Moving Toward Graduation!

On Tuesday we started making preparations for graduation on Friday, February 28th.

The students are each receiving white vests on Friday to signify that they are Barefoot Doctors. The vests were made by women at the New Hope church in Virginia.  We had to guess on the sizes, so the students tried them on yesterday to see which vest fits each of them the best. Then the vests will be put on them during the ceremony when they receive their certificates.

On Tuesday evening, there was another sign that graduation is drawing near.  It was an exchange of gifts and good wishes between the students and Dr. Bruce Gross, Dr. Susan Parker, and Nurse Betty Reid-White.

The students presented gifts to these three instructors first.  Ningma made a beautiful presentation that was quite emotional.  The instructors were called up to receive the special gifts the students had gotten for them. 

Then these same three instructors gave their gifts to all the students.  They have been teaching them for the past three years, so they have become very close to them.  The gifts included a waterproof bag for their trips out into the field and some t-shirts and hats from Canada (where else, eh?), as well as candy and some bookmarks.

The students also presented a special gift to New Hope Christian Church for its continuing support of this ministry.  Pastor Jon Ulm was called up to receive this beautiful plaque made out of very fine stonework.

More gifts for the students will follow on Friday morning during the graduation ceremony.