O the Thinks You Can Think!

Caleb & Naomi setting the stage for things to come.

"O the thinks you can think" was the opening number of Seussical the Musical--the production we just put on for the last time this weekend. As I sat and watched them perform, I mouthed the words along with them and started to think.  I remember when we first were making the proposal to do this musical.  Emily was wide-eyed and excited, and I shared in her excitement with a little reservation--feeling that my skills as a musical director would not live up to Barlow-standards.  As the semester rolled on, we all got overwhelmed as things didn't go the way we planned, but God worked it all out and made it worth it.  I'm so glad we did it, and even more blessed to have been a part of it.

Putting on Seussical the Musical was extremely tiring and trying.  It isn't the first time I have been part of a major production, but it is the first time I have been a director of a major production. Wow...that brings a whole different type of exhaustion.  I'm so glad to have worked alongside of Emily Barlow, and I'm continually in awe of how graceful she is when she directs these shows.  She is an inspiration in so many ways.

My favorite shot Horton (Tayo) talking to the Who's on the dust speck

If I could say one thing, among many, that I learned throughout this production it would be that "no think is too small for God."  I can definitely say that Emily and I were worried--there were so many things that were not in our control as we persevered through the entire show.  There was just so much going on.  The kids were doing an excellent job and working super hard, but we were stressed out pretty much the entire time.

Going into opening night, though, everything just gelled into place in a way that only God could do.  Everyone performed at their absolute best, and the kids did one simple thing: they had fun.  I couldn't tell you how many moments I sat there watching them with tears in my eyes and the widest and cheesiest smile on my face.  They did it.  God did it.  He took their very best and made it even better, for His glory.  I'm so proud of them and everything they worked so hard to achieve.

Amazing Mayzie & the bird girls singing to Gertrude

As I stumbled through a tear-filled prayer on Saturday night, I admitted to myself that Seussical was the bittersweet beginning to the end of an unforgettable and incredible year here at SCCLC.  There has been blood, sweat, and tears that have all mushed together to make this one of the most life-changing experiences I have ever had, and I would do it again if I could.

The end of the musical marks the beginning of my transition out of SCCLC and back to the States.  I will be leaving on June 14th, and I won't be returning to the SCCLC.  God is clearly ending this chapter of my life, and I will be returning to the States to find a teaching job in inner-city Philadelphia.  Though I am at peace with this decision--a decision made a long time ago, it is extremely hard to say goodbyes without knowing when I will see these kids, teachers, and friends again.

The Wickershams "Monkey-ing Around"

Please be praying for me and the ones I love here as I transition out of Bolivia.  I have been in denial of it being a difficult one, but I know that a part of my heart is going to be left here--and its going to be hard to let go.  But--as I said before "no think is too small for God" and I cannot wait to see what he has in store for me in the coming years.

Thanks for your constant prayers & love,

Rachel

Here a few more photos from the weekend:

The show-stoppers during their shining moments :)

Emily & myself after it was all over!

The Full Cast & Crew :)

I'm so proud of my kids & blessed by them daily.  I'm not sure what to do with myself now that its all over! :)

I'll Never Forget

I'll Never Forget watching the Spirit move in ways I couldn't even imagine

I'll Never Forget the stories that were shared that affected so many people

I'll Never Forget the long hugs shared after forgiveness was reached

I'll Never Forget the circles of high schoolers praying for the girl who went home sick

I'll Never Forget laying my hands on and praying for a broken new believer

I'll Never Forget the contrast between the laughter shared in the pool with the happy tears shed when kids just started to "get it"

I'll Never Forget listening to the song written by the two High School Boys about change and transformation

I'll Never Forget watching and listening to the students furiously writing in their workbooks and listening to Axis tell them about worldviews throughout the world.

I'll Never Forget observing students praying for other hurting and broken students

I'll Never Forget leading worship and looking out at all of the kids in a line holfing one another: united in the Spirit.

I'll Never Forget the look on their faces when Ryan screamed "______is a believer in Jesus Christ"

I'll Never Forget High School Retreat

CLARIFYING STORY
When we got to the campsite for High School Retreat on Friday, we started setting up the electronics for the Axis team to present their first session.  Right away the projector was broken, and we couldn't get it to work. Axis needed a projector to do their session; so we needed a plan B.  Ryan decided to have us (the worship team) lead worship and open the floor for testimonies (by the students!!!)  I was skeptical from the beginning, thinking that we'd be sitting in awkward silence when he opened it up, but was I wrong!  Student after student came to share how they came to know Christ, and people were broken beyond compare by the end of the night.  I can't even describe how Christ was moving, and I was amazed at the power of some of the kids' vulnerability and love for one another.  All because the projector wouldn't work!  TWO kids became believers in Jesus Christ, and many believers re-dedicated their lives to FOLLOWING Christ.
Oh and I must mention....the projector was working the next morning...I think God WON!!! :D

THANK YOU for your prayers this weekend.  I wish you all could have been there to witness this MIRACULOUS MOVEMENT of the Holy Spirit, and I'm soo excited and thirsty for more!! :)

Until the Next AMAZING story...

Rachel

(ENGLISH TEACHER ADAGE: poem style in the beginning of this is based off of Elie Wiesel's poem "Never Shall I Forget" found in his book Night)