Amy Medina

Maggie needed a senior picture photoshoot, so Gil was happy to oblige.  And of course, setting up the lighting meant that everyone else in the house got in on the action as well.  But the focus was on Maggie.

She grew up in a small town in Tanzania, one of many children.  She figured out early on that she was really good at math and science.  And determined.  She went to boarding school from the age of 8, and once she hit secondary school, managed to get herself scholarships to better and better schools, finally finishing her last two years at HOPAC.  And this year, she was offered the ultimate scholarships of all:  full-rides to both Stanford and MIT to study engineering. 

Through an intricate set of circumstances that was one of those God-things, she has ended up living with us since November.  And then my mom came out to visit in February, so Maggie got to know her.  And then she chose Stanford University, which is only 30 minutes from my parents’ house. 

So now, as she graduates next week and is being sent out into that scary world called America in August–her first time out of Tanzania, her first time on a plane ever–my parents will be there to pick her up at the airport.  And help her get a bike.  And find her way around.  And show her how to order a drink at Starbucks. 

Thanks, God!  That is really cool how You worked that out. 

And someday she will return to Tanzania and change the world. 

But for now, I’m just thankful that God gave us this opportunity to change each other’s worlds, just a little bit. 

It’s been such a great experience that we’re doing it again next year, this time with Sam from South Africa.  But more about her later.

When I was young, probably my most favorite thing to do was theatre.  My high school had a phenomenal theatre department with a very talented director, and there was absolutely no place I would have rather been than on that stage.  Sewing costumes, the smell of aerosol hairspray, the hair nets and wigs, building sets on Saturdays, the feel of anticipation when the lights go down and elation during the curtain call…but most of all, the amazing sense of camaraderie that is built when working on a play….not found anywhere else. 

“Steel Magnolias,” VCHS, 1993

“Traveling Light,” Hillside Church, 1996 (this one’s for you, MB!)

But it’s been a really, really long time since I’ve been on a stage again.  So when some good friends at HOPAC announced they wanted to put on a musical, I was thrilled and jumped at the chance to participate. 

It is called “A Few of My Favorite Things” and is an adaption of the best scenes and songs from “The Sound of Music.”  HOPAC rented the only real theatre in town, and we had ourselves four performances of the real thing….the lights, the sets, and of course, lots of hair spray.  What fun it has been (closes tomorrow) to be back on stage again (I still love it!), but even more, what a joy it has been to feel that wonderful sense of camaraderie with everyone who participated…students, teachers, parents, and even board members. 

I played Sister Berthe.  I have never considered myself much of a singer, and have never sung a solo in public since probably…the 7th grade.  But when you are part of a small school, guess what?  Suddenly you are a good singer.  Who not only gets solos but also gets to sing four-part harmony.  In Latin.  Definitely a new experience for me. 

As you can see, our production did not look very Austrian.  Obviously the Von Trapp family became an adoptive family in our case.  But I think everyone got the idea. 

So anyway, since I know a lot of former HOPAC staff read this blog….here are lots of pictures for you.  Enjoy!