Congratulations Ben!

All has been quiet.

Graduation came and went.

Some tears were shed, but overall, I think the anticipation of this joyous yet emotional event was

 more emotional than the actual event. 

Graduation began with a reception for the graduates and their parents. A buffet meal was served, as well as hundreds of photo opportunities. My favorite part of this tradition is when the "story" of the class is shared. Morrison graduates begin their academic careers many different ways: off island, Chinese school, homeschooled, or at one of the four campuses of Morrison. Each year of their academic career was shared, highlighting major world events in addition to who became part of the class that particular year. Ben, of course, became a Morrison student his sophomore year.  This was the year that all three campuses join together as one in Taichung. 

Traditions continued into the evening, as graduation ceremonies began.

Morrison Christian Academy, an American school, within the borders of Taiwan.

The second tradition, that in my own limited knowledge is unique to Morrison, is the processional. As each graduate walks in, they carry a rose. A carefully planned seating arrangement allows the graduate to give the rose to their mother, as well as another photo opportunity. This was the part that I had to fight back my tears the most!

The pink bow tie has become a somewhat of a family tradition. Nick surprised us with a huge pink bow tie two years ago at his graduation. Ben chose to do the same,  and Jacob is hoping to confiscate the tie for his own graduation in four years.

As you can imagine, the processional took a long time, but was well worth it!

Yeah, Ben!

After the graduates exited the auditorium, they lined up along the walk way. This allowed everyone to congratulate, hug, and of course, take more photos. Ben is looking way too serious!

One of my favorite pictures! This was "the gang" that filled our house with laughter and joy this school year. We will certainly miss both Zach and Natasha! Thank you to their parents for sharing their children with us!

Now there's the Ben that usually appears during picture time!

 Unlike other American schools,  the next  morning,  the graduates would disperse to locations all around the world. So as our evening was coming to an end, it was just beginning for the graduates. An all night party gave them one last chance to be together as a class. The next morning, many left for other parts of the island. While others left the island altogether. 

Truly a bittersweet occasion!