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| clockwise: Marchelle Mehan (real hula dancer), Janet Crafton, Elise Merrill, Sammie Tillett, myself and Amber Ferguson |
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| Emily Melton (2nd Counselor), Maykala Catmull, Jenny Childers |
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| President and Jenny Pitcher, India presenters |
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| Reanne, Sammie, Emma Harrison, and Jennifer Houser (SYC) |
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| Kayla and Jacob Daniels and Dannie |
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| Gisa Ott and President Cowley |
The idea for this night was suggested by one of our Stake Youth Committee members. It was to be a night to introduce youth to other cultures and help broaden their horizons as to what other cultures are like, what they eat, what their traditions are, what they dance like, and what the church is like around the world.
It was a process and took months of planning. It was challenging when myriads of emails, Facebook messages, and phone calls were not returned by the youth who was supposed to be in charge or other adults participating in the night. It was emotional draining discovering hours before the dance that three of the four performances had fallen through, a couple of the presenters/displays would not take place and the youth who was supposed to be in charge of the event was not coming.
I had my meltdown cry.
Then I asked Andy to give me a big hug. His hugs do wonders.
I decided that the "show would go on" and I would do it with a smile.
It was a really good thing I went into the activity with that attitude.
Only a couple of people were there on time to set up, the valliant DJ was there but as sick as a dog, only three of the eight country display tables and presenters showed up before the event was supposed to start...and yet I still smiled. One presenter ran in about 20min after it was supposed to start...and yet I still smiled...within the first 20min, I had one or two youth tell me repeatedly how lame the activity was...and yet I still smiled...I had one presenter show up as we were taking all the display tables down...I just kept smiling...
I had the opportunity to dance the hula with a few girls and it went really well.
I smiled!
After the hula, tables were cleared away and the dance began with a limbo stick-I knew the rest of the evening would run smoothly. As I sat emotionally and physically exhausted on the stage watching everyone who did show up have a great time, I reflected on the positive aspects of the evening. Those that brought displays, costumes and food from their country did a beautiful job. The youth that listened to the presenters comments learned something new. The youth and leaders that showed up to help really came through. All that and our hula was really fun.
I have always felt like life is what you make of it.
So I chose to stop moping and get my tired body off the stage and join the youth on the dance floor.
I had a good time and I saw a plethora of others enjoying themselves as well. I decided to document a few of said "others" because I promised myself this upcoming year I would take more pictures
of the things that make up the summation of my daily life!!
(How does one take pictures of a ton of meetings?! :)
The night (nowhere near) turned out as planned. But I knew that my Heavenly Father knew I had done everything in my power to lead the youth I was over and make it a neat evening.
And when I realized this, the negative comments of immature youth rolled off my back.
When I internalized this, I was able to get over the disappointments of what "should have been".
When I accepted this, I was able to be grateful for
all the things that went right.
And isn't that the case with so many circumstances we find ourselves in in this life?
No matter what situation we find ourselves in, we choose how we react to it.
...As the old Knight of the Holy Grail said to Indiana Jones,
"Choose Wisely"...(this is the part where you chuckle).
I'm sorry the activity didn't go as planned, but it still sounds like so much fun and, you're right, you did everything you could! The cynic in me wants to say, "You can't rely on other people. If you want something done (or done right) you have to do it yourself." but I won't... :)
ReplyDeleteOh, and the picture part? Take a tripod and remote to your meetings. You can take as many pictures as you want and you'll look fabulous since you'll be the only one expecting the picture! Who doesn't look good next to a group of people with red eye, blank stares, and mouths half open because they're in the middle of a sentence??
I have been there. It is so hard to be "in charge" of a youth activity where you have to rely on others to get things done. I think you handled it very gracefully.
ReplyDeleteOh, and "we named the dog Indiana."
Planned, executed, and then documented in true Alli fashion! With all of your hard work, you deserve to have things go right once in awhile, but you are also an inspiration for the "grin and bear it" club! Sending lots of love your way :)
ReplyDeleteOh Alli- we've been there! Isn't is frustrating esepically in church service that people don't follow through when that (in my mind) is the place that you should ALWAYS follow through and put your ALL into it. Great post on letting go of the negative and focusing on the most important. Glad you are back to the blogging world. xoxo, Megg
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading this post, I kept saying to myself, "And this is why I want to hang out with Alli more! This is why you are such a great (and rare) friend to have!!!"
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that post. You are awesome-Now let's get together!!
I heard that it was a rough night for you (had dinner with Cori and John not long after), but the chatter I heard, after it was all said and done, was good. I can just imagine how you were feeling and, for your sake, wish I could have been there to help - although I have to admit that I am grateful to not have THAT stress in my life right now. :) Love ya tons!
ReplyDelete