Blessings In Disguise!

Ever since I discovered last summer that ESD has a handbell choir, I included it on my "Puerto Rico-wish-list;" hoping that while I was here, I could finally see the kids perform a song. But my dreams were cruelly dashed when Betsy told me weeks ago that she was retiring from her role as "Handbell Instructor." Really? Just my luck.... She said that if I really wanted to hear them, I should talk to Kristian and Kevin and get them on that--because she was washing her hands of it all! In other words: she's finished with the bells. Period, end of story. And the subject is really not open for debate. Hmm, I'd have to figure that one out...
     So during these past few weeks I have not forgotten about them, but instead simply decided not to mention them unless directly asked. No big deal.
     After lunch this afternoon, we all crowded into the library to watch a movie that had just arrived in the mail--that being One Night With The King since it correlated with our Bible lesson about Esther. I had walked into class a little late as we had lost the dog and I was out searching for him. "...All of the batteries in this remote are dead." I heard Betsy mutter. "In fact all of the batteries seem to be dead! Does anyone else have any I could use?" I had no sooner taken my seat when Betsy paused to turn and look at me. Knowing I was in her sights, I smiled and waited patiently for her to comment. "I need water...would you go to my home and take care of that?"
     I looked at her and frowned, "Now? In the middle of class?" The students stared at me as I stood.
     "Yeah, now. Stay away for at least three, four, or five minutes--or whenever you come back!"
     I shook my head as I weaved my way through the conglomeration of chairs, tables and students that crowded the room. "Trust me," Betsy called out after me. Yeah okay, whatever that meant.
     By the time I returned, they had already begun the movie and everyone watched me as I came in. Interesting. So I gathered they had been talking about me. How lovely...what had I done now?
     The movie first half hour of the movie was finished and Betsy turned first to Kevin. "What's happened so far?" Her question was met with a blank stare. She returned the stare with an unspoken challenge before reinstating her question. He sighed, "Uh, I dunno...." She glared at him, "Where have you been? I'm sitting here interpreting this for you and you don't remember anything that's happened?"
     I glanced from Betsy to Kevin. Oh boy--literally. I could see this was not going to end well. Kevin waved at her and I looked back at Betsy. He shrugged, "Well, there was this one guy...Haman?" She nodded in annoyance, "Why won't you focus?" She ignored his next interjection and turned instead to Kristian. "What did you learn?" Kristian sat back in his chair, "I don't know...."
     Betsy shook her head despondently, "Neither of you have been paying me any attention?! I can see I am totally wasting my time!" She shooed them towards the door. "Out! Out with both of you! Go to the chapel, get down on your knees and pray for forgiveness...and that I'll have mercy on your sorry behinds!" They rocketed from their seats and charged towards the door, arguing the entire way.
     Everyone was silent. I risked a befuddled glance at Betsy. I had never seen her like that. It was not like her to react that way--something must have been very wrong. Because she was madder than a hornet! At that instant she turned her fiery gaze towards me. My smile instantly vanished. She jabbed a finger in my direction, "You!" Uh-oh, whatever it was, I swear I didn't do it! She thrust money at me--"Go to the store, I need batteries! Now, go!"
     Inwardly I was slightly reluctant to leave for the store when my kids where there, but one glance at her face assured me that it was definitely a good idea. So Amanda and Juan escorted me to the store and assisted in my quest for AA Batteries.
     We returned within the half hour and when I climbed out of the car, I was surprised to see the campus seemingly abandoned. The classrooms were also vacant, so my only viable alternative being the chapel, which was eerily silent. As I opened the door, I noted with great concern that it too was empty. This allowed for a moment of panic when I wondered if perhaps the rapture had come--and if so--why was I still here?! As I stepped into the room, a cheer went up from the front of the chapel. I jumped and looked to where all of the students stood in uniform behind a table--full of bells and music books! My heart skipped in my chest and my stomach clenched as I bit back the tears that threatened to choke me. It was simply perfect--even down to the little pairs of white gloves.
     "Surprise! Ha-ha, we fooled you!" Kevin announced as I struggled to regain my composure. That I couldn't argue with, "Yeah, you sure did!" I managed to choke out. The others joined in with similar comments and I learned that the entire drama in the library was just part of the whole gig. I realized that these people are great at keeping secrets! And that I'm entirely too trusting. Betsy smiled; "The boys had to come set up and I was trying to think of a way to possibly get rid of you...."
     Yeah, for the time being it worked...but I came right back. Sorry to say that you won't get rid of me that easily! I took my seat and they began playing their song. I alternately laughed and blinked back tears--my heart was so content. And to think, they went to all of this trouble just for me. How special! They ended the beautiful song with a shout of: "All for you, Rachel!" At that instant, my heart exploded. I embraced each one of those precious students and Betsy, thanking them from the bottom of my heart for all they have done for me! What a precious moment!
     Thinking back on it, at the moment when I was sent to buy the batteries we didn't necessarily need, I was less than enthusiastic, but I was blessed beyond words at what was waiting for me!
     Thanks guys for making my day so incredibly special--that meant the world to me! Love ya'll!