I am tired.
Not just tired but TIRED. I was at the church yesterday from 8 a.m to 8:30 p.m.with just a 20-minute break to grab a bite to eat and change clothes. And during this last week, I have worked at least double my normal hours.
But happily, it’s a good tired. A tired-down-to-my-bones kind of good tired.
The first night of the drama went great and I am relieved that 98% of my work and prep for the next two performances is DONE! I am a happy woman!
Here are a few more scenes showing the fruit of our labors.
These are the screens I designed that greet the audience as they come into each performance. I snapped this picture while a few people were rehearsing before the audience arrived.
And here is a scary sight for you. My husband. With a bushy beard. And with makeup designed to make him look 10 years older than he is.
Although he is impressive in his role, you can know without any doubt that on Wednesday morning, following the final performance, that beard will have to GO!
Obviously, the beard and makeup combo didn’t scare these young actresses as much as it scared me. They were doing a congo line in the lobby, pre-performance, and were thrilled when their pastor joined them.
In his beard. And gown. And makeup.
Good (congo) times!
Although they lost Steve along the way, I had to keep snapping photos just because of the long hall and the sun . . . and the joy of witnessing little girls awash in innocence and beauty and light.
The room these girls were entering in had in it, among other things, the royal litters that would carry Pilate and Claudia into the auditorium.
Steve found some regular old chairs at a thrift store for $5 each and then some creative folks turned them into litters. That kind of talent amazes me.
Here is one of the litters in action.
Isn’t that so cool?
One of the highlights of the play has been the involvement of the Dare Challenge guys.
If you’ve been reading here for a while, you know that we have had the residents of this local rehab center at our home for Thanksgiving for the past 5 years. (You can read some of the accounts of those meals here and here.) Steve also serves on the board of directors and teaches at the Center once a week.
The men did such a great job in their roles as soldiers.
I can’t help but think that wherever they go, and whatever they end up doing, they will never be able to forget their involvement in this drama, and the incredible feeling of seeing up close and personal Jesus’ forgiveness, his crucifixion, and His love.
And at the end of the production? When it was time for the cast members to join on the stage for one last song?
Well, you’ve never seen such joy.
These men had gone from drug and alcohol abusers . . . to men telling the story of resurrection and new life.
It just doesn’t get any better than that.
And for a little bonus . . .
Last week I posted several pictures of the stunning Resurrection Dance.
Well, last night I sat out in the audience and got some video of Elizabeth coming down the aisle. I was at the end of the row and was surprised (and thrilled) to be close enough to feel her wings brush my hand. It made for some beautiful footage.
So even if you can’t be here in person, you can still experience that flutter of wings. (This video plays once at regular speed and once in slow motion.)
Wow, so beautiful and such JOY in those young mens’ faces. They will never forget.
Lesley,
Joy. Yes.
Beautiful… Amazing…. PRICELESS!!! Just WOW! Thanks for sharing!
Bea,
You are most welcome!
wow! What a production! Awesome job from all. Wish I could have seen it. It is especially moving that the men from the Dare program Happy Easter!
Michele,
I know. I was so thrilled that they got to be a part of it again this year.
So many gifts on display in this post! Joy, salvation, youthful energy. So many talents! Graphics (kudos, Becky), salvation (kudos for the facilitating, DARE), design, construction, sewing, music, singing, did I mention joy? Too bad, I’m mentioning it again: JOY! Joy is what I feel when I see these photos.
As always, thanks for sharing, Becky. (Although I think it was a teensy bit of an understatement to say that the resurrection dance passing your seat made for “some beautiful footage.” It was a real “WOW!”
Jan,
Gifts and joy and the understatement of a “wow moment.” Yep, that pretty much sums it up!
Awesome, Becky!!!! What a great drama and I know it is a blessing to the viewers. Our God is an awesome God!!!
Ann,
Our audience was blessed and those of us who put on the drama were blessed. So many beautiful moments.
The ministry to the guys and the changes it has made amazes me!!!!! I love, Love, LOVE the angel wings. After my mother passed away, I became fascinated with butterflies and angels. Don’t ask me why because I have no idea! I think it is funny that Steve is into Thrift Shops, too!!!!!
Elizabeth,
Yes, Steve has gotten quite a few items from thrift stores over the years although he always says it’s harder finding men’s clothes that are used, because men tend to hang onto their clothes longer than women. Which is true.
I think it’s wonderful to remember your mother through your love of butterflies and angels.
loved seeing the soldiers.. their joy in being forgiven and experiencing new life… could there be a better Easter message?
Mrs. Pam,
They were most definitely joyful soldiers. But they could also play the “mean guy” part when the plot called for it. So I guess they were joyfully mean guys.
Amazing … the only word my brain can come up with right now! Those angel wings absolutely fascinate me – so etheral and gossamer … just so other worldly!
Guerrina,
Yeah, those wings are something else, especially in the hands of someone who knows who make the most of them. I could strap them on and look like a galloping giraffe but Elizabeth turns them into miracles and magic!
Amazing job, you guys! Loved the joy on the faces of the Teen Challenge guys and the beauty of the angel footage. And the Pastor in the congo line was yet another kind of inspiration. 🙂
I’m also impressed that you put up great post in spite of being so tired. Hope you have some naps scheduled for later in the week!
Love, Deb
Deb,
Yes, with joy, angels, pastors, and congo lines, it’s been quite a week. Haven’t managed to take a nap yet this week but will possibly try to schedule one today.