The day had finally arrived when the parts for the 5th grade musical, 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' were to be announced. Nathan had his heart set on being Joseph - he had been going around the house singing, even sang to Julieanne and one her friends visiting. He walked to the car, slouched in the seat and was 'gutted' as they say here when you are exceedingly disappointed. He had auditioned by singing a solo in front of 4 classes along with many other boys but this was not his moment. He was so dejected asking when it would be 'his moment'. He had also optimistically campaigned for student council and lost that race as well. It's fine line between letting someone feel the legitimate disappointment and helping them gain a true perspective. After consoling him, being disappointed with him and getting a MacDonald's hamburger I reminded him of all of his moments recently that undoubtedly left others feeling left behind. We talked about why the boy who got the Joseph part really needed that part and will do very well with it. He had such a long face - certain he had no solo or even a speaking part. A few days later he was given his script. He is Gad, one of the 11 brothers of Joseph and yes he has a few speaking parts but no solo. Out of 100+ kids to be one of the brothers is a privilege but he's not the big shot. It's all part of growing up.
Actually we've been reading the true account of the life of Joseph, his father Jacob and grandfather Isaac which Nathan has been fascinated by. He's into all the maps and which tribe got which land, particularly Gad. He's seeing all the lying and deceit in the family. It's been great to compare the real details of the Bible with the script. He'll say, 'wait, it says, _____, in the script but that's not quite the same as the Bible'. His first performance is the 11th. The school is so tight for space each family is only allowed 2 tickets and then if there are leftovers you can request more on a first come first serve basis.
For the girls growing up has brought it's challenges this term as well. Julieanne has had to find her voice to speak up in her band registering an opinion on what songs they do and do not sing. Her first response was just to quit which seemed like the less confrontational/easier thing to do. After spending an evening listening to the songs on her iPod that she likes that would be good for the band and her voice as well as contain lyrics we were comfortable with, she came up with "Eye of the Tiger" She was able to put her ideas and reasons forward and the band gladly accepted them.
This half term, Anna Catherine has been living at the Junior girls boarding house as a prefect or 'resident assistant in training' if you will Monday - Friday. There are two juniors, one senior and two adults each night tutoring, keeping in line, and relating with the girls who are boarding at the school. AC has faced the challenges of prioritizing all the studies and activities she juggles each term. In addition to her studies she's played varsity hockey, cello, been in the Jr./Sr. Christmas Panto, a leader in the Combined Cadet Forces, youth group, discipleship group and participated in a weekly Investment Team. Needless to say, she's been s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d! She's also been walking through some sad relational issues adding much strain. No doubt she will end the term exhausted but also having learned some huge stuff - some the hard way with many tears and others in a less painful way.
For all three, growing up has been hard to do this term.
