Thursday, May 28, 2009

Lisbs gets her Masters Degree

It is a bit of late news, but I wanted to share a bit about Elizabeth's graduation and post a few pictures anyway, since not too many were able to make it to the ceremony.
The time began with a "hooding" ceremony at Barnett Hall, where we met the professors. The head of the Speech Pathology Dpt. was not able to come because she had the flu, which was disappointing to the students. Elizabeth's roommates were there as well as Jim and Terri, and of course Rebekah, Jim and I. It was good to have a few friends share the time with us.
First we enjoyed a great breakfast planned by the graduates with some homemade goodies made by the professors. Dr. Cochran (the one in the cap and gown) gave a historical account and meaning of the different robes, hoods, etc that are worn at graduation, and then the "hooding" begun. Dr. C. being very short, had a hard time placing the hoods on the girls, who were either tall or wore high heels, but they bent over so the hood could go around their neck and it was thus accomplished. After the ceremony was completed, we took tons of pictures and toured the dpt. We enjoyed seeing where Elizabeth spent much of the last few years and all the great resources available.

The speaker at the graduation was ex US Attorney General John Ashcroft. He marched with the President of the college, as well as other professors and all the graduates. It was fun to see Jim saying "Hi John" and have him leave the march and come to shake hands with him. He seems to be a Christian from what we have observed and is a kind man. He was probably also happy to have someone on his side as there were demonstrations against his coming and receiving an honorary degree.



Well, lastly they all went into the stadium and amongst great excitement received their degrees. You can be part of it by listening to the video clip.
The picture on the right shows Elizabeth and her good friend Lisa Castillo from Colombia who received her BA.



Graduations always make me think of the passage of time and the end of a quest. In the midst of raising kids, working or studying, it seems that it will never end, that things will be always as they are then. Sometimes during wonderful times it is easy to forget that hard times may be around the corner, and when we are going through hard times it seems they will never end. However, things don't remain the same and at the appointed time the degrees are given or withheld, the honor cords are worn or not offered, your name is called if you made it or perhaps you wonder if only... (Do not mean this only about college) If our names are written in heaven by the work on the cross of Jesus, then the time will come when our names are called, abundant entry given , and we hear the words "Well done, you good and faithful servant". He has accomplished the work, the A is given by the Father, our righteousness is given to us. What undeserved grace.

Congratulations Elizabeth Ann Gates BA MA, may the Lord bless the years to come and the new chapters ahead !!
















Wednesday, May 13, 2009

One more semester of God's fatihfulness completed

Thankful to be done! Man it feels nice to not have the chains of school dragging me down. Praise God for His goodness to me! He carried me through and taught more about walking with Him through it all. Gonna be mowing and cleaning and packing today. Also I've been able to do some recording which was actually enjoyable for a change! I wanna sing songs (especially to God) all the time right now.

Mona sent me a list of 22 songs she wants me to record! Haha, she's so cool. She was pleading with me to record them. She cracks me up. They were some good songs for sure. Some of my favorites. If I have time after I finish this recording I may hop to it!

Love you all. Just wanted to share with you all.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Mother's Day!

Flowers and money hardly communicate the honest love and thankfulness for your faithfulness, protection, tutoring, love, gentleness, kindness, humility, instruction and fun you've given each one of us!
We think we have it hard in college or whatever. But I don't think we....at least most of us ;).....have even had a taste of what hard work, sacrifice and humility really mean until we will have had children! But you have been such loving example of those characteristics. Thanks for enjoying your job!
It is an honor to be the last one at home. I might not act like it at home all the time, which is just pride and selfishness. But trust me mom, I...we sing your praises all day long (to borrow the expression) meaning all of us kids tell people how wonderful and faithful, and giving, and loving our parents are. It is an honor and privalege to have parents like y'all. Not only are you NOT all these negative things...you ARE all theses positive things... :) does that make sense. Praise the Lord.
Happy Mother's Day Mom,

P.S. "MOM, Just soak up the compliment...like a spounge!" ~Elizabeth Gates

Friday, May 8, 2009

Going to Phili

I am going to Philadelphia, after all. I am kind of sad to be going by myself, but could not be helped. Look forward to seeing many old (literally now) and dear friends.
Leave May 22 from St Louis and return on Monday May 25.
God is good.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Explanation

I thought I lost the blog I wrote, so I wrote a small note saying I would rewrite it later, but somehow I found it. I am not sure what I am doing. Alzheimer?

Not lost, just misplaced!!

Today we had our last day of classes. We had a small program for both the Intro to Spanish class and the Spanish I. The first class has 9 students and they are a great bunch. One of the students is Melissa Yakes who is Elizabeth's roommate. (For those who don't know) I love getting to know the new kids. Most of the time I have seen them at homeschool functions, but we really get to know each other in class.This class did two skits today and they really excelled. I has so happy, because they have only had three months of classes.Melissa was going to sing a song that Elizabeth translated and she wrote the music to, but she had to work. So sad!!

The second class has been with me for a while, and has made a lot of progress. This class also has 9 students and one is a mom. Today for a skit she showed how to make salsa. She is a Pamper Chef sales lady and does a lot of this in English\. I thought it was great to be willing to learn new words and phrases and actually do a demonstration in Spanish. There were two other skits very well done and three girls sang and dramatized a song called "Me gustas tu". It was so good and so funny. Nothing shy about those three.

I am still interpreting in Milan, and for the summer my hours will increase from 1 a week to three or maybe four. I also will be working as an ABA implementor for an autistic child, also with First Steps. One of my jobs for the family in Milan, is teaching the mother from the driving manual so she can learn to drive, since she cannot hardly read in Spanish or in English. I enjoy it.

We had thought of going to Philadelphia to Calvin Hoops' wedding, but we decided wDe were not able to do it. Maybe some other day.

Daddy is busy with his work, the Lord has provided for him enough work right now, for which we are thankful. When you are self employed you depend on His provision always, so our eyes are on Him during this recession. He alone can "fire us".

Had a good visit with Stephen in Rolla and really enjoyed his jazz concert, as well as friends. Too bad we missed Grant!!:)

May your eyes be on the Lord each day as you seek His Will.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Daniel was published!

Check out the article featuring an invention by Daniel at http://www.oandp.com/articles/2009-05_03.asp. Pretty cool!