Graduation day…

I guess everybody would know by now that we were in Wellington, New Zealand specially to attend Melissa’s advanced convocation ceremony on 12.12.12 upon her graduation…

…with a B.Ed (TESOL) degree…

The impressive event was held at the Michael Fowler Centre auditorium…

There was a jazz band to entertain everyone while waiting for the ceremony to begin…

Once the academic staff had taken their seats on the stage…

…they got the ball rolling with the traditional Maori welcome – the Haka. Unfortunately, I accidentally deleted the photo so I do not have one to share here. There was also some in-between entertainment including this performance of a Cole Porter’s song…

It certainly was a joyful and memorable day for all of us…

I bought this made-in-New Zealand Astina watch for Melissa for her graduation gift…

…to commemorate the occasion. It wasn’t anything expensive, nothing branded – she would not want that. She’s grown up to be a very simple lady and would not want such things – anything is good as long as it serves its purpose. It was a latest model though, very nice with something like those blue stones or seashell (what we see a lot used to make kiwi souvenirs) on the strap.

The next day, the 13th of December, 2012, there was the grand parade across the city…

I must say that we are very thankful that we were blessed with excellent, bright and sunny weather throughout our week-long stay in Wellington…

Well, our little girl has graduated…

…but for her, this is just the beginning of what lies ahead as a full-fledged English language teacher. Hopefully, God willing, the paths she will travel on will be nice and smooth but whatever it will be like, one thing’s for sure – her father would always be by her side to help her through thick and thin and  hopefully, God will bless and guide her in all that she may undertake in the days ahead. For this, we most fervently pray…