Graduation Night

Last night I had one of the most meaningful nights since I have been here. My very good friend from Amor y Vida, Darwin, graduated from nursing school along with Nolvia, also from Amor y Vida. Both Darwin (19) and Nolvia (17) were in the group of older kids who were forced to leave Amor y Vida in June when the administration decided to change to be a center for younger kids only. Both of them were in the middle of their 2nd year of nursing school on weekends while also going to high school during the week. They both moved to poor locations not very close to their schools and were not able to continue in high school so they will have to start the year over again in February in new schools close to home. However, both continued to travel every weekend to their nursing school and they finished the year and got their deplomas.
Last night was their graduation ceremony and banquet. Each of them got to invite only two people, their parents or spouse, who went up with them to received their deplomas. Since his parents are deceased, Darwin asked me to be his padrino (Godfather) and accompany him along with his Aunt. I was very honored to go with him as stand in for his parents. It means a lot to me to see him successfully complete this school after all the time and hard work I saw him put into it, giving up every weekend for two years, and especially that he thought of me to be there with him and sign the papers as his family member. Tito, who formerly worked at Amor y Vida, went as the padrino for Nolvia.
This was a very big and important night for each of them as they now have a degree that will help them to find a better job then just the normal schooling that most people have. It was also a sad occasion as now Darwin will be moving to Seguatepeque, about 2 hours away, to live with some Cousins he has there. I probably will not see much of him anymore, but he will still have to come back to San Pedro Sula once a month for his doctor's appointment and get his HIV meds. so I hope to visit with him on occasion during those appointments.









Darwin, Tito and Nolvia. . . . . . . . . Singing their national anthem . . . . Candle lighting ceremony










Me with Darwin and his Aunt . . . . . . . . . . Nolvia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Darwin

Nolvia with Tito and her Aunt

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