We had some big events mid-May. Actually every month has felt big this year, because so much opened up after a year or two, though I wouldn't say that everything returned to how it was.
Naomi helped run the fashion show at her school, which is much more involved than it sounds and was a lot of work. Manny was able to help with pounding the grommets into her skirt. The original design was supposed to be a sort of electric blue, but her group couldn't find the fabric, so they went with teal instead. The theme of the show was "Wake Up," sort of a Sleeping Beauty meets current state of the world theme. It seemed a way for the Fashion 1 students to incorporate their pajamas, since they had not yet learned to make gowns and such. The teachers believes in having the students run the show themselves. I thought the class did a really great job, and I am proud of Naomi's hard work and doing what she enjoys. It was a packed show, though only I was there to represent our family. But her friend came and helped clean up afterward.
Manny and I also started our discipleship groups at church last year. They were pretty life-changing for us, very different from any small group experiences we'd had before. At the end of the year, they had one person from each group speak, and Manny did and so did I. I kind of felt like I couldn't share with everyone the deepest things I learned, so I gave what I felt a somewhat superficial speech. If I could go back, I would focus on a couple of big things that happened and have more candid reflection. I really loved what Manny had to say, especially in reconnecting with many in his family and asking for prayer for his cousin, who was suffering from a terminal illness.
Later that afternoon, I went with some friends from my previous church and an additional friend to see a one-man play about C.S. Lewis. The actor was very good. I'm not quite sure how he memorized all of that! It brought me back to my love of literature, biographies, and stories of faith. His life was pretty interesting indeed. Now I want to watch Shadowlands and read A Grief Observed. After the show, we went to have Greek food at Opa! restaurant. I of course love Greek food and was glad my friend got to pick because she loves it, too. Some years ago she donated part of her liver to save a friend, and she had complications from the surgery and has never recovered. She now has to walk with a cane and cannot drive. She lost the ability to work and has struggled, but God continues to provide for her.
Manny speaking at our brunch
One of the food tables. There was plenty of food, including chicken biscuit sandwiches.
I brought berry salad and tropical fruit
Naomi looking like a princess
Naomi and a friend from middle school
Group photo
One final walk
Naomi's group
Announcing those who worked on the show, including Naomi
Naomi also sold tickets right before the event. Was a busy day!
A plushie Naomi got from a friend (those who know Sanrio know this is a rare one)
Treating myself to some ahi tuna, which I only eat maybe once every three or four years
Naomi sewing her skirt
I had some lamb kebabs (and pita bread with various types of hummus)
Me with friends about to have a Greek dinner
Us with the cast, which means the one main actor, from the show
We had great seats toward the front (that's me on the right)
