Project 365 - Day 135

Gracious what a crazy day! We were planning on being at Victoria's graduation ceremony at 9 this morning but last night she sent me a text that she wasn't walking. I figured it was because her dad hadn't come through with the requested money for her hair and a new dress and I copped this huge attitude about that possibility. I was so frustrated with her already because earlier this week we worked out a plan where I would help her finish her senior project and get her to graduation practice on time but later she texted me that she didn't want me to do all that.

Anyway.....long story short....I found out just before we were going to start her party this afternoon that the principal of Howard had called last night to tell her she was not allowed to walk (still don't know exactly why he said that - maybe because of the unfinished senior project?) Her whole family was understandably very upset and that's probably why they were all calling me last night at 10 pm - but my stubborn Dutch pride refused to pick up the phone and get involved in whatever drama was occurring that late at night (late for my culture - just getting started for Victoria's :-)

The next weird part of the story is that her friends told her that her name was called at graduation and after graduation the principal called her again to tell her that he had made a mistake and she could have walked - but this was after the fact - so she missed out on her graduation ceremony. Which is a huge shame since she is the first in her family to graduate from high school!!

ANYWAY......all of the above drama involved alot of miscommunication, cultural differences, pride, impatience, etc.!! But the Lord - oh my sweet loving long-suffering Lord - redeemed that awfulness with a really fun little after party - wait I guess there would have to be a graduation to have an after graduation party - but I digress!!

We couldn't find a table available at Coolidge so we went over to Renaissance Park and found the perfect table in the shade, next to a grill, with a view of the river and the Aquarium. Our wonderful friends the Terpstras joined us and then Victoria, her dad and her half-brother, came. We had such a good time hanging out while Mr. Dale cooked his famous Italian Dressing marianated chicken. Really great conversation with V's dad! And her brother was really nice too!

We had just finished eating when the entourage arrived - V's sister Angelique and her 3 adorable little girls, V's brother's "wife" and her 2 adorable little boys and a neighbor girl who just came along for the ride. They were wild and crazy and hungry! Loved it! Pour those drinks, wipe up the spilled drink, cut up the chicken, get more grapes out......it was like the much beloved Sunday dinners of old except we were out in God's green creation so Dale didn't have to worry about the carpet:-)

V received alot of sweet cards and gifts including some from our family and friends who have watched her grow up and have loved her with us!! So grateful for that! I think she had a really good time at her party! We took lots of pics which are on Facebook.

Goodness what a ride it's been being matched with that girl! We've been through alot together! Our relationship has revealed so much sin and pride in my heart! It's taught me so much about cultural differences! We have quit on each other a couple of times and then hugged and made up. We have talked, fussed, laughed, cried, yelled and I'm sure there will be a whole lot more of all that in our future. She has taught me many lessons about grace. She has reminded me how much I have to be thankful for and not to take for granted that I can look back and see believers in my family line and look ahead and see the promise of the having the legacy continue.

Before we moved here one of my friends up north asked me if I really thought that African American children would relate to me - a middle aged white woman - my answer then and my answer now - is that I believe the love of Christ conquers all barriers and differences. It would be so much easier not to be involved with Victoria and her family but the love of Christ continues to compel me! We love because He first loved us! Wow! Bring it on!!