December 5, 2011 provided an extraordinary opportunity to experience a celebration event far beyond what one would imagine attending in a small community in the hills of a developing country. Becky and I along with Cecil and Kathy Catterall had the privilege of attending the very first high school graduation at Dario Christian Academy in Ciudad Dario, Nicaragua.
The red carpet was literally rolled out across the clay and grass for these nine seniors. Portable canopies provided protection from the sun, colonnades lined the walkway, metal arches were beautifully adorned with fresh flowers and native greenery, and light fixtures were relocated to provide temporary event lighting. Seating for the graduates, their parents and honored guests were covered with white linen and gold ribbon. Large speakers, amplifiers and video equipment were brought in. It was quite unbelievable to see the high school soccer field transformed into a very elegant event center by about forty people in less than eight hours.
The event was dedicated to Rod and Karen Krueger, the founders of Compassion in Action. It was truly a tribute to their vision and ongoing leadership. The ceremony included the processional entrance of the graduates escorted by their parents, the national anthem, Pastor’s invocation and addresses by school director Narlly Mendez, a Department of Education representative, and from one of the students. Rod and Karen greeted everyone by video and by a written address. Of course the highlight was the presentation of the diplomas and special awards. The event was topped off with a sit down meal for one hundred and thirty people with everything from linen table clothes, to twinkling mini lights hanging through the courtyard, to live music.
It was easy to get so absorbed by every detail of the celebration, the pomp, the music, the excitement, the laughter, the cameras flashing, the food, the décor, the whole party atmosphere. Amidst all of this, I forgot for a few hours where I was. I forgot that I was in a small remote city in the hills of Nicaragua. I forgot that most of my new friends with whom I was celebrating live in impoverished conditions with no indoor kitchens and no indoor bathrooms. I forgot that many of these families survive on next to nothing. I forgot that without Dario Christian Academy, these nine young graduates may never have had a chance to receive a quality education that now instills thoughts of higher education and opportunity possibilities that were only pipe dreams for them ten years ago.
I did not forget, however, that through the ministry of Compassion in Action at Dario Christian Academy, many of the students have gained something that is far more important and more life-changing than a good education. That is the saving knowledge of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord.
Thanks to the faithful support of our donors and volunteers, there will be another similar celebration next year and another the following year and another and another. Praise God!