On November 4th, our ministry kids graduated from the tutoring program!
This day was SO special to us because we were putting on a graduation ceremony for the kids. Beforehand, we were told to dress in high heels and dresses. Thankfully that was a joke or else we would have had to make a quick stop at the thrift store. [laugh here] When we arrived to San Lorenzo, we started setting up decorations (balloons and many signs!), prepared for lunch by washing and drying hundreds of dishes. After setting up, we started greeting kids as they arrived on the field. Once more kids began showing up, we put them in rows according to their grade and moved them inside. Then we started our ceremony.
We started off with prayer and instructing the kids about what the day was going to look like. Similar to the Olympic opening ceremony, a few kids walked into the room holding the Guatemalan flag, while music played in the background. This lead to us all joining in the Guatemalan National Anthem. Every kid from preschool to 6th grade was signing loud and proud. Let me just say, watching all the kids sing melted my heart. Man, it was so cute! Once the National Anthem had concluded, the younger kids performed a song for all of us. They sang the song with hand motions and once again it was absolutely adorable! After a quick little speech from one of our ministry hosts, grade by grade, we directed the kids back to the field for lunch. The menu of the day consisted of pancakes and yogurt.
Now my absolute favorite part…DIPLOMAS!!! After lunch, each kid was announced and my team and I cheered as they came forward and received their diploma with their full name on it and oreos! SO AMAZING! I mean come on how stinkin’ cute is that! It was an incredible time of celebrating the kids! I am so thankful for this day that I will never forget!
with love & joy,
Leanna
