Nuts, Crackers and Sugarplum Fairies

Last weekend I was thoroughly spoiled! An amazing seat at a ballet! A former KCS student, Miyu, (with incredible dance skills) is now part of a ballet troupe that just happens to be performing the Nutcracker this season. I'm a huge fan of this ballet and Tchaikovsky's music. If I had the chance, I would make seeing this ballet a yearly tradition. So when I had just finished teaching about Tchaikovsky to my elementary music students and heard that my friend had extra tickets to the ballet I grabbed one! "Kurumiwari Ningyou"

Sadly my friend was not in the group performing as she had injured her knee previously. But otherwise it was a delightful evening. What I understand of the community of dancers is that it is a very competitive group and building true friendships is difficult. Please continue to pray for my friend. She is a Christian shining her light in a stressful environment in a dark country. By God's providence the fact that the doctor has instructed her to rest her knees has enabled her to attend some Hi-B.A. (High school Bible club) meetings, fellowship with friends, and will allow her to go to an end of the year camp with the group. I love watching how God can turn some seemingly bad news - knee injury, into good news - spiritual refreshment.

^As a side note - my sister, Lisa, dared me to bring nuts and crackers in my pockets to "The Nutcracker" performance. When I told her I didn't have pockets in the dress I was wearing she said, "OK, put them in your PURSE, then." And if you know my sister - I'm sure she cringed when she said that P word. I couldn't resist - I had nuts and crackers in my purse. Of course, I waited until after I left the building to enjoy the snack.