Last Week and Graduation

School ended last week. I loved attending Nate's final exam with his jazz class. They invited other students and parents so they could teach what they had learned. It made jazz and music seem so fun to everyone. Mr. Becker really taught them a lot in one semester!

Of course they played, too. I can never resist a picture of my man playing trumpet along with his students. I'm proud of him! What a great use of his gifts for the glory of God.

My special class of 2009 graduated on Thursday. Jordanna learned piano in two years, so here she is performing at graduation! I'm so proud of her.

Such an exciting and emotional event. I can't believe they are already off in the world. This is the class I started teaching when they were freshmen and I just became Mrs. Becker. I taught them for years, discipled them, listened to them and learned to love them. Now they are off in the world! I will miss them!

There's my class. How fun to have graduation in our own building and now with the school merged K-12.

I said my good-byes at the end and congratulated my special class.

One more good-bye to my piano student--this is the last time I saw her. Who knows when the next time will be.

This was a fun "date" for me and Nate. We didn't have as many responsibilities in this one, so we just sat back to enjoy.

And then we got silly and took this idea from some goofy sophomores. Yeah, the Beckers are wearing the graduates' clothes. Very mature, eh? This is something we think Stephen, Nate's brother would do (Stephen, this bring back any memories?). We took this one for you, bro.

Cheezy smiles from a fun class of 2009. Aren't they great!? I'll miss you all! Stay close to the Lord and follow Him faithfully.

Year-End Ceremonies

The first year-end ceremonies held in our new performing arts center/auditorium. Students from many nationalities entered carrying their national flag. So diverse!

Nate's Jazz students played the prelude music. I love watching Nate play with his students.

The 8th grade class "graduates" to high school. Such sweet students.

I love this shot! While the proud parents captured their kids, I turned to get one of them. Do they know how proud they look?

It was fun to attend this ceremony with my mom and just sit back and enjoy. My mom was able to get a better idea of our school and our students.

College Sponsor and Language Learner

My mom had fun meeting Lavelle in person. Lavelle is the college student that my mom is thankful to be able to sponsor. Without a sponsor, Lavelle would never go to college, and especially not this smaller specialized private one.

We took the Jeepney to her school with her mom. It was quite a fun outing for all--especially for Lavelle to finally meet and thank her sponsor in person.

Here is the college outside. We got the grand tour. What a blessing--thank You, Lord!

And still immersing herself in the culture....

Here she is having language lessons at our table with Ate Bebe. My mom is very brave to use the language to tell the taxi to turn right and stop here: "Sa tuo...para na." Excellent, Mom!