We went to Josh's school Christmas program. The story was quite touching about some simple kids giving their hearts to the "King". The whole school was in it, so it was held at the elegant Civic Theatre with over 1,000 in the audience. Josh was part of the big choir and a small group playing the recorder. It was also quite the cultural experience as well. Ben commented afterwards that if it was a Ukrainian school, the program would have been more professionally done - our observations too. We like the casualness of American culture, but we also miss the professionalism in the area of the Arts in Ukraine beginning at the preschool age. Also, whenever the curtains were raised, parents, grandparents, siblings would yell out their child's name cheering them on. OK, is that a So. Cal thing? Talk about casual! Pictures and video cameras were not allowed, we have to BUY the DVD of it. Like I said, the story line was very touching. Grandpa and Grandma (Mark's parents) thought it was the best children's Christmas program they ever saw!
Ben tried out for his school's Jr. High basketball team. The coach asked him to be 1 of 2 student managers for the Varsity team, explaining that they will probably play the least, but will help him with stats, etc. Ben decided to go for it. He said he'd rather be a student manager on the Varsity team than play on the JV team and besides he thought, "... I won't be the worst player, maybe the other student manager will be like me." We were so glad that on his own, Ben wanted to try out. He's never been on a basketball team before and was going up against these boys who have played all their lives. His coach - Mr. Winger - is his Bible teacher, whom Ben likes alot.
We are sooooo thankful for these two Christian schools the boys are in. I'm usually a public school person - thinking we need to be in the real world, but these schools have been such a nice nurturing environment for this year of transition for Ben and Josh. The schools are not small - 250 7th and 8th graders at Ben's Jr. High and 2 classes of each grade at Josh's school, but the teachers and administration are God-sent. We thank the Lord for leading us to these schools - He knew what they needed.
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2 comments:
I think the hooting and hollering when the curtain went up is relatively new but the natural outcome of the same kind of behavior during graduation ceremonies. I remember when these were very solemn events, but now they are pretty kick-back.
SoCal may be more relaxed than most areas. For the most part, I'm glad. But during programs ... even children's programs ... seems like there should be some point where decorum takes over.
Interesting observation about the professionalism in the arts!
And a huge congratulations to Ben. I know how tough it is at his school to be a part of the basketball program. Hope he has a great season.
Becky
Bonnie- I noticed last year that things have become a lot more casual. And since I err more on the formal side, I appreciate that about life in Kyiv. Keep observing, it will help the rest of us figure life out when we have to spend time there!
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