Graduation

Yesterday marked a major milestone for Angel House. The first 4 Angels graduated from high school! We managed to fit 20+ people in a van to travel to the boarding school where the girls were graduating. What a day we had!
The celebration was in full swing when we arrived, and we were greeted by everyone. Once again, Nate, Kate, and I were the only white people, so a lot of eyes were on us. It's hard to get used to, but I try to greet their curious stares with smile, greetings, of waves as much as I can. The smiles that reward me warm my heart.
The first stranger who greeted me was Zachary, a Scout in full uniform. He asked me if I could remember his name, and I assured him I could never forget that name!
We didn't stand long until a double student desk with an attached bench appeared where we were seated right behind the graduates. They wanted to move us immediately when they realized the sun was on us, but Nate spoke for all of us when he said, "We are not special. We are fine here." Throughout the ceremony, people were constantly moving into the shade, and as the speeches got longer and longer, we finally gave in and moved into the shade like everybody else.
Finally the big moment arrived. Each graduate's name was called and diplomas were presented. Friends and family members placed flowered necklaces around the graduates' necks. It looked as if the entire group of graduates had just arrived in Hawaii!
That's when the pictures began. Every person who gave a graduate a gift was photographed presenting it. Pictures, pictures, pictures!
But the best was yet to come. Our group located a tree by the football field and spread out lunch-rice, beans, and a special treat-some meat. We washed it all down with Cokes.
After we ate, we romped in the field and the mango trees, took lots of pictures, and enjoyed being together.
When we left, the celebration was still going on. Although we were tired, we were happy-proud that these young ladies had blazed the trail for future Angel House graduates.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T