graduation...

well, the students at the ceremony have officially graduated. 12 theology students and 15 music students are out in the big wide world ready to teach, preach, play, and praise the Lord.
the ceremony was held on a sunday, and started at 9 or 9:30 am (depending on what your inviter decided to put on the invitation :) ) outside in the courtyard of the seminary. i was a great SUNNY day. my feet got sunburned b/c they were sticking out of the tent!
we had an official procession of graduates, handing over of diplomas, consecration of catechists (like a lay-pastor), installation of the new principal, speeches by invited guests, passing out of awards, stoles, and bibles... and it all only took six hours.
it was such a different feel from what i remember my graduation being like. everyone brought pre-made food and drinks in coolers -think tailgating- and stashed it around campus during the ceremony. the students (and me too!) were allowed to invite whoever and how many ever people they wanted to, so campus was overflowing from friday on! plastic chairs were carted in, people sat on the grass, or anywhere they could find!
the ceremony went on fabulously, and i even received a citation (which is a good thing here) for hard work in the library! all in all it was a good day, and a big celebration.
most things here are celebrations like that. the more the merrier. you can always squeeze one more person in, or find food for one more guest, or throw a blanket on the floor and call it a bed! everyone is more concerned with being present to support the event or person than with their own personal comfort. (even i shared a small bed on graduation night with nora, and another friend camped out on the floor in my small room!) what a great way to celebrate life's big achievements, or just life in general, with everyone crowded around showing support.