Graduation and Flying Home

On Thursday evening, Hannah graduated from high school.  She was selected to be valedictorian as she had maintained her 4.0 grade point average throughout her junior and senior year.  The theme of her speech was a quote from Jonathan Swift, who stated, "May you live all the days of your life."  She did a great job.  Here are a few pictures, followed by a slideshow that I put together of pictures from babyhood to graduation.  The song on the slideshow is from Mark Harris, "Find Your Wings."

On Sunday evening, Hannah will say goodbye to West Africa, her home for the past six years, and embark on a new adventure.  It is definitely bittersweet for her.  We will be arriving in Grand Rapids on Monday and hope to see those of you who partner with us in the US and Canada very soon!

As a reminder, if you are in the Grand Rapids area, you are welcome to drop by 2135 Francis SE on Saturday, June 18 from 2-4 pm for food and cake to celebrate with us and to allow us to thank you for your part in Hannah's life.  She has made it this far by the grace of God, with many prayers, words of encouragement, and lots of love from many of you! (Please, no gifts.  Just hugs!)

I love this picture...but you really had to be there.  I didn't tell them to get close or Noah to put his arm around Hannah.  But they are such good friends and Noah showed such care for Hannah that day, it was so touching. 

The six graduating seniors, prior to the ceremony.

And after.

After the open house, Hannah and her friends did the traditional burning of notes from the past year.  After saying goodbye to many friends, this was very therapeutic for Hannah.  It went on well into the night.

A particular favorite subject to burn was physics!