Sunday, October 2, 2011

CYT Pocahontas!

For the past six weeks, Sydney has been rehearsing with CYT for their production of Pocahontas. It is her first experience with a full production, and I have to just say that we have absolutely loved the experience. It was a huge time commitment; however, it was worth it. She learned so many theater skills. Even more important, she made sweet friends, learned more about loving and working with people, and got a chance to be a part of something that works to glorify Jesus first. Really, I could go on and on, but instead, I will give you a glimpse into what our week has entailed! All week, we started out with "the real Sydney"! Then, we transformed her into a 1600s Indian.Once she was transformed, she spent a lot of time in the "Green Room", the dressing/hang-out room. Here is her tub/locker with snacks and all the supplies she needed throughout the week. She usually had to arrive 1 1/2 hours before showtime. This time was spent double-checking costumes, make-up and hair.

Finally, it was showtime. I am so excited to get a DVD of the show, but I don't have it yet, and video was not allowed.

After the show, we were able to mingle with all of the "characters" and our new friends.
Sydney even got to sign a few autographs! :)
I was so proud of her!
She was so thankful for all of her friends who were able to come cheer her on. I didn't get pictures of everyone, but here are a few. Thanks to all of you who were able to come!
Sydney with Curtis, the show director.
We truly appreciated all the work he invested in the kids.
Sydney was incredibly blessed to get to work with Nissi who played Pocahontas. Nissi was such an authentic example and role model for the younger girls. Her character shined through her skills as well as how she loved the girls. Thanks, Nissi, for your great example! I could listen to you sing every night!
While Sydney was rehearsing, I got the chance to work with these sweet women to create the Program as well as several other documents. This is one part that is fun about CYT. I got to make new friends!

If you are at all thinking about joining CYT, I'd highly recommend it. We are looking forward to getting to participate again soon!

Gotcha Day Celebration!

One Year!
We celebrated on the 24th--the day our family was united! We had planted three trees that day, so our celebration was squeezed to the end of the day. But, we put up the Ethiopian flag, got out our Ethiopian cake! Isaiah was so excited to celebrate with cake! (He does have a diaper on! This is a funny picture!)
Quick side note about the cake: Julie is raising money for her family's adoption of a special needs orphan from China. If you are in the Wichita area, please contact her to make you a cake! Ours was so beautiful and YUMMY! Notice how the cake was the color of the Ethiopian flag! :)
Our friends came over to help us celebrate!