Students Share Christmas Cheer

Since our daughter left the homeschool nest this year to attend private school, she got to participate in her first school Christmas program.  The kids in her class, grades 3 through 6, wrote a humorous poem in the style of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and presented the poem as a skit.  It was very cute and clearly pointed out God's hand in the miraculous establishment of this unique school.  I tried to video tape the play, but I failed at getting decent video with my new camera.

The younger grades enjoyed ringing Christmas bells as they recited poetry and sang Christmas songs.  The older grades wrote and presented a fabulous skit that presented the Christmas story in a way our modern, high tech society could really appreciate.  They also presented songs with sign language.

The program also included prayer and corporate praise and worship (one of the perks of a Christ centered school) followed by a time of fellowship and feasting.

One of the highlights of the evening for me personally doesn't have much to do with Christmas or the program itself.  I most enjoyed meeting all of our daughter's school friends.

Soapbox Moment
For as long as I can remember, I have enjoyed meeting people who are different from me or who are set apart from the crowd.  When I enter a large group of people, I am immediately drawn to those who are shortest, tallest, youngest, oldest, or from any country other than America. I value diversity and love meeting people from all walks of life.

Some of my most valuable life experiences have come through my most unique relationships.  The homeless people we served food to at the shelter downtown and the homeless man who camped out in the woods at my workplace taught me that hard knocks come in life despite our best efforts, but God will never forsake us and will meet our needs, so be grateful in all circumstances. 

Touring manufacturing plants in Japan at age 17 confirmed my thoughts of majoring in engineering in college.  Geeky engineers inspired a desire to become an efficient problem solver balanced with light-hearted humor.  High profile businessmen gave me confidence to pursue my dreams while reminding to me to focus on long term goals without getting distracted by short-term, narrow-minded opportunities.  Superiors at work advised me to pursue business mentoring opportunities which aligns with the Paul/Timothy discipleship model in Scriptures.

Japanese student leaders helped me appreciate the innovation and freedom of thought, expression, and vocational pursuits that characterize America without all the pressure to perform found in some countries. Japanese, Turkish, and Indian friends introduced me to a whole new meaning of hospitality and respect for others. 

Studying abroad at Oxford and the European travel that preceded that semester taught me to be flexible and to enjoy trying new sports, foreign foods, and unusual adventures.  I gained new respect for ancient architecture, world history, and the arts that summer.  I learned how to survive on much less and worshiped God more passionately after beholding so many beautiful landscapes that summer.  Father Henry, the monk and headmaster of the school where we resided, taught me to take the road less traveled as he took two other friends and me running at 5:00 am each morning across fields/pastures, over fences, across the Thames River, through forests, across valleys, along narrow cobbled streets and around winding paths.  

Recovering drug addicts and teens in crisis pregnancy situations taught me the importance of providing a loving, nurturing, Christ-centered home environment for our children where a nurturing, engaged father is also attentive to the kids' heart needs.  Drag racers, Harley Davidson motorcyclists, and aviators from church/work gave me a greater appreciation for mechanics, speed racing, and the transportation industry.  Mission trips taught me to be grateful for everything and that Christ's grace extends to all people without limit.  Each unique relationship has widened my perspective of life and changed me.

As a homeschooling parent, I was concerned that our children were not exposed to enough diversity, although our homeschooling co-op is blessed to have so many international members.  I did not expect that sending our daughter to a private Christian school would increase her diversity exposure, either.  However, this school's motto is "Out of the Box" and an unorthodox educational approach will attract a variety of individuals.

What pleased me so much at this Christmas program was seeing great diversity among our daughter's friends.  Each student comes from a different background and has unique gifts and talents. This school is filled with diverse people, but the students are all united in their love for the Lord, so they really are more like a family than most cliques comprised of people who look exactly the same. 

The following day, some of the students from our daughter's school took a field trip to a long term care facility in another community.  The students greeted the residents, sang Christmas carols and hymns, and distributed small gifts.  I helped "chaperone" and brought my 5-year old along.

 The residents' faces were filled with joy as they joined us in singing.  During the sacred hymns, several residents raised their hands in heart felt worship to the Lord.  They are ready to meet Jesus, but until then, meeting young people sure does put a smile on their faces.  The kind lady in purple pictured below offered to babysit both our of children every Friday night at no charge so that my husband and I can go on dates!  Too bad we do not receive similar offers from people who are physically able.

Mr. Matt, the school's praise and worship instructor, wore his Santa shirt and hat.  We were amused when one of the residents had on the same shirt. 

One of the young students, who I will call Johnny, extended friendship to my young son who was shy and apprehensive when we first met the residents.  Johnny led our son from room to room as they gave gifts to the residents.  Johnny helped "Joey" overcome his shyness.  Note the before and after pictures shown in the bottom middle and right corner of the layout above.