Watching as proud graduates of the International School escorted their parents down the aisle of the church, made me get teary-eyed knowing this was a huge accomplishment for them. Honduran schools typically do not have a 12th grade, and so IST is unique, not only for emphasizing Christ-centered education but also for high academic standing. Honduran graduations (especially IST's) are a big deal; students, parents, and staff go out and buy formal dresses or suits just for the occasion.
Words of affirmation were spoken honoring each graduate and the processional music was played at least 50 times to accompany the graduates' walk down the aisle. The teacher next to me started humming along with the music after awhile, and the other teachers in my row turned to glare at her. It was pretty funny.
The whole ceremony included many parts, including: special songs (also a beautiful rendition of the Honduran national anthem), inspiring speeches in both English and Spanish, and awards of excellency. The event was almost entirely in Spanish, with the exception of a few student speeches and the dedication of ceremony, and graduation lasted a little over 3 hours. My favorite part of the graduation, besides hearing students talk about their faith and learning, was the dedication of ceremony. Each year, the seniors dedicate the graduation ceremony to a teacher/administrator at IST. This year, they honored the middle school principal. After the long introduction naming the principal's care and involvement in the students' lives, she stood up to share a few words for the graduates. She spoke with passion, and I was so blessed and inspired by her message of hope and encouragement.
After the graduation, the teachers all piled onto a busito and headed to the Humaya Inn for a farewell celebration for the staff who are leaving. By this time, it was around 10pm, and everyone was exhausted from sitting through the graduation ceremony. Nevertheless, we had a good time sharing an elegant 3-course meal on the terrace of the hotel and listening to the AMAZING jazz pianist who had a repertoire of 100+ songs and even took requests. What a special send-off for the teachers!
Looking out at the lights of the houses on the hills of Tegucigalpa, I was reminded of the passage in Matthew, where Jesus says to his disciples, " 14You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." (Matt. 5:14-15)
I am so grateful to have been given the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ and to have the privilege of serving Him in Tegucigalpa next year. So, I pray that God would use me as a "light" and give me boldness in sharing Christ with the students at IST and with my neighbors and community of Tegu.; for the opportunities are endless and with Christ all things are possible. I also pray that the students and IST community would be "lights" for Christ to their families, city, nation, and world; that they may come to know the hope and abundant life that is only found in Jesus Christ our Lord.
The whole ceremony included many parts, including: special songs (also a beautiful rendition of the Honduran national anthem), inspiring speeches in both English and Spanish, and awards of excellency. The event was almost entirely in Spanish, with the exception of a few student speeches and the dedication of ceremony, and graduation lasted a little over 3 hours. My favorite part of the graduation, besides hearing students talk about their faith and learning, was the dedication of ceremony. Each year, the seniors dedicate the graduation ceremony to a teacher/administrator at IST. This year, they honored the middle school principal. After the long introduction naming the principal's care and involvement in the students' lives, she stood up to share a few words for the graduates. She spoke with passion, and I was so blessed and inspired by her message of hope and encouragement.
After the graduation, the teachers all piled onto a busito and headed to the Humaya Inn for a farewell celebration for the staff who are leaving. By this time, it was around 10pm, and everyone was exhausted from sitting through the graduation ceremony. Nevertheless, we had a good time sharing an elegant 3-course meal on the terrace of the hotel and listening to the AMAZING jazz pianist who had a repertoire of 100+ songs and even took requests. What a special send-off for the teachers!
Looking out at the lights of the houses on the hills of Tegucigalpa, I was reminded of the passage in Matthew, where Jesus says to his disciples, " 14You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." (Matt. 5:14-15)
I am so grateful to have been given the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ and to have the privilege of serving Him in Tegucigalpa next year. So, I pray that God would use me as a "light" and give me boldness in sharing Christ with the students at IST and with my neighbors and community of Tegu.; for the opportunities are endless and with Christ all things are possible. I also pray that the students and IST community would be "lights" for Christ to their families, city, nation, and world; that they may come to know the hope and abundant life that is only found in Jesus Christ our Lord.
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