droppin' like flies

Don't ever quit anything you commit to.  Just don't.  You let down everyone else who is counting on you.  We've got some really REALLY fantastic kids in our show.  And tons of them are replacements.  We must have had six kids drop today, some of them by choice, some of them because of parents and some of them just plum didn't show up.  Even though are replacements are seriously awesome, it was still a headache rushing around today, tracking down kids playing pool, football, and basketball, and making phone calls to kids who don't even go to the Boys and Girls Club.

We've recovered okay.  We've taught ALMOST everything we were supposed to have taught.  I think I should be able to find time to squeeze in teaching the few scenes I missed today.  Also this is gonna be another two actor show.  We lost Mom/Grandma today, but apparently all of the kids in the family are SO psyched that I am gonna be playing their mom.

I had one of those moments today when I realized how important my work is. I was teaching the Girlfriends and Red their big song and dance today.  The little girl playing Girlfriend 1, and actually ALL of the Girlfriends have NEVER been in a show before (though like I said yesterday, #3 has gone to performing arts camp).  But the way Girlfriend 1 looked at me today when I was teaching them their song and dance today was unbelievable.  She was so awestruck by how much fun she was having.  She never stopped smiling for a second.

According to our homestay, these kids really need us.  He asked me if I ever thought about the fact that I might be changing that girl's life.  I don't think I really do.  Though I think somewhere deep down I am aware of it.

Apparently this town has come a long way from what it once was.  Back in the day I guess everyone carried a pocket knife that did double duty as a tool and defense weapon.  I think I am having a little bit of culture shock.  It's the first time I think I have every felt this way.  Simply seeing confederate flags in the mall in Harrisonburg doesn't compare to what I am feeling right now.