What a joy it was, last month, to celebrate Victoria’s graduation from high school! Such a precious time to be with loved ones — particularly Matthew, Amanda, and our precious little niece, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins — and rejoice in the goodness and grace of the Lord in allowing her to reach this milestone in her life.
The plan for the day was to host, at our home, a dinner and music recital – as has been done for the past three Neely Team graduates. 
However, the Lord had other plans. With the forecast calling for rain all day on Saturday, two days before we realized that something had to be done! In His mercy, the Lord worked it out that the local church we use for hosting FEW Conferences, and where Matthew and Amanda were married, was available for that day. In a joyous scurry of activity, we prepared as much a possible on Thursday evening for the change. Friday, we left early and were away all day in Greenville, SC, for our cousin Austin’s graduation from Bob Jones University, arriving back home around midnight. Early Saturday morning we headed over to the church to get everything set up and ready… and, as He always does, the Lord worked everything out in good time, providing strength and creativity to accomplish each task.
The evening went well. One of the great blessings of the day was the presence of the Elliott family – Victoria’s beloved harp teacher and her parents – who graciously drove up from Greenville, bringing along the pedal harp, to assist in the recital. We pray that it was both an encouragement to the many dear believers present, as well as brilliant testimony for our Savior to the unbelievers who attended. Below are some pictures for your enjoyment:
The recital:
Sweet fellowship:
Enjoying that precious bundle of blessing and joy (oh, how we miss her!):
Four generations! To God be praise.
Congratulations, dear sister, on your entrance into this new phase of life. We love you dearly and praise the Lord for you! May your eyes continue to be upon Him alone as you move forward into the exciting future He has in store for you.
And, by the way, welcome to the Alumni Association of Sheridan Hills Christian School… 
Congratulations Victoria! We rejoice over the goodness of the Lord in bringing you to such a milestone. Thank you for the story in picture. Looking forward to what He has in store for you in the years to come. We love you and your wonderful family! Soooooo looking forward to seeing you soon –
With Joy,
Wilkes Team 2!
I wish we could have been there – thanks for sharing pictures! I especially like the last one. 🙂 Congratulations, Victoria!
What a beautiful day! I love all the pictures. It truly gave a good idea of all that happened. Thank you so much for sharing.
I can’t wait to hear in person all the fine details. The Lord is so good!
May the Lord richly bless you, Victoria, as you step into this new stage of life. The Lord has glorious things in store for you, dear sister.
Congratulations, Victoria. That is great how everything fell in place to have the celebration in the church. The pictures are lovely – so sweet to see everyone together!
Oooo, this looks so encouraging! We were so sorry to miss this, Victoria! LOVE the last picture – you all radiate with HIS joy!
Congratulations on this new phase of life, Victoria! Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.
Congratulations Victoria! Press on!!
Congratulations Victoria! The Lord bless you as you continue to serve the Lord and deepen that relationship with Him. Seek first His kingdom!
Congratulations to Victoria! I did not know she took lessons from Aubrey Elliott!! Alec and Aubrey became good friends on the BJU Musical Mission Team in 2012. Mr. Elliott was very gracious to keep all the parents updated on how the team was doing and with prayer requests. He also videoed the concerts of the team before they left and when they returned the following school year. It’s a small world! 🙂
Congratulations, Victoria, on the completion of this phase of your training! Looks like you had lots of lovely people around you to help celebrate God’s goodness.