Pressing On the Upward Way
Pressing On the Upward Way
I apologize for my protracted and unexplained absences. I seem unfortunately to be making a habit of them. This time though, I have a fairly good excuse, and also the hope that my posting will be less sporadic now.
Besides a stubborn case of writer’s block, I have been going about the business of graduating. (Actually, I have been working on that for awhile!) Two homeschooling friends were also graduating from high school, so our families collaborated to create a beautiful and memorable graduation ceremony.
You can see the three of us graduates above; I am the short one! The others are Anthony and Kayla, brother and sister in Christ and good friends.
Everyone did a magnificent job with the decorations, music, speeches, food... My family wanted everything to be a surprise, so I was excluded from most of the preparations. It was very nice to come as a guest, and I was so thankful for the work and time everyone had invested to ensure a wonderful time. I know that many guests left inspired by what the Lord has been doing in our families. To God be the glory!
We had an exciting morning before the afternoon ceremony. The boys were doing last minute preparations at the church, Tia came to fix my hair, we all scurried into our clothes, I practiced my speech with my sisters... and an obliging iguana. Finally, we were ready to depart; but first, Erica had to take a few photographs.
Important men in my life: (BR) Grandpa, Papa, Elden, Papi. (FR) Thomas, Phillip, myself, and Micah. Oh, they look so serious!
And now I stand with the beautiful ladies who mean so much to me: Tia, Grandma, Mama, myself, Dana, Erica, and a family friend.
You can see many more photographs at my sister’s site, including those from the ceremony and reception. (All those posted here are hers.) You can also view the beautiful slideshow my sister created to play during the ceremony. Doesn’t she do a lovely job?
I think each of us will keep favorite memories from our graduations. I have time to share one of mine.
We graduates donned our gowns and caps (making amused if rueful comments about whoever decided to torture generations of graduates with these ridiculous fashions). We stood about, hiding in the kitchen and chatting, when suddenly we wondered, glancing at the clock, if someone was going to come and tell us when to go out. As we quieted down, we heard the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance,” already begun. “I think that’s our cue!” My sister has footage of us swinging the doors open and rushing out. It’s very comical.
I would like to tell every detail about the ceremony, but I frankly haven’t the time. Erica plans to eventually add the footage from the ceremony so that all of you can participate in what was for us a momentous event. Visit her website to check for updates.
For those of you who are interested in knowing, I do plan to continue studying at home. I pray to become a midwife with a good background in nutrition and herbal medicine. (Posts about that may come later!) I have been reading voraciously for years, but now the real work begins! Please pray that my eyes be kept open to the Lord’s Will for my life as I seek to serve Him to the fullest.
COMMENT ON THIS POST BY SENDING AN EMAIL TO THE HANDMAIDEN.
HILDEGARD said...
Many, many congratulations to you! From here on, life gets more and more exciting, with pleasant and sometimes odd collections of adventures. May the Lord continue to guide and bless all your endeavors.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009 02:13 PM
HANDMAIDEN said...
Thank you, Hildegarde. I look forward to it. ;-)
Thursday, July 9, 2009 07:35 AM
ELISSA said...
Oh, congratulations!!! I took a really long break from reading blogs, and I totally missed this, I’m so sorry!! But it looks like you had a splendid graduation, and you look absolutely beautiful!!!!!!!
I FINALLY replied to your letter last week. I am really sorry it took me so long to reply!!
Thanks for sharing pictures!!!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009 05:01 PM
HANDMAIDEN said...
Much thanks, Elissa. I did indeed have “a splendid graduation!”
I was thrilled to receive your letter last week and hope to reply soon. Famous last words. ;-P
Thursday, July 30, 2009 06:59 PM
Tuesday, June 30, 2009