getting to know you

Have I ever mentioned that I love plays? Well, I do--& Kansas City gives me plenty of opportunities to enjoy the stage in the summertime. Mom & I have made attending plays together a summer tradition since I entered college four years ago. We've seen a plethora of theatre favorites at a variety of community theaters.

We attended Seven Brides for Seven Brothers & half of The Wizard of Oz (the show was called at intermission due to tornado warnings . . . & we were in Kansas, true story) at Shawnee Mission's Theatre in the Park. We've fallen in love with Kansas City's Shakespeare's festival where we've seen Othello & The Merry Wives of Windsor come to life on stage. 

So, why do I go to plays with Mom? It's our date time--our way of getting to know each other a little better. We share jokes, personal stories about the play, & interesting tidbits that we've picked up over the years. Our outings have allowed me to share some of the knowledge I've gained in studying dramatic productions in college. While we laugh, talk, and sing along we get to know things about each other that makes our relationship closer than ever.

We started this summer's theatrical experience with The King & I at Starlight Theatre (with Lou Diamond Phillips as the King of Siam--you know, the La Bamba guy). I have always loved The King & I -- I watched the video all the time growing up. During the prelude of nearly every song I would turn to Mom & say, "I love this part! This is my favorite part . . . really!" How can you not love "I Whistle a Happy Tune" & "There is a Happy Land"? Or what about the "March of the Siamese Children"?  

What is my absolute favorite part? Well, there are two. The first takes place in Act I as "Mrs. Anna" teaches the children. Do you know what it is? (Hint: look at the post title.) It's the song, "Getting to Know You". I love the setting, the characters, the words & the tune. The second scene, & probably my true favorite, is the  play that Tuptim writes: "The Small House of Uncle Thomas".  Even though the retelling of Stowe's story is rather inaccurate & praises the name of Buddha, Mom & I connected as we laughed at the creative movements of the actors across the stage. 

I can't wait to see what other plays Mom & I will be going to this summer. But I know one thing for sure, whatever play we are watching, we could be singing "Getting to Know You".

change

Raise your hand if you don't like change. . . . Ok, since I can't physically see you, I'm going to assume that everyone dislikes change a little. You may be one who revolts against any suggestion of change or you may be one that embraces change with open arms (& a slightly quivering heart). Me? I fall somewhere in between. Whenever change is upon me, I find myself both nervous & excited. Change means life is going to be different from here on out--I will never be able to return to "this" point in time. Change means a new direction--whether slight or drastic. But most importantly, change means allowing God to lead me away from my comfort zone & toward the glorious fulfillment of His will.

That sounds exciting, right?

Right, except when I let my selfish plans & desires get in the way. Except when I decide to hold on to everything in my life with white-knuckled clasped fists.

This summer is the beginning of a lot of change for me. While I'm excited about the opportunities that I know the Lord will bring my way in the future, I'm also terrified that life may not turn out like I've dreamt for so long.  

For the first time in four years I will not be leaving home in the fall for college. I won't share a room with 3-4 other girls in a dorm inhabited by 50-60 other Christian girls. I won't see the professors or walk the campus I've fallen in love with. I don't get to take any more speech classes & for the first time in four years, I will not be helping in a college production.

But, as sad as I am about leaving college & beginning the next chapter in my life, I'm excited about the new opportunities that lie ahead. I get to teach--not just practice teaching on other education majors. I get to minister at my home church in new ways. I get to keep in touch with friends from across the country.

Change hurts sometimes--I'm learning that this summer, too. Most of my close friends now live 500+ miles away. My older brother, his wife, & my nephew move 1300 miles away. I'm not doing what I wanted to do this summer. But you know what? God never promised that walking in His will was going to be easy. In fact, He promised that those who truly followed Him would suffer persecution. PERSECUTION. I'm pretty sure that throwing a pity-party because friends & family aren't close & that I'm not working the job I had in mind count as persecution.

So, what do I think about change? I think change is a great opportunity to learn more about myself as I conform to the image of Christ. Change is seeing that God's thoughts are more wonderful than mine & that His plans are more amazing than anything I could ever imagine.

I may not completely like change, but I know that God uses change to give me His best.