Graduation

The long awaited, bittersweet day finally arrived. Mikayla has graduated from high school. She graduated Magna Cum Laude at age 16, the youngest in her class.

We are so proud of her, and still so awestruck by what the Lord has done these past two years. Giving her scholarships to attend this pricey, college prep school, helping us pay for what was left, bringing in more funds for many fees that came up, and even more for trips to SC for a national fine arts competition, a Civics trip to D.C., a choir tour throughout NY state including NY city, and yet another trip to Pennsylvania for a Senior trip. Money aside, we are still awestruck by what the Lord can do in a young person's heart when they yield to His will. Many know the story of scholarships won to attend Bob Jones University after we had decided that she would have to stay home and work. We could never have done this. "But with God, all things are possible." We have decided that God must have something for her to do that He is in a hurry to get her ready for. We will not stand in the way of this, since it came about the very next morning after she struggled to accept His will, and finally yielded to whatever HE wanted. How could we see it any other way?!! Of course, she did her part. Studying hard to make those wonderful grades in high school!

The pinned ribbon on the shoulder is proof of all that hard work.

Need more proof?? How about that diploma?!! How about the sparkle in those gorgeous eyes??!!

Dr. Rand Hummel of the Wild's of New England spoke. He was FABULOUS! We were discussing on the way to the ceremony how much the young people, being excited over graduating, would actually listen and remember what the speaker had to say. We figure it would be hard for them, considering. But Dr. Hummel has spoken to young people for years. He has this down pat. He kept it light hearted, yet always brought home his point. He also turned and spoke right to them several times. They couldn't help but listen. He reminded them of statistics of Christian school kids leaving all the Biblical teachings behind once graduation was through, and challenged them to do right. We were so impressed with him!

After the message the seniors and all the rest of the students that had been in the chorale this year sang a beautiful rendition of "O, How I Love Jesus". This is the point where the mother of the graduate could no longer hold back the tears. I blubbered through the whole song while I was video taping. I'm sure that it will look very wobbly throughout that section. Next, they sang a newer song, "My Jesus Fair" while Mikayla accompanied them on the piano. I had pulled myself together long enough to snap a picture and continue taping, but lost it again somewhere in the middle of this. More wobbly taping. God has been so good, I was overwhelmed. The whole ceremony was exceptional, and we were so blessed!

 The end of the line of graduates since her name is at the end of the alphabet. haha.

 And a family celebration at Olive Garden after with some giddy kids, Nana and Grandpapa from Michigan, and Grandma Campbell to end the day.

" But my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
" He that hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."