rózsa emlékek: Graduation!

Four years ago we began this journey at Asbury Seminary. In the beginning (and often throughout our time here) we wondered just how in the world we would make it to the end! A lot has happened during those four years...we've lived in three different apartments, we've welcomed two beautiful children to our family, we've made wonderful friendships that will last a lifetime, and we've balanced a rather hectic schedule of Viktor working and attending school full-time. This has been our home. A beautiful place to live, love, and grow. The journey through seminary was not always easy, but we are so grateful for such a special place and time here. Graduation was a rather emotional day. I've sat through three other ATS graduations since we have been here and can remember thinking, "it will someday be our turn." It almost didn't seem real when it became our turn!

May 19, 2012! It was a beautiful day! Viktor arrived home from work just three hours before he had to be up and at the scheduled practice. Emily and I managed to sneak off to Fitch's before anyone else was up and grab some fresh donuts to help start the day. My parents arrived around lunch time and we bribed Emily into taking an early nap! :) Viktor, his parents, and my mom went early to get seats and my dad stayed behind to help me get the girls ready so we could wait until the last possible minute to arrive. I was a bit worried with how the girls would do, but thankfully Gabriella slept the entire time and my dad kept Emily entertained with his iPhone and running through the halls. After a long (looooooong) ceremony, we met outside for a brief round of pictures (it was hot and I had two cranky kiddos) before heading to Red Robin for dinner. Some dear friends of ours met us for dinner and joined us back at the house for some yummy Hungarian desserts that Viktor's mom had prepared. It was a great day of celebrating all God had done!

On Thursday evening there was a banquet to honor the international graduates. It was a special time to recognize those who had left their home country and family behind to pursue a degree. There was a large international graduating class this year--making up 20% of all those who graduated. The graduates were encouraged to invite family and mentors to the banquet and it just so happened that Viktor's long-time mentor and friend, Ron, was in town this week and able to join us. It meant a lot to our whole family that he could be here to help us celebrate.

Hope you enjoy the pictures!

I think this next photo captures the pure exhaustion that had hit our family! We had all been sick with a virus (including little Gabi)...and actually had just been on the phone with the pediatrician just 20 minutes before we were supposed to be at dinner debating whether or not she needed to be seen that evening. Thankfully we were able to make a quick trip to the pharmacy and still make it to the dinner in time...ha!