For Drama. . .

When we were young and on the mission field my sister Susie had a love for drama and plays. We would always put these productions together for the theology students and I discovered drama. I remember being angry in my youth that I was cast as John in Peter Pan simply because I wore glasses. It was one of the first injustices I experienced. However in high school I was far too shy to audition or try drama in any way. So I forgot about my first love. Then came OBC. At first I was too shy to try for anything again, but Kara convinced me to try out for A.D.A.M. I never regretted that choice, even though there were times I disagreed with the director. It brought out a new confidence in me and it was so cathartic. All of a sudden a new passion was born. You could work out almost anything on stage, and be people you would never dare to be in real life. I could be a lunatic and get out all the feelings that were bottled up inside me. In fact I discovered playing crazy was always easier than playing sane. A.D.A.M was a great first place to get my feet wet. It allowed me to try so many roles, I learned sign as well and we got to go on tour. The relationships and bonds that were made through that team were incredible. It was because of my involvement with them that I met Gil and that our relationship was born. He was the sound and lights guy that would shine the lights into my eyes to annoy me. When Nic Hunter came to our school, a directer from Wales who was brilliant, and he was setting up productions, I was intimidated. Again I was too scared to audition, I didn't think I would be good enough for anything he was putting together, but he had seen my work with A.D.A.M and said he'd take me without an audition. That moment when he said that was one I will never forget, it meant so much to me. I had so much fun being part of the production that year - playing an English General was the best work I did. He also taught a drama class that taught me more about myself than drama. He really boosted my confidence and would never let me hang my head or be "shy" if he was around. What I discovered more than anything is that I can be so nervous right before I go on stage, and then I go on stage and the nerves disappear and suddenly I feel like I am alive, more alive than I have ever been. Drama has been an amazing outlet for me, an outlet I wish I could use more now. I see it in my oldest as she does what I never had the guts to do at her age and I am so proud. Today I am thankful that I had this outfit, that I had this experience and that drama was a part of my life, my prayer is that I will find ways to use it in the future.