Just after Jude’s high school graduation ceremony

It was a big week.

Jude graduated from high school, and Anna finished her sophomore year. Then, Jude left for a big end-of-high-school trip to Nepal via Dubai.

Getting to the finish line for Jude was not easy as he had a bad case of senioritis. But he buckled down and did what he had to do to make it through. His grandparents drove out from Iowa to be with him which I know he really appreciated.

Jude receiving his high school diploma

The big day was this past Wednesday. He had to be at the DU, where the ceremony was, at 9:30am. We arrived by noon and the ceremony got going at 1pm. As these things go, I thought they did an excellent job. The speeches were good, and not long winded, and they added some nice touches. I particularly liked hearing from the dozen seniors at the end, many of whom came from difficult circumstances around the world.

The celebrations begin as all the graduates throw their caps into the air

The immediate family celebrate with Jude

When it was over we met Jude outside and he was happy, I think it was a relief to get this all over with. Marcy’s cousins, Michele and Tony drove down from Pine and we all gathered for a celebratory dinner of Indian food – Jude’s choice.

I had to take a redeye to NYC on Wednesday night as I was speaking at a conference on Thursday. So, I wasn’t around as Jude got ready for his big three-week trip to Nepal. Luckily, I was able to make it back in time to see him off at the airport.

Jude in Dubai in front of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world

He flew from Denver to New York, then to Dubai where he had a 17-hour layover, and on to Kathmandu, Nepal, where he arrived on time early this morning our time. He hooked up with his volunteer group, where he is spending two days for orientation and then on to Chitwan National Park where he will be volunteering at the elephant sanctuary.