Brant's VU Promotion

On November 30th, we officially arrived to the final point of Brant's doctoral degree completion, as well as the main reason behind our trip to Europe.  Our fancy clothes had survived the journey overseas in suitcases, and around Europe, and were finally ready to be donned for Brant's promotion at the Vrije Universiteit (VU).  From houses, hotels, trains and cars, our community arrived at the VU for this momentous occasion.

Brant, with the bust of Abraham Kuyper, the founder of the VU, a theologian, a former prime minister of the Netherlands, as well as a prominent figure in Brant's research for his dissertation. 

Martha, Dale and me, all dolled up and ready for the show -- er, I mean, the defenses, to begin!

Our friend, and fellow PhD candidate, Clay Cooke, was also in attendance to give his defense that day, and his took place a few hours prior to Brant's.   It was helpful to see him go through the process in advance, being able to better understand what Brant would be going through shortly after.  Brant was also a paranymf (groomsmen) for Clay, who returned the favor when it was Brant's turn to defend.  

Brant and our friend, Tom, were the paranymfs for Clay, and they all sort of played musical chairs and swapped places when it was Brant's turn.

Clay did a great job and we were thrilled to watch him be awarded his diploma from the VU.  Afterwards, the group was invited to partake in a catered lunch, which was a great time to connect with friends we haven't seen in awhile, and sort of take a deep breath and relax, before it was Brant's turn to defend.  (Note: by "relax", I was referring to everyone except for my husband, who was gearing up and appropriately focused!).

Through the wonders of modern technology, and great cell phone plans, Clay was able to use my phone to call his wife back in North Carolina, who wasn't able to make it.  We sure did miss you, Bekah!!

We took a short walk around the building together, before his defense.  The weather was fierce that day (heavy rain and winds), so we remained indoors, but it was nice to move around a bit.

It really is quite a large auditorium...so when this is the size of the audience, perhaps you feel more at ease??  Regardless, everyone pictured here (with a few who were not seated yet), means a great deal to us, and it was a blessing for both of us to have them all here, honoring this occasion.  

At the start of the ceremony, the faculty comes marching into the room, with the defender and his paranymfs, bringing in the rear.  You know they are coming by the sound of metal rings jangling on a large staff of the woman who you see at the front of this picture (in English, she is called "the beetle" --- I don't really know what to compare her to, sorry!).

Can you see the jangles? 

Blurry, but there he is!  We are actually here!

Being introduced by the head of the faculty.

The panel of promoters, co-promoters, and learned opponents, who have read and studied Brant's dissertation.  

He had about 10 minutes to give a synopsis of his work for the people in the audience, before beginning the official defense with the faculty on stage.

It was amazing to watch and listen to the back and forth between questions and answers, as these fellow scholars were discussing Brant's personal work with him.  What an honor!

After 1 hour has passed, the "Beetle" comes and announces that an hour is up, and the discussion comes to a halt.  At that time, the entire faculty exits the room, with Brant following at the rear.  After they have discussed their decision in another room, the entire party returns for another processional back up to the stage.

Here, Brant is being informed of the faculty's decision to grant him his degree. 

They sign the degree on the spot!

Brant's primary mentor, Dr. George Harrink, had some beautiful words to share about Brant, as he presented his diploma to him.

This diploma is no small piece of paper (which made packing it back into a suitcase to take home a fun challenge)!

After his highly successful promotion, we had a coffee reception, before heading to the van der Kooi's for a dinner celebration!

Our dear and special friends, Nelleke Hoekstra and Reinier de Wit, with whom we stayed with in Kampen on this trip.  What a joy it was to share this day with them, to make new memories together, and to share life with them forever, no matter the distance!

Brant and George, from the TU in Kampen. Every single time George would meet with Brant, he would begin their meetings asking how the children and I were doing in Kampen, and if he could do anything for us. So much love and care for our family!

Dr. Cooke, Dr. Mouw and Dr. Himes

What a special family we have, from all over the world. 

Brant's mentors who have been more like father-figures to him throughout this journey. Dr. Harrink and Dr. van der Kooi from the Netherlands, and Dr. Mouw from Fuller. Such an honor to be able to see these four men as colleagues now. 

So very special to have our friend, Juergen, attend Brant's promotion! .

Such special, special people and friends -- more like family -- in this picture. Thank you Tom and Aline Waalewijn-Huizinga for being such a big part of the promotion and celebration, along with Clay Cooke (and Bekah, in spirit!).  We love you all!

Officially married to Dr. Dr. Brant Himes.  So very proud of this man!!

With all of these wonderful people in tow, we went to the van der Kooi's home, where they hosted an amazing dinner to celebrate these two promotions!  We were so grateful for their generous hospitality, and warm hosting they showed all of our friends.  How rich and blessed we are, to have family all over the world.  It truly was an amazing day!