African Children's Choir

     Psalm 8:2. "Out of the mouths of children and infants, You have ordained praise".

I had an amazing opportunity this evening to go see the African Children's Choir perform over at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church.  I cannot review the performance in the same way I review others for two reasons: First, the average age of these kids is between seven and ten years.  Second, the purpose of the choir is to educate the children and bring them hope.  These kids live in deep poverty and many have been orphaned by war and disease.  

There are no words to fully describe what I saw tonight.  All I can say was that among the songs they sang were two very old and very popular Sunday School mainstays, "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" and "This Little Light of Mine".  

Africa holds a very special place in my heart because of my family's connection with  both Liberia and Senegal.  None of the kids in the choir are from either of those two countries, but seeing what God has done in the lives of these children moved my to tears at some moments.  

I cannot even begin to describe the changes that have been made in the lives of those who have already been through the program.  All I can say is that this choir has helped many children escape poverty and become healthy and strong people. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

ANFSTD

A customer in a restaurant complains that the apple pie is worst he's ever tasted.  "What does it taste like?", asks the waiter.  "Glue," says the customer.  "Oh, that's the pumpkin pie," says the waiter, "The apple pie tastes like mud." 

BIONICLE Reboot

Apparently it has been confirmed that LEGO intends to reboot the popular Bionicle toy line that ran from 2001 to 2009.  It is a science-fantasy story about bio-mechanical creatures who fight against monsters.  It started with six heroes trying to protect their home from beguiled Rahi and ended with Mata Nui killing off Teridax.  

This was a very unique storyline.  As much as I would love to see it come back, I don't think it will have the same zing that it did during its original run.  

Each storyline in the Bionicle continuum has a sextette of heroes called Toa, each with carrying one of six elements: fire, water, earth, air, ice, and stone.  The storylines always came in two parts with the Toa changing shape for some reason or another.  And the common enemies always changed to.  

LEGO has a huge challenge ahead of them.  I really doubt that the rebooted version of Bionicle would match up to the original.  

How about that?

Many in my family have heard me say (and are tired of hearing it) that it would be awesome if I shared a birthday with one of Juan Diego Florez's kids.  It turns out I already share a birthday with one of my favorite sopranos, Danielle de Niese.  

I guess I shouldn't have worried about it.