it all collides

This week has been busy so far. I've been working on a show with students at the Patel Conservatory for the Community Arts Ensemble and it has been creative and exhilerating, but also busy. Today after the first show I watched as the students listened to a visiting director, Kenny Leon. He shared how he recently directed "A Raisin in the Sun," in New York City. And I have to admit, I felt inspired by his vigor- and even got choked up in one part. Oh, and the kids loved him because he shared about working with P.Diddy and Beyonce. You should've seen them light up. I guess where dropping names is faux pas with adults, kids dig it. He talked about growing up poor in St. Petersburg and how he got started in the arts much like the kids we were serving. It was perfect.
I must say that when I started this process 6 weeks ago, I knew it would be educational and unique, but I don't think I ever realized how much this program would resonate with my own heart-not only my love for the arts and kids, but my eagerness and concern for justice. It was so exciting to see the students understand the goal, the sumation of the lights, the costumes, and the undescribable feeling you get when you are connected with new friends and a common purpose to share what you created in this matchless space and time.
On a personal note...lately, I've felt i'm reminded of how much growing i've yet to do. Sometimes being around the kids at work reenforces that, the way I see myself in them or the way they see the world and how I used to. And other times, it's hard to imagine what the philippines will be like because I feel so consumed with my world right now. I know there is a part of me that longs for the distance from the cares in my life, longs for a place to retreat and hear the cries of the poor and listen to God's heart. Sounds idealistic, I'm sure but perhaps not. I think it's weird, I can feel my world shaking a bit, and then I jump back into the business of life, not concerned with the urgency of what God is teaching me in the moment. I have always seemed to live in "what happen's next" mode but maybe because the summer feels more relaxed, I'm pretty sure I have missed opportunities to look ahead and imagine a bit and it saddens me some. If I'm completely honest, when Mr. Leon was speaking today, I realized there's so much of me that wants exactly this- to be creating and thriving and loving... I'm super lucky to be doing it- and I won't forget it. guess that's all - got to go dream....

July 17th

this weekend was a bit eventful. jennifer was awake on friday when i was preparing to leave for work and she was in great pain. it turned out she was experiencing an appendicitus. She ended up at Tampa General but this time as a patient instead of a nurse. Both Jennifer and Joann are like sisters to me, so you can imagine how I felt for her. She ended up having surgery and thank God she is on her way to recovery.
It was a full weekend of friendship and memories to say the least. Jennifer says funny things when she is on pain medication....things I know will bring neccesary laughter in the future.
Back at work today, it is so exciting to see the students sing with a live orchestra. I think some of them are starting to understand the collaborative process of a play. This part is ultra cool to me. It feels magical- I only say this because at the start of the process it feels like scattered pieces and within one unifying day-you marry the two parts, voice and instrumentation and that's when you see the ensemble that theatre is meant to be, a little more clearly. The kids often surprise me with their deep thoughts about the world at large and other times, they share silly things like how important it is to know what type of lunch meat you have before arriving at the lunch area. It keeps me carefree and makes me long for the times when life was simpler. I love being there! I feel so lucky.
I realized today that there's about three months and 2 weeks left before we depart, maybe 15 weeks total. Yikes! I'm so excited but I feel like there is some real shaping that needs to happen prior to going as far as my heart is concerned. I have a feeling that right now we are experiencing things that are a type of preparation for what's to come. I know God will want to teach us while we are there, but I sense his correction now too. I covet your prayers....there is much to learn.

Magandang gabi!

this is my first official blog, or unofficial-however you prefer it. i'm heading to the philippines this october. woohoo! our team is composed of my best friends (it just works out that way), and i'm excited about what we'll learn there together. we're a little less than four months out and i am starting to feel it.
i have stayed busy this summer working at the patel conservatory and teaching theatre. it's been wonderful. i get totally inspired when i'm there. i get to work with an amazing staff and share the arts with my students, (many of whom are experiencing the arts for the first time). it's so amazing to witness their faces when they really see what they're capable of creating. i've also been raising support for the trip and learning a few catch phrases of tagolog where i can, (you should hear me-i sound funny making these sounds). most people speak english in the philippines but as it turns out we'll need to know some tagolog.
to be perfectly honest, i think saying goodbye will be pretty difficult for me....things have been really good lately. it's weird-i feel like i'm at the beginning of some new relationships in my life and yet leaving too, i know i'll have to trust God to keep these friendships for when i return. i feel really lucky to have such great friends.
well that's all for now.
peas and carrots,
crystal

Crystal's ball coming soon.

predictions glalore.