Reasons To Celebrate

"What do we gain from all our work?  I know the heavy burdens that God has laid on us. He has set the right time for everything. He has given us the desire to know the future, but never gives us the satisfaction of fully understanding what He does." Ecclesiastes 3:9-11

Last Friday, April 1, 2011, we once again felt God's unfailing love as we witnessed Joshua receive his certificate and medal during CFA's Moving Up Day. School year 2010-2011 is finally over. As our Warrior Prince puts it, "I am done with Grade 1, hooray!"  The ceremony was held at the Layforce Chapel, San Carlos Seminary, Guadalupe, Makati City. The chapel was filled with happy children together with their families who eagerly awaited for the program to begin. It was a very solemn celebration. Beautiful music was played in the background. Each child, as their name was called,  proudly stood in front wearing their "Sunday's best"  to receive their respective awards.

We watched Joshua from our assigned seats and he was just sitting quietly and nicely in the front pew together with the other Grade 1 students.

Joshua looking in our direction

 We caught him looking in our direction a few times but with just a simple gesture prompting him to wait and to be quiet, he complied. When his name was called, Joshua immediately stood up and went in front to receive his certificate and medal. He posed for some pictures and went back to his place. We were actually ready to bring him outside just in case he acts up but lo and behold, he was able to finish the entire program. Praise God!

Homeschool teacher gets a big "thank you" hug from dear students

 We took a short break and the kids changed clothes and prepared for the Eucharistic Celebration. Our little Warrior kids, together with some CFA kids, did a ribbon dance while the entrance hymn was being sung. Except for some technical difficulty (Joshua's ribbon got tangled but he continued to dance as practiced) , it was perfect! The Lord was truly pleased! It was a joyous way to start the Eucharistic Celebration. In the previous years, finishing a program was a great challenge. It was either we arrive early and leave early or arrive late and finish the program. But last Friday was totally different. The program and Eucharistic Celebration started at 8:30 am and ended at 11:30 am. Total number of hours just sitting quietly with minimal to no supervision : 3 hours!!! Wonderful! It was really a reason for celebration! As we celebrate our small victories, we also continue to celebrate the Lord's goodness and faithfulness in our lives.

Isabela and Joshua nicely seated while waiting for the mass to begin

Our homeschool year might be filled with chaos, stress, disappointments, frustrations but it was also a year full of  love, understanding, patience, compassion, miracles and victories. Hang in there our Warrior Prince, for each day is bringing us closer to the miracle that we are all praying for.

Our Warrior Family

Miracles do happen. Pray. Believe.

Be inspired.

Be encouraged.

Be blessed.