Ray's Graduation!

I am so incredibly proud of Ray - for all his hard work, his brilliant results, his growth, maturity and godliness - for his graduation this evening!! (Can you believe you are actually done love??)  

Growing up at BISA (the Bible Institute of South Africa) I have been to many graduation ceremonies, but tonight's was by far my favourite. Especially seeing all my old (and awesome!) classmates receive their well deserved degrees. They are not simply a group of students, but a family, with friendships built that will last into the next lifetime - and that is the beauty of the Gospel. 

It was wonderful having Ray's parents drive hundreds of miles to come and see him up on that stage, their joyful smiles reflecting their bursting hearts.

Something I love about BISA is the Christian Leadership Programme. It is when lecturers go into the communities of the Western Cape to teach, train and equip men and women, young and old, Biblical truths - from understanding the Bible and interpreting it in its correct context, to foundational doctrine, to practical preaching or missional skills in their cultural setting, to church history... They are pastors, Sunday school teachers, elders, youth leaders, ordinary people with a passion for learning, wanting to deepen their knowledge and love of God, to make a difference in the lives of those around them - which they do! Many of them never finished school and live in areas of extreme poverty, gangsterism, violence, rife with HIV/AIDS, unemployments... but it was so encouraging to hear their life changing testimonies in the difficult circumstances through which they minister and persevere. Over and over again it was the story of God's grace, His provision, the cross of Christ always at the centre and utter thankfulness at this great opportunity to learn. (It humbled me to see how they treasured the privilege of sitting under the teaching of God's Word and how I so often take it for granted...)

Dr. David Seccombe spoke, reminding us all of the power of the truth of the Gospel, how God's Kingdom is unstoppable, uncontainable, how one day every single knee will bow, whether willingly or unwillingly, and declare that Jesus Christ is Lord! All glory to God!! 

After awards were handed out, the celebrations began - the rushing about to give hugs, to snap pictures, and (of course) to eat some cake! 

Congratulations class of 2012!!

A wonderful week so far

I have been having the most wonderful week so far! My obsession with the vibrant protea continues - Ray and I keep seeing them everywhere we go, and I cannot resist but take a quick picture!

On Monday Ray wrote the very last exam for his degree. It has been pure bliss having him on holiday with me! I love it when he asks me, "Love, what will we be doing today?" And anything is possible :) 

Following an end-of-year tradition, once exams finish at BISA, the boys play an intense game of action cricket and then we have a braai together as a college. This year the game played was brilliant, with Ray's team winning the match (I was just thrilled that I got to kiss the captain, hehe!) Like all good South Africans, not even the rain, thunder or lightning could stop us from having our barbecue - we just huddled under dripping umbrellas, close to the flickering flamers, and stayed warm wrapped in Ray's arms. 

Tuesday evening was BISA's Christmas social, with this year's theme being "Another Culture" The entertainment after the meal left me gasping for breath I was laughing so hard! Nothing like some quality comedy acts and the usual graduating students' written and performed play to get everyone wiping the tears from their eyes :)

This morning was the final chapel service of the year. It was a solemn but joyful occasion, a time to look back at the past year, reflecting on God's great goodness, grace and provision, to give thanks and simply celebrate all that has happened. 

Then, under sun blazed skies, Ray and I, with friends, went to Tribeca in Kalk-Bay for milkshakes and coffee. While walking through the glorious heat, I could not stop smiling, so tired but so very happy, seeing excited BISA students in the cafes, the fishing boats still in the quiet harbour, ocean shimmering in the sunshine, the locals selling strawberries, flowers and handmade beaded ornaments along the side of the road, wandering in and out of shops, losing track of the time as the conversation gently flowed... this is what holidays are all about.

It is my lovely mother's birthday today! (The phone has been ringing constantly, followed by shouting in German, and then we know that it is family calling!) I find that as the years go by I become more and more aware of all that my parents have done and continue to do for all of us. Their selfless, sacrificial love, prayers for us, the wisdom that they possess, how they have graciously brought us up on the Gospel truth... For my mom, especially with all this wedding planning, she has been so patient, kind, generous, helpful, supportive, encouraging, ecstatic for us, I cannot fully express how grateful we are! All that she does to protect and provide, caring for her family, serving the women at church, teaching and counselling... looking at all the friends she has that love her so dearly remind me how precious she is! (Thanks mommy - we love you so very much!!) I know that without my mom our home would not be a home at all. I have to say though, that my older sister's gift voucher, saying that my younger sister and I would do housework for a month, was rather clever (and that's never going to happen!)

While my parents went out for dinner to celebrate, us at home made pizza with the kitchen smelling of yeast and Italian herbs. We devoured our delicious creations in just minutes! Our evening drew to a close at Bible study, the best group of friends sitting around God's Word, congratulating those finished for the year, or done with their degree, munching chocolates and singing along to Mumford and Sons on the drive home, watching the city lights twinkling below. 

Well this exhausted girl, who didn't manage to make it to the beach with her favourite people or that braai with friends or read another novel today from her stack, is off to bed, knowing that the next few weeks of summer will bring plenty more memories to be made :)