Anna's High School Graduation

Last Tuesday (June 15) Anna officially graduated high school. It was the most beautiful ceremony, and we were thrilled that it was live, in person. Honestly, there are so many emotions to put here in this space. The one that comes to mind is pure joy. My cheeks were tired at the end of the night from my huge smile all afternoon. Before I try to begin to tell the story of graduation day, a few thoughts. 

“For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 - 

We all know that verse. It’s on plaques and baby cards, it’s sung at churches and read at milestone moments. - But my daughter has lived it. 

She started off abandoned and alone. She lived her first year and a half in an orphanage unloved and without a family. - 

But on her high school graduation day we celebrated her victories. 

From unable to crawl or even cry to be picked up, she was “behind” in every possible way. - 

But then we were a family and His promise came true. - 

So we celebrate her past, her mighty future, her hard work and her heart. We celebrate who she is and who she will become. We celebrate that promise coming true.

“For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 - 

Abigail was my light tester... 

And since Anna couldn't have a live pinning ceremony for National Honor Society I was able to do the pinning myself. 

Beaming with happiness on this celebration day. 

A few at home pictures with Scott and I and our baby girl. 

and some family shots too. I am so blessed they are mine

Best friends for life!

Anna decorated her cap for her next adventure... College of the Holy Cross! I love the bright sparkly purple and the pearl edging. She downloaded the same font and the Holy Cross logo, used her cricut machine and make stickers - came out so awesome! 

When we arrived at the ceremony the sky started looking very dark and the wind was really picking up. Everyone was checking their weather aps and radar. We were blessed that it never rained. It poured and poured just streets away, but we sure did get a lot of wind and clouds for a bit before the ceremony began. This beautiful backdrop all blew over! 

The photo above shows the seats for the graduates - all organized with water bottles for them. We arrived at 3:30 for a 5:00 ceremony. We had tickets (bracelets - you can spot mine in all of the photos). There were four for each family. All of Anna's grandparents were able to attend just not in our family pod on the turf - they were on the bleachers. We were so impressed with how wonderful it was organized. I was also so glad that as many wanted to attend, could. 

Scott, Abigail, and I were in the first row of pod - waiting, excited, happy (and watching the clouds and weather). 

The storm was so close that we weren't sure they would be able to hold the graduation but it blew by just as quickly as it rolled in. And all of a sudden, that moment came! The graduates marched in. 

I want to remember forever the sound of that song - we all know it - but it was extra special for our family because it was prerecorded by the Solisti orchestra. So Anna played in her graduation march. Pretty spectacular! Here is a link to that. 

Hearing that start was so spectacular. Abigail hopped up on her chair to try and capture what she could. 

I ran to the side to capture these photos. 

And there she was, all grown up. 

The clouds rolled away and the sky opened up to bright blue. That wind died down and all I could think of was that Anna was in that sea of blue graduates - and it made me so proud of her. 

We loved how the principal organized the entire event. We loved his genuine enthusiasm and knowledge of each senior. He greeted Scott and I as we waited for it all to begin that day. {This high school principal's daughter will be a student in Scott's middle school next year} He is warm and personable and we are thrilled that we will be Abigail's principal next year. 

Our favorite speech was a student speech - so powerful (the link is here) I  also loved the Board of Education speech - lovely - and loved how she thanked teachers (the link is here)  

And then it was time for Anna to officially graduate! 

My very favorite part of the ceremony was when the principal had them move their tassels and then  💕 he had them turn around and face their families. The crowd cheered and stood. It was so powerful and amazing. Loved it so much - that is when the tears fell for me. 💕

And just like that it was over, caps flew in the air - such a magical moment. 

Anna found us right away and we got those happy, candid photos that are full of emotion. I could are less about the angle of the sun or the background - I just wanted to capture the pure emotion of joy! 

We walked off the turf so that we could find the grandparents. I have taken Anna and her daddy walking off from every graduation - elementary school, middle school, and now this!  

Lots of hugs all around

Anna loved her graduation - she was beaming, proud, and excited about her future. We are so grateful for this night, and will hold it in our hearts forever. 

Love you so much Anna Jiang Qian.