Congratulations Anna - UWM Graduation

 Our daughter Anna and son-in-law Jon.  They both graduated from UWM this past week.

This was a special commencement presentation of the gold cords for the high honor students.  Anna, graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee with a degree in Community Engagement and Education, sub major of Community Based Organizations with a Certificate in Youth Work.  

It amazes me how God's plan for Anna came to fruition.  A story I must share.  

I will start 4 years ago at Anna's high school graduation.  She attended a small Christian Academy and had only 10 in her graduating class.  The music began, the students walked in the gymnasium.  As they were announced, I noticed that they were not in alphabetical order.  I am so clueless, I didn't know why.  The truth of the "why" didn't come to me until 3 years later.  Her graduating class was lined up, not in alphabetical order, rather by their GPA.   This is why, Anna was near the end.  

"Have you ever heard of this?  High school graduation line up by GPA?  At a small Christian School?"  These were Anna's questions to other college classmates, professors, co workers, employers...she/we asked.  Not that we were obsessed with it, but we just found it odd.  No ONE and I mean No ONE ever heard of it.  In fact, they were appalled that a school would do this...much less a Christian School.  Well, last summer I ran into the mother of the student who was last...last in the GPA graduation lineup.   She shared a story with me that I didn't know, something that happened with her child, the "reason." Oh, now it is clear to me the "why" of the lineup and a story that would be gossip if I shared.  

The lesson in this story is one of good - good for Anna - as this single decision to line up her high school graduating class by GPA order - made her focus more on her studies in college.  She did strive to do better and as I sat at this Honors Commencement I thought of Joseph and his brothers.  This portion of scripture came to mind..."You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done"   Genesis 50:20.

 I'm so happy, Anna didn't let this experience cause her to be bitter...she became better.  A lesson that bears an honor in my book.  If I had a gold cord to give, I would.  

 Anna is working full time for Girl Scouts of South East Wisconsin.  This was the press release about her.  "Anna started as a service learner for UWM and ran a Cookie Express troop that lead to her being hired part time as a Program Specialist at Chinook while finishing her degree.  This lead to a full time opportunity where Anna was hired as Recruitment Manager in Area 4. "   

God, intended it for her good...we are thankful for it!

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.