LIFEdance

Okay, so I learned something about myself. Something that I always hoped and prayed I wouldn't be, but here the opportunity presented itself to me, and it is true. I am a complete stage mom. Last Friday, the Life Dance team got to have a performance for the volunteers who are currently here. We have been working really hard to get their dances clean enough to perform and have been pushing their technique like crazy- just enough to get them to point their toes. :) Well, they did absolutely amazing.

Before the performance, all the girls were in the bathroom, crowded around the mirrors, slicking their hair back and putting on lipstick. It just proves to show that girls everywhere are alike. I walked in, and all of a sudden, it was like being back home with American girls getting ready for a competition. Girls with no pants, girls laughing and singing, girls doing each others hair. We even took "mirror" pictures. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be with my girls for that half hour. 

As I stood on the side watching my kids take the stage, I was completely stoked. That is the only word I can think to describe my feelings because I was literally on my tippy-toes with the biggest smile on my face. I sat there pointing at my cheeks, encouraging them to smile and whispering counts to every dance. I guess my whole goal was to transfer all my energy to them and make them have the best performance ever. I am so proud of my kids. They have grown so much since I've been here already and it is so amazing to see. This is their African dance, choreographed by Emmy- and they love it so much.

After seeing all of their dances, we turned on some ridiculous Tamil music and had a dance party. A tradition that always happens, the kids are twice as happy as they freestyle. I was so unbelievably proud of M. Vignesh and C. Vignesh as they partied out on the floor. They were poppin' to that beat so hard. Everyone was getting way into it as we played the music and got everyone pumped. Even Papa Gates.

All I know is that I love these kids. They have taught me lessons that I will never forget and they make me so happy. They say that you can never fully comprehend the love of a mother until you become one yourself. Well, if that is true, man, am I excited for my heart to grow even more, because if it is anything like loving these kids, it will be the best thing in the world. If that makes sense... Well. Vanakkum