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....