All Dressed Up!

Young men all dressed up in suits and ties, and young women wearing 4-in heels in a wide variety of colors and shapes to match their lovely dresses ~~ the occasion was Matriculation Day here at AU!  Only a few American colleges and universities conduct such celebrations, so if you didn't experience this when you first entered college, it is the official "graduation" from high school into college or university!  The chapel was festooned with flowers, and all the first-year students were seated, wearing black robes, according to their area of study (their faculty). 

Prior to the beginning of this very important celebration, faculty and staff gathered outside the chapel, all wearing their own cap, gown, and hood of their highest degree.  What a colorful procession as they all processed into the chapel and took their places of distinction in the front!  Following introductions of administrators and staff, each Faculty Dean introduced the lecturers in their Faculty, and then led the students in their pledge and commitment to this university.  The now famous Africa University Choir sang the glories of God, concluding with "The Dream Is Alive," the song composed and written by Patrick M., the first music/choir director here at AU.

"The Dream Is Alive" refers to the dream of Bishop Hartzell, the local Chief of Manicaland (this province), Bishop Kulah, and Bishop de Cavalho.  It is truly the work of  God that this University has now become a reality and just celebrated its 20th anniversary!!

The Vice Chancellor gave a very warm welcome to these first-year students, and encouraged them to make the most of their time here, as they learn creative ways to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others in their own countries.  Right now 26 African nations are represented among the student body!!  And the AU Choir sings in 30-some different languages, many of them the tribal languages of particular countries!!

Matriculation Day is somewhat similar to a graduation ceremony at the end of a college education, except that these students are just beginning their journey to that end.  Nation flags fly on the many flagpoles just outside the library, and it is a joyous occasion for students to gather in clusters under their own flag for pictures and greetings from Faculty!  For many, they are the first in their family to attain university admission, so it is, indeed, a huge celebration for them to be embarking on this unfamiliar journey of learning.

No lectures were conducted on Matriculation Day, and it concluded with a big party given in honor of these first-year students!!  From all reports, a good time was had by all who attended at the Golden Peacock Villa Motel on the edge of Mutare ~~ a large motel complex built by the Chinese, but now operated by Zimbabweans!

So many students told me that they can hardly believe they are here, and believe that only God has made this experience possible for them.  They demonstrate strong faith, and hope in the future, as they attend their lectures and participate in practicums and internships.  They know that the only way to change things for themselves and those in their country is to receive a highly-prized education.

God is good, all the time, and All the time, God is good.