Today we had the privilege of attending the graduation ceremonies of a school about one hour from home.  CECRISA (Samaria Christian Educational Center) completed their second year of classes and invited Arlen to speak at their graduation.

Graduates included those in Kindergarten, Sixth Grade (last year of elementary school here in Guatemala), and Third Basico (the US equivalent would be 9th grade, but they get a diploma - like high school in the US.)

 

It's always just a little scary when the HUGE speakers are actually named "Terremoto" (earthquake!)

 

The Sixth Grade class lined up on the stairs and the Kindergarteners walked down between them.

Innocent and VERY ADORABLE Kindergarteners!

 

The mayor of San Francisco was in attendence - actually he was the "Patron" or Honored Sponsor of the event.

 

Faith vs. Knowledge/Understanding - which is most important?  Arlen made the case that both are VERY important, but faith in Jesus must be our motivation to gain knowledge and understanding.

 

                   

Presentation of the Flags - the Guatemalan National Flag and the flag of the school.  I'll spare you the 5-minute National Anthem, but I wish I had recorded the school song to share with you - it was indeed inspiring!

 

 

A very cute set of twins graduated from Kindergarten.  It's a long time to sit there quietly during devotions, meditation, flag presentation, and all the jibberish in between!  One of these little honeys was a real spitfire.  A classmate was constantly trying to reign her in - I enjoyed their antics.

 

 

Pastor Adin Carias and his wife were celebrating their daughter's graduation from Third Basico today.  What a beautiful young lady!

 

All the graduates - there were 7 in Kindergarten, 12 Sixth Graders and 9 Third Basico.  The director, Brother Benjamin, is the man on the far left.  He retired from his job in the Ministry of Education and is the mover and shaker behind the success of this school.

 

Arlen and Pastor Adin - the soft-spoken pastor of the Assembly of God church in San Francisco, Peten.  His was the passion to start a Christian School in his town.  We were able to help them by channeling funds from a matching grant opportunity.  They have built a beautiful building and have a well-organized program in their school.