Lately it has often seemed as if our family life revolved around Emily’s end-of-school-year activities. This morning as I type this Emily is getting ready to go take the SAT exam. She still has to help with the graduation next week. THEN we can all take a deep breath and maybe we can get through a day without a major event to go to or a major homework project taking up the entire living room. The day after we returned from Nkara, she was part of an art/music show at the U.S. Ambassador’s home here in Kinshasa. She had three art projects on display and also played in the band.
The Ambassador’s home is super nice! Daniel summed it up when we arrived home and he told David, “I got to go to America for a few hours!”
That was on a Tuesday. The following Saturday was prom night. The theme this year was “masquerade.”
Since we had to fight traffic and go downtown to get the kids to the prom, we rewarded ourselves by going out to eat with our friends and fellow MAFers, David and Sandy Francis.
This past Wednesday, TASOK held a benefit concert and art show. The entry fee was a donation of food or cash for the Kimbondo orphanage – the one I visit! Emily’s art was once again on display and she played in the band, along with several other MAF kids.
The older kids at the orphanage have a choir, which was invited to participate in the benefit. This was a highlight of the evening. My French isn’t that good when someone is singing rapidly with an African accent, but I did make out these lyrics to one of the songs: “He has come to save humanity and to give us life. He has come to save sinners.” TASOK is an American school with a very international flavor and students from all over the world, but not a Christian school. So on this night, a humble group of Congolese orphans were witnesses to an international community!Thursday evening the youth group held a party to honor the seniors. It was very emotional, and she had a major project due in school on Friday so this was a long night for Emily.
For the most part, high school concert band here is just like high school concert band in any U.S. school. Black and white dress clothes are required at performances.
Shoes, however, are optional in Africa.*
*Edit: After I posted this I learned from the band teacher that shoes are NOT optional. whoops.
Thanks Nancy for allowing me the privilege of experiencing HS prom from a distance. Emily is really growing up. Please share my love with all.
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