Have you ever had one of those days? The days where the little things seem to annoy you. The days when you think you have your ducks in a row only for people to move your ducks. This week, I was having one of those days. I left the school feeling a little frustrated and annoyed at situations beyond my control. I drove down to the soccer field to wait for my youngest daughter to finish band practice. I sat in the car and watched the students.
All of the little annoyances began to fade, as I saw the students genuinely loving being a part of the band. The students were banging on drums that are way bigger than their small bodies. They were standing proud as they played the trumpets. A cute seven year old boy would bang the cymbals although he didn’t actually have the correct rhythm. I knew the truth–if it was not for our school these students would not have the opportunity to be in the band. The cost of instruments for a school band would simply not be possible for them. However, so many people invest in our ministry which makes it possible for our students to enjoy the simple things like a band!
Last week, Julio and Delmy entered my office with one request—to name the band “The Band of Soy Taylor”. I looked at them perplexed because Soy wasn’t in a band and he didn’t play any musical instruments. Julio continued to explain that in 2023 Soy was walking with the students in the Independence Day parade when he noticed many of the other schools had school bands. Soy told Julio “Next year I want a band for our students!” Julio and Delmy will honor his request. This year will be the first Colegio JET band in the Independence Day parade! For everyone who knew Soy, then you can easily predict exactly what would happen if Soy was walking in the parade with the band–He would somehow convince everyone that he is the Band Director. And of course, he would have a costume to play the part. And a whistle.
Shining Light Abroad Ministries 