A couple weeks ago on a Tuesday night, a plane flew in to Harrisburg;
aboard it was my Aunt Elizabeth, and 2 cousins Wesley and Serenity. They were coming to visit us. However, this
was no pleasure trip, this trip was to be filled with busyness. (We did manage
to do some “pleasurable things” though, like playing basketball in the rain,
but I get ahead of myself… now, back to the story). They were coming into help prepare for and also
celebrate my completion of high school (oh yea)! It was past midnight before they actually arrived at the headquarters
of the operation (our house), and so they headed straight to bed.
Aunt Elizabeth was up early in the morning and headed off to Wal-Mart with my Mom. Sometime after, Serenity was awoken by loud voices and pounding feet and was greeted with exuberance by her cousins. We fed her a breakfast of bagel (without the cream cheese, sorry Serenity) and a strawberry smoothie. Wesley slept on in blissful ignorance of all that was going on above him, perhaps dreaming of the book he had stayed up till 5am reading. It wasn't until the Mothers arrived home with their groceries that he finally awakened from his dream and came to join the party. After Wesley had serenaded us with his favorite love song, he (always ready and wanting to do something) instigated a game of basketball. Tennis shoes were tied on and once we had significantly warmed up with a game of P-I-G. The game began, Boys vs. Girls. In the middle of the game it started to rain, but did that douse our enthusiasm? No, not in the least.
Us drenched, but having a blast
A (short) testimony: My grandparents (on Mommy’s side of the
family) had been on their way to Pennsylvania to attend my graduation celebration
and spend some time with us. Unfortunately, circumstances made it impossible
for them to come.
Let me relate: early
Wednesday morning my Grandpa called 911 and a little later an ambulance arrived
at the hotel, to take my Grandma to the hospital. She had been having severe
chest pain and had also felt numbness in her arms and upper body. In the Emergency
Room, tests were run and while they were being processed, many prayers were
being sent up to heaven on her behalf. With a past history of heart failure in
her family, the doctors believed that she had had heart attack. If so an open
heart surgery would have to be performed, and being in a strange town, having unknown
doctors and with no family or friends around. It was not a happy prospect. We prayed
that she would have a touch from the Lord, and that the test results would come
back negative for heart problems or any other problem whatsoever. And that is
what happened, our prayers were answered and God had performed a miracle. Sadly however, they were not able to continue their trip and went back home.
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Early the next morning, some weary travelers arrived on our
doorstep. The Pyatskowit's! After hugs and handshakes were exchanged, we put
them right to work helping make breakfast (the half of which they had brought
along with them)! When breakfast was eaten, more graduation celebration preparations
began, amid much talking and laughter :)
Bethany
& Becca
Pouring milk
Grad prep
Sweet girls; Kara, Rebecca & Anna
At about 2:00 it was time to get ready for a trip to Sight
& Sound, to see the play Noah. We took along a picnic lunch to eat afterward, and met up with
some friends for a bit of fellowship. What a perfect day!
Abigail, Wesley & I
The group
Bro Trevor & Sis Annamarie
Pretty girls on a swing; Kara & Abigail
Wesley’s balancing act
Supper time
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The day of festivities had finally come! Friday was filled to the brim with odd jobs, cooking and
other busyness, doing final preparations for the celebration. Everyone worked hard making it special for me, and I’m so
very thankful... Merci beaucoup :)
Working on a poem (unbeknownst to me) for that night
Serenity
Um, me…thanks a lot for this picture Kara :p
Everything was set up and food prepared. The hour-hand hit 6 o’clock and people started arriving at the park for the party.
This is the favor table, my Mom and Lincoln worked
diligently making carjeta while I was away at camp.
Enjoying a delicious meal, just before the speech’s began.
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After dinner, the graduate (me) came out in full array, dressed in cap and gown and the speeches
began.
Papa, giving a short introduction
Then my Grandpa Sanger gave a little speech (Thank you!)
I didn't know anything about it, but my Grandpa Phillips was on the phone and when Papa put him up to the mike, he was able give a speech, as though he were right there. I was so surprised and pleased, that I started crying.
(this picture is for you Grandpa) :)
Also, my Aunt Jen braved the crowd and gave a sweet speech (Thank you)!
Then Anna, Kara, Serenity and Wesley got up and said this:
Our dear little Zoe, who can compare
She loves the goats and gives them great care
Her life is a service to animal, Friend or foe
Since you're here with Zoe this you already know
The studious student graduating was a breeze
Always her mother she wanted to please
She is most brilliant we all admit,
But now an again a thought she does remit
Milk in the pantry, cereal in the fridge
Paint in the microwave. She's absent minded just a smidge
Zoe is one of a most giving heart
and come thanksgiving a gift she did impart
Lincoln's gratitiude was great; you could see it in his eyes
For there was a black shiner of astonishing size
She has great love for one and all
Even her beanie boos although quite small
Are kept safe and warm at night
She doesn't want them to get a fright
Now Zoe by diligence you've finished your work
Reading, writing and arithmetic you did not shirk.
You've met the great heroes of days gone by
You've studied and learned from their example
We've all seen that your character is ample.
And in your life, whatever your position
You'll always be a humble, sweet Christian
I loved it, thanks to all who helped write it :)
Hugs are the best :)
*Drum roll* It was time for the final speech’s. Done by the
teacher and principle and the ceremonial handing of the diploma and changing
sides of the tassel.
Showing my exuberance
A few
short words of thanks...
Afterward, cobbler and ice cream was served and a couple games of volleyball concluded the night.
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Everyone slept well that night, and Saturday morning us girls (and obliging Wesley) headed out to do some shopping. We met up with the rest of our group later that evening at Hershey Chocolate World, to go on a tour and buy some yummy candy :) Sounds awesome, right? It was!
a view from the back seat, going shopping...
Hershey Chocolate World
Whilst I finished writing my thank you notes, a rousing game of basketball was played (love these pictures!)
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Sunday flew by quickly and us energetic kids (that was a
joke, by the way) decided to pull an all-night-er until 4:00am.
Congrats to Anna, Kara and I who lasted the entire night -(who are still paying for that decision)-
Congrats to Anna, Kara and I who lasted the entire night -(who are still paying for that decision)-
I waved good-bye to the Pyatskowit family at 4:15am and then I hit my
bed (quite literally). Wesley and Abigail stayed sprawled on their respective
couches where they had landed at almost 3am. Early the next morning (it was
only 8:30am, but it seemed early), I said goodbye to Aunt Elizabeth,
Wesley and Serenity, before my Mom and Abigail took them to the airport.
The party was officially over. So I went back to bed.
Well, I've graduated. Yesterday was my first day of work. I've entered into the "real life" as some have told me. I'll try and keep you all updated, at least better then I have previously this Summer :) Have an absolutely wonderful day, and if you've read this far, I admire your perseverance.
A big thanks to the photographers, KARA, AUNT ELIZABETH and ABIGAIL :To enlarge photos click on them!!!