Well this past Sunday two of our daughters claimed the title of Queen and one son Ambasssador. It was graduation day at church for the Mensajeres and Embajadores programs. The church makes a really big deal out of these graduations, and in all honesty they are big. Each of the kids has learned lots of scripture, invited friends to church, gone on hikes or campouts and more. We started early with getting the girls’ hair done fancy. They each had a borrowed white dress to put on after walking to church. “I look like a bride!” was Charis’ comment and this Mom was thinking, “all too soon.” We took some tiny star shaped flowers and sprinkled them through their hair as a final touch.
When we arrived there were lots of nerveous kids practicing their parts. They had the whole group do their entrance three times to make sure the pace was slow and formal. I’d been asked to take photos, which was nearly impossible with all the extra folks there to watch. We have almost 200 people each week all crammed onto a porch and overflowing into the hallway. The church is praying that building permits will be granted soon.
Each group was presented from the lower levels up to Queen. Davita read a section of her story of the life of Christ, and Charis quoted a passage from 2 Peter.Then after several more songs, each girl was granted the title of Queen as she knelt to receive her tiara. I have to admit I’m proud of them. I struggle each week to add a new memorized verse in English and these they did in their second language. While the girls loved dressing up, Gabe fought hard against the formal attire-pants don’t fit, sleeves too short, tie is choking, etc. etc. I think the way to torture any of our boys is to tell them they have to dress nice. (Hate to tell them Grandma has plans for a photo session with Miss Lynn.)