Grade 12 Graduation.

At the ceremony last night, Phil and I were given the fun job of announcing each student as they received their secondary school diploma. I also got to serve as a graduation "elf" (lucky, I know!), responsible for taking care of and delivering the appropriate medals and plaques as the special awards were presented. Phil looked dapper with his pyramid cuff links and basketball tie, while I looked rather Caribbean with a head full of braids and big dangly earrings. The entrance we made was something else - to the surprise of our students, we were introduced to the podium as "Mr. and Mrs. Parkinson"! You can imagine how happy I was at this moment: being an elf, standing beside Mr. Parkinson, and being referred to as Mrs. Parkinson! It was a dream come true.

The evening, though hot without A/C, was enjoyable with the typical Egyptian mishaps that exist regardless of preparation and instruction - the ceremony began extra late due to absent students and special guests, parents did not arrive until mid-way through (traffic on the Ring Rd., they claimed!), and spectators spoke on their mobiles and socialized with friends during "key" ceremony moments. Nonetheless, it was a special evening for both the graduates and the teachers, with both sides being able to recognize their impact on the other during this final time together. Phil and I stayed strong with minimal tears and hope to stay in touch with a few of the students we really connected with during our time in Egypt.

Ah - today we breathe a sigh of relief. Our first overseas contracts are COMPLETE and we are looking forward to the adventures and challenges at our next post in Kuwait. Until then, we are excited to spend time with family and friends in Canada. THREE MORE SLEEPS!