Counting down the Days

My adventure on the road is nearly at its end. I have many mixed feelings about the last few months. Some are good, some are not. Its hard to sort through everything and come up with an emotion or feeling for the tour as a whole. In many ways its divided into three parts; the learning, the enjoyment, and the pain.
The learning involves what I have learned from being on the road, working with all kinds of children, working with all kinds of adults, and the little things I have learned about myself. Life on the road has made me see what is really necessary for daily life, things like a normal daily schedule and familiar faces. Along with that I have learned that there are things I can live without, like a television, (as long as I have the internet I have no need for TV). I've learned how to deal with (well deal with for a week at least) any kind of problem child, and the most important tools are kindness and patience. Adults sometimes take more patience than children! Along with that I have also learned which battles are worth fighting and what isn't worth mentioning. I won't even go into what I learned about myself; it would take too long.
The greatest joy I have on the road is watching the children grow and gain confidence (in just a few days!). During auditions they are barely audible, and are so shy, but by Friday's dress rehearsal they are ready and willing to step out in front of that audience. Its also important to note that they even gain a respect for each other and sometimes are better behaved by the end of the week (whether that lasts I don't know but I can hope it does!)
There are many kinds of pain I have faced on this trip, including physical and spiritual. Since we spend Sundays traveling to the next town we rarely get to go to church. Without fellowship with other believers I feel drained and spiritually empty many days. I listen to a lot of worship music and that helps lift my spirits but its certainly not the same as worshipping with a body of believers on a regular basis. This trip has also put a strain on some of my friendships, I find that people I thought were my friends really aren't worth the effort I put into the friendship. But that being said, I'm not worth the effort God made for me. I've learned much about His grace and trying to see others through His eyes.
The physical pain comes in many ways, allergies causing headaches, stupid gallstones acting up, and the ever present back pain I can't get rid of. I've learned to put the pain aside and press on. We literally have no time off or sick days on tour so we can't be sick. I've been lucky enough not to be really ill on this trip, though I have been uncomfortable many times. I think its prepared me for something bigger, like mission work or motherhood.
I have just 10 more days on tour. Such a small number, and yet such a big number! Now that I have everything ready for the summer and to start making plans for the Fall, I am ready to be done with this part of my life. So, while I will miss certain aspects of touring, I am more than ready to be done.
Camp starts at the end of May, Anna comes the 2nd week of June, and then its 2 months of craziness in the kitchen at WYOBA! Come Fall I'll be moving to Ft Collins and starting a new phase in my life. A new adventure awaits around each corner and it'll be amazing!