Once or twice per school year, my 12 - 14 year old jugglers (LOL) do a chapel program for another area Christian school.  This winter we did chapel at Central Maine Christian in Lewiston, and it was the first time we ever performed there.  The first challenge with this show was that we needed to leave our parking lot in North Windham by 7:45 AM to make it to CMCA on time.  But my students and their parents were faithful and everyone was on time.  

The next challenge we faced was that Abbie was out as she had recently broken her hand.  We quickly planned substitutions, and the replacements rehearsed their new parts once or twice.  We trusted God that that was enough.

Then our next challenge was the venue.  Although CMCA is a beautiful school, the chapel is small, and, most important to jugglers, the ceilings are rather low.  We set up, and had time to warm up and adjust to our new surroundings.

Then the 110 students of CMCA arrived, and it was time.  At this point, all challenges were behind us, and LOL did, arguably not just their best show of the year but one of the best LOL shows in the 11 years of the group's existence.  We had the school eating out of our hands starting with the introductions.  Their students, from kindergarten through high school, were 'with us' from beginning to end.  Malakai did a great job replacing Abbie in the shackles escape, and Jordan was equally effective as a replacement with the temple screen illusion.  The kids were flawless in the machete medley, low ceilings to boot.  Will was his usual hysterical self as the wise and foolish builders. And Jordan nailed a suicide with her diabolo for the first time ever!  Grace did clubs on the balance board flawlessly, and our gymnasts were as good as they've ever been.  The highlight, though, was when both groups of students sand "Happy Birthday" to my student, Zech.  While he was adequately embarressed, he bragged on the way home several times that "Over 120 people sang to me on my birthday".

We ended, as usual, with "I Want to Know What Love Is" and "Beautiful, Scandalous Night".  While the themes of these two routines are above the heads of the elementary kids, there is enough action in them to hold their attention.  The teens and teachers, however, were very moved, evidenced by the fact that a couple of the teachers were moved to tears by the visual portrayal of grace.

My students have also been practicing setting up and taking down the show.  This sounds boring, and it is, but it is crucial.  They were excellent doing this as they all worked together doing their parts.  As we were leaving, an 11 year old student from CMCA told us he wanted to start coming to our school!  Our goal isn't to proselytize, but it was a huge complement nonetheless.  

The day's events reminded me of why LOL is important, and also just how powerful what we do is.  And how sweet it is to fellowship with other Christians, even if you've never met before!