Lindstroms in Lima: Graduations for Thanksgiving

Three Graduations

Thor and Manuel who works at Fundet

Whoa it's been a week full of graduations! There have been three graduations in connection with Fundet. Fundet is the technical school, run by a non-profit for returned missionaries and converts. They have a wide range of ages, starting at 21 to men in their 50's. The first two events were closing ceremonies for the graduates. They received they certificates that they can show for employment. The first one was on November 22 for the drywall group. These men learned the art of how to do drywall. The second was on November 26 for the refrigeration group. These men have learned how to install and repair air conditioning units. Thor was the main speaker for both the closing ceremonies. I went along on the 26th and was asked to give a few words. That's always fun!

Fundet Closing Ceremony for the Drywall group

On Thanksgiving day we had the big, official Fundet graduation. One of the sponsors, Brother Clark, flew in from California to attend the event. All the graduates that have finished in the year are invited to attend. They all wear caps and gowns and are all very excited to be there. We were invited to attend and when we arrived we were shown to our seats. They were located on the stage, in the very middle, behind a big table. We even had very official nameplates.

Our seats!

Our view of the Graduates

Our seat location was great for the cultural event that they had. We watched in awe as the two dancers performed one of the famous folk dances of Peru.

The Cultural Event

They did put us to work at the end. We were able to shake each graduate's hand. We also handed out "The Proclamation on the Family" and the "Values of Fundet" to each graduate. Afterwards there were a lot of pictures taken.

Doce Semanas or Twelve Weeks and another Graduation

It was also graduation time on November 26th for four missionaries that have been in the mission for 12 weeks. During that time there is a program that they follow. One of the things in the program is to read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover during that time. They also work on language skills. They learn how to teach and get a long with a companion. And they learn how to contact people! Sister Lester, one of the trainers, made cute graduation hats for the two sister missionaries that graduated.

The Amatos with the Graduates

Hermana Schelly and Hansen in their cute graduation hats!

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year to reflect on the many blessings that we have been given. It is also a time to enjoy family, friends, and good food. Here in Peru it was no different. We celebrated Thanksgiving with our mission family and friends. President and Sister Amato provided turkey and ham. The Senior missionaries provided the trimmings plus the pumpkin pie! The Amato children, Giovanna and Luigi, provided us with a very nice spiritual thought on the true meaning of being grateful. It was a wonderful night! And I even got to make the gravy, so it was just like home.