a dream realized-a doctorate achieved

I still can't believe I am writing about this monumental event in our lives. Josh finished school and is officially Dr. Mathews! First of all we want to give praise to the Lord as it is only by His grace that we are finished. And second I cannot describe to you the feeling of joy and pride towards my husband as he crossed the stage to receive his hood and become officially graduated. It was a weekend of remembering the past 4 and half years of our life here in SF. With all of the highs and lows of Josh balancing life and babies with a  commitment towards school and his degree.
The feeling I would use to describe this weekend was a sense of reality of what this means and a sense of unity that Josh and I have walked together towards a long term goal and seen the Lord grow us as a couple and family in the midst of it. I felt a part of the degree in a way. Don't get me wrong, Josh has done all of the academic work and writing to be at this point and I am so proud of his tenacity and faith in God to work so hard at something for so long with such quality. I truly admire your desire to do all things well and with excellence, Josh.
It was so special to have so many of Josh's family here celebrating with us and cheering him on. It was great for me to think how they have seen the journey from the start when he first went to Multnomah Bible College then Wheaton and then Golden Gate. I think my favorite picture in my mind that will stay with me is the HUGE smile on Josh's face as he shook Dr. Iorg and Dr. Melick's hand  with a true look of joy and excitement to be done.
It is good to celebrate this amazing event with family and close friends. We are so thankful for God's faithfulness!
Josh, Jon, and Drew--friends we have grown close to through the years and 7 kids among us

 family pic--i love how distinguished Josh is with his blue and yellow and Scottish style hat

 Trying to get Hallel to crack a smile

 The celebrators

 My dear friend Shannon (Drew's wife) who moved in the same time as us after coming from their honeymoon

 "Dr. Joshua George Mathews"

 Josh with one of his mentors and boss Dr. Melick, an amazing man of God

 Sleepy kids after graduation and excited parents

 Sara, Christy, Elizabeth, Mom and Dad Mathews all here to support and celebrate

Job well done Josh! We are so proud of you!!!!!