Happy Graduation

We attended Francisco's "high school" graduation today.  This GED-like program basically met all-day every Saturday for two years.  There were 28 graduates today and their ages ranged from 18 to 40+.  There were young, single moms and middle-aged dads and everything in between. It was a day of celebration for the graduating class and we were happy to be a part of it.

Francisco gave the prayer to start the ceremony

Banana split to celebrate

Seond Graduation

About three weeks ago I posted pictures of our trip  to Guatemala for Fabi Rivas' high school graduation.  It was a formal, elegant occasion with long dresses, excellent food and a special time to celebrate with dear friends.  I have been in Guatemala this week to help with VBS preparations, and, as such, had the opportunity to attend Fabi's second graduation.  What? Why?

Let me explain.  First, graduating from the German School of Guatemala is no small accomplishment--all of the students are tri-lingual (German, Spanish, English.) I can't even imagine!  Some of the students in the class pursue the International Baccalaureate diploma, as well, and those who complete all the requirements and receive the requisite scores on the oral and written exams, were honored at the IB graduation ceremony on Wednesday night.  The event was held at the German Club of Guatemala and consisted of speeches (in German with a written translation into Spanish) by the German ambasador to Guatemala and other dignataries, seemingly endless repetition of Pomp and Circumstance and the typical calling of the graduates to the stage for handshakes and pictures.  What was different was that we were in a banquet room and when the ceremony was over we had an excellent dinner.

A benefit to receiving the German IB diploma is that graduates receive a full scholarship to attend their choice of colleges in Germany.  Wow! 

Fabi and her family haven't yet decided if she will go to Germany for college.  Right now she is taking a SAT prep class to prepare for the January test and is working on applying to several Christian colleges in the US.  They are praying for God to open doors for Fabi and are trusting Him to provide the resources for her to go wherever He wants her to go.

I was so honored to be a part of both of her graduations!   Enjoy a few of the pictures.

Celebrating Fabi!

Just have time for a quick post about Fabi's fabulous graduation!  It was so much fun celebrating her and spending time with her family and friends in Guatemala City.  More about the weekend later, but here are a couple of photos--thanks to a host of people (Roxana Magana, Fabi Rivas, Rosemarie Rivas) for helping me switch my look from normal to elegant.

Happy Graduation

I was blessed with the opportunity to hand out diplomas to the New Life Christian School sixth-graders on Wednesday night.  Graduations down here, at whatever level, are a very formal occasion and during the procession, graduates are accompanied by their parents.  The event Wednesday was also the closing program for grades 1-6, so it was quite long--almost two hours--with each grade presenting a drama, song, dance or other type of entertainment.  Stephen and William provided the music for the sixth-grade song, "God my Rock," by Paul Baloche.

Here are some pictures of the night.  It was awesome seeing the graduates so dressed up and looking like young adults.