We are very proud of our daughter Vanessa. The Lord has blessed us with a wonderful daughter who loves Christ so much that it has shaped her whole life and has made her the person she is. Everyone loves Vanessa! That was quite evident by the outpouring of love shown her at her graduation last night. Before she was even conceived my Dad made it a matter of daily prayer that God would, out of the "thousands of potential little personalities and characters", give us just the right child. One that would be a Samuel or an Esther - dedicated to Him. As the years go by it has become more and more evident that He answered that prayer and we are very grateful.
The little ceremony was simple. She planned it all. A little friend, Ellie, played the processional on the piano while two homeschool 7th grader friends walked up the isle with Vanessa. The one 7th grader, Garhett, had the open prayer, the other, Natalie read the scripture. Then Vanessa gave a little speech. I will share it with you because it blessed my heart.
Thank you all for coming this evening to celebrate where God has brought me to in my education, what He has done, and is doing for me.
Homeschooling has meant a lot to me, and I want to say thank you to my parents who were willing to give up their time for me to homeschool me. They have done far above and beyond what most parents are expected to do for their kids so that I could develop the talents God has given me. I am so blessed to have dedicated, godly parents, who have taught me themselves, not only academics, but music, how to work, and most importantly how to have a relationship with Jesus, and to prepare for His soon coming, because school here on earth is the just the beginning of my education. We will continue to learn in heaven for eternity! In the book Education it say, “There every power will be developed, every capability increases. The grandest enterprises will be carried forward, the loftiest aspirations will be reached, the highest ambitions realized. And still there will arise new heights to surmount, new wonders to admire, new truths to comprehend, fresh objects to call forth the powers of body mind and soul.”
As I finish my 8th grade and enter high school I have the opportunity to continue to work with my music teachers and writing teacher; the homeschool group and choir; my family and my church family as I plan to continue homeschooling. I, excitedly, look forward to every opportunity that God has for me to learn these next few years. Someday, I would like to continue my music education. I also have a passion for mission work especially in Africa, and I would someday like to teach both music and academics to these kids, or be a midwife. I want to do something for those orphans, who if they fail grade seven, have no opportunity to continue their education.
Homeschoolers, our parents have given us a chance in life that many, many children don’t have, I want to challenge you to take advantage of the education that God has given us.
Though I have many goals in life my greatest goal is to be like Jesus, the one who loves me, and died for me, and who’s preparing a place for me in heaven, and is coming back to take me home. He’s done the same thing for you. Can you find any greater motto than to be like someone like that? The song my sisters and I will sing and play talks about my goal and motto. I hope that it would be yours too.
At this point our three girls sang together and Vanessa accompanied them on the piano. It was beautiful! Vanessa heard this song on Fountainview's cd and she spent a few hours working it out on the piano and memorizing the words. She has incredible talent on the piano and for working out songs like this. Part of the song goes like this:
To be like Jesus. To be like Jesus.
To be the one I was created to be.
To be like Jesus. To be like Jesus.
My earthly goals fulfilled when I'm centered in His will.
May all who see my life find Him in me.
Next my husband got up. He put on this scrub top that he had been given to wear at Vanessa's birth. It is white and says "Coach" on it in red. And right in the center the midwife had stamped Vanessa's tiny inked feet when she was born. He spoke about milestones. He shared from a story in Samuel and the milestone that Samuel had set up and called Ebenezer saying, Hitherto has the Lord helped us. He presented a stone to Vanessa with the text written on it.
We showed slides of Vanessa growing up.
Of course I don't have room for all of them here.
We had a reception with loads of sliced fruit and melons and sweet breads and raspberry tarts and little tofu hors d'oeuvres. It was beautiful. Some of our friends had decorated. Some had helped with food preparation. Vanessa was completely overwhelmed with the gifts. She had not expected anything.
It was the cutest thing. Vanessa's 10 year old sister, Christina, took it upon herself to make a matching graduation cap to the dress. She worked so hard on that thing! We laughed about it and let her work on it. We all arrived a half hour before the program at the church to do last minute things. Just before the service Christina realized that no one had brought the cap to the church. She pleaded with her dad to take her home to go and get it. So off they went with a little friend in tow... the friend tripped and went sprawling across the paved parking lot and gave herself a terrible gash on the knee. So, Steve took her home and bandaged her up. They picked up the cap and returned to the church 15 minutes late!! We waited for them. When my husband was fiddling with the computer to get the slides to show during the program, Vanessa impromptu stood up and put the cap on her head. She explained how her sister had made it just for her and made a little bow and asked how everybody liked it. It was CUTE. Christina was pleased.
I really need to do something like that! I'm hardly on time for birthday celebrations, let alone plan something that isn't regular in my life! LOL I am glad you shared. I am hoping to plan a going to college/high school graduation reception for Kate. We totally missed her graduating, so I thought we could still have a unique celebration in celebrating her accomplishments somehow. I haven't got it all worked out yet. She gets back from Camp Aug. 8th, so I have a "little " time to plan it.
Warmly, Melissa
Vanessa
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, June 27, 2008 at 06:36 - Link
This story is so inspiring and is so encouraging to read. I am reminded of the text in Hebrews 10:23-25 where we are to "hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering for HE is faithful that promised; and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but encouraging one another; and so much the more as you see the day approaching."
Our churches are getting more and more void of children and this breaks my heart. I am so very happy to hear that Vanessa is remaining truthfully dedicated to her SAVIOUR.
You've given me reason to smile big Vanessa, stay true to your convictions little one.
Aunt Monique
Just wonderful!
Posted by Fantine on Saturday, June 28, 2008 at 04:18 - Link
What a fabulous celebration; what moving and wonderful words by your daughter! And the dress turned out beautifully. Thanks so much for sharing such a special event. E
Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, June 29, 2008 at 03:53 - Link
Our love and congratulations to Vanessa! Your dress looked really nice - I will have to show Twalisa as soon as she comes inside. You did a good job on that hat, Christina! Can't wait to see you all over here soon - there's LOTS of peace and quiet here at our place (regarding your blog on noise, Angie) until you hit Memere's village! :) Well, just over a week to go till we go to Dar to wait for this baby to arrive! I'm getting tired and ready to have it over with. Wishing you all a happy day,
The Fourniers
