August 3rd 2012

Well I have officially become old!! hehe 25 sounds much older than 24 to me and makes me feel as though I really have to be an adult now :)  I had such a fun time celebrating my birthday in Zambia.  Although I missed my friends and family back home, it was so wonderful to make memories with my Zambian family.

I woke up to a surprise giant poster full of love and birthday wishes from my home church :)
This was such a great way to start my day, and this poster will hang in my apartment for a long time!

I decided to have a party with all the Bible College people who were around, so I made 60 purple scones!

We blew bubbles with the kids at my 'party' :) 

                                               

Bubbles are so much fun!

Everyone enjoyed the scones, and I really enjoyed giving them to everyone!

Everyone who was at my 'party' :)

Mike and Cindy made me a delicious birthday dinner and a wonderful chocolate cake!

They also surprised me by making a fire outside and inviting some friends
who blessed me with birthday wishes, cards and a gift :)

PWBC Graduation 2012

This past Saturday our term ended with a wonderful graduation ceremony and celebration.  More than 400 people traveled from around the country to celebrate the accomplishment of 9 students and 5 wives.  My heart was full of joy to watch these friends receive their diplomas and certificates, a symbol of 3 years of hard work and sacrifice.  As soon as the celebrations were over, these new pastors and their families were taken away in buses and on the back of trucks to be shipped off to their new churches.  Most of them have never been to these churches where they are now assigned to pastor, and all of them will face many struggles as they begin their new ministry.  I feel truly blessed to know these people who will be furthering God’s kingdom, and even more humbled to have played a very small part in preparing them for their ministry.  I am certain that someday in heaven we will all rejoice together at the abundance of fruit which comes from their labor, sacrifice and faithfulness.  

Finebeck and I did a silly skit together for the graduation dinner...
we have 15 children and twins on the way! Surprise!

Enjoying our time together :)
Mirran, Pezo, Myself, Steven, and Agruel

The Diploma level graduates are in black, the Certificate level in green. 

All the graduates and lecturers :)

So proud to receive their certificates after 3 years work!

SO many people came to celebrate!

Friends and family rushed forward cheering on their graduate

Some new pastors getting loaded onto a truck to head into the unknown