was cheering in the backseat!  And then we turned the corner onto our road and were hit by another wall of rain. 

I pulled the van in to the driveway and Faith was off to call J.  Would anyone still come?  I didn’t know if the neighbour kids would be here but I knew their family would (including Stephen who was currently driving over a mountainous highway through that same storm to get to the show on time).  Duct tape in hand the back drop went up on the school room wall.  Faith gasped!  Oh yes she did.  Tape on my wall is a huge taboo around here.  She told me, “You must really care about my show Mom if you are using duct tape on your walls!”  Sigh – yes I am a a bit, umm particular about my paint.  Anyway, back to the main story…

We ran around and set things up the best we could.  The girls were so nervous and excited.  The energy was very high around our house. 

And you know what?  Kids came, quarters in hand.  My schoolroom was full with neighbour kids, grandparents, parents, siblings, an auntie and cousins.  Popcorn was popped and purchased.  Lemonade was drank and bracelets, books and knick-knacks and treasures were purchased.

Act 1: Here We Go Again

A hit.  Some nerves, but they pulled it off with smiles.  Lots of popcorn refills from the crowd.

Act 2: Cheetah Sisters

They hit their groove.  Extra flair.  Again more purchases made – handled by their two stage managers (and yes, they thought of everything!) – one sister and one friend.

Act 3: The Country of Doom

A vampire drama (ahem, not my choice of content, but very funny).  Three songs were sung (written and again, choreographed by the two girls).  Smiles and laughter were shared.  Two Moms cheeks were a bit pink.  As J’s Mom mentioned, I don’t think either of us would have had opportunity or nerves to put something like this on.  And the neighbour kids?  The best part was a comment I overheard from one of the older boys as they headed out the door.  That was SO cool!

Flowers from Daddy

Watching the video I took afterwards.  Healthy Pride.

One more thing.  Something for me to treasure in my heart.  Faith announced last night in an off handed way.  You know, I think it worked out better having it in the house.  I’m so glad! 

Yes honey, that’s right.  Your Daddy knew all along.