More graduation celebrations!

Tonight Ray and I attended the GWC's Graduation ceremony to celebrate with great friends as they walked across the stage and were handed their degrees to the sound of roaring applause and excited cheers. I loved seeing so many wonderful, familiar faces, both graduating and in the audience - years of ministering, of growing up in a church culture, going on youth camps every year where all the churches come together, seeing past students, the friendships formed through all of these. It is at times like these where I am amazed at the Church's sheer diversity, yet unity, only because of Christ - the family of God. 

This beautiful couple both graduated this evening and in just nine days time become "Mr and Mrs" - a new adventure awaits!

Indescribably proud of my lovely best friend!

Saying farewell to the legendary Dr David Seccombe after twenty years of incredible service and the astounding work he has done at GWC.

Congratulations!! May the Lord bless you in whatever you do for His Kingdom, His name, His glory. 

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 second list.

After surviving my first week of "vacation" - one of the busiest and most stressful of the year - I have another list of 'lesson's learnt' from graduation last night:

1. Smile sincerely for the camera - you will be looking at those photos for a lifetime and beyond. 
2. Happiness and excitement are contagious.
3. Relax and enjoy yourself - this is your night!
4. Nothing makes a girl feel more glamourous (and confident) than a spritz of her favourite perfume*
5. Yes, wearing a sweeping, black graduation gown does make you feel like batman. It is part of the awesome experience.
6. Your family and friends will clap and scream (much to your embarrassment) - so blush and keep walking with your head held high (you deserve the praise!)
7. Keeping a bottle of iced tea in your bag is sure to save a hot, dehydrate life.
8. Help out wherever you can.
9. When receiving your degree shake hands firmly.
10. Practise walking in your heels before the evening - tripping up the stairs is not an option.
11. Your outfit is not complete unless your nails have been painted a brilliant colour.
12. Say congratulations - and mean it! 
13. If a moment of complete chaos, take a deep breath, stay calm and collected - the situation can be controlled.
14. Eat plenty of cake and drink lots of tea.
15. Even washing up hundreds of teacups with friends can be fun.
16. A vintage dress is simply just more amazing than something brand new. 
17. Hugs all around :)
18. CELEBRATE!
19. Don't forget to say all your goodbyes and thank-you's.
20. No better feeling than falling exhausted into bed after a wonderful day!