So. Many. Happy Tears.
I was about to press the shutter when I noticed Sara's mom was in tears. Sara’s parents flew in from Colombia for her graduation - it was the first time they had been together in 1 1/2 years. Even with a language barrier between us, I knew why she was crying. She looked over at her beautiful daughter, on the day of Sara's college graduation, and her face was filled with emotion. Pride. Joy. Excitement. Love. All the hard years of college were worth it for this moment. Sara’s mom’s outpouring of joy and pride was followed by the tears of her father, which of course were followed by a few of my own.
Sara has worked so hard to get where she is today. Life has had its ups and downs, but she has taken it by the reigns and flourished into a lovely and brilliant person. Sara just lights up the room. Yes, she is absolutely beautiful, but her inner beauty is what makes Sara a truly remarkable human. Her friends, family, and strangers immediately feel loved when Sara walks by. I know this because I had the pleasure of knowing her during my time at college! Every encounter on campus instantly lifted my spirits and I always felt encouraged by her smile, hugs, and kind words. She has a huge heart for connecting with people and telling them about Jesus. She is super smart, she speaks multiple languages, and has studied the Biblical languages of Greek and Hebrew in college. She is also a wonderful singer, servant-leader, and speaker. Sara graduated this year from Central Christian College of the Bible in Moberly, MO.
Sweet Sara, your friendship is so encouraging to me -- you are one of a kind! I am so proud of your academic accomplishment and wish you the very best as you follow God's call. There may be trials and struggles in the future, but remember that God is with you always, for all the days. Love you friend!
