I stood on the podium, ready to give my valedictory speech as the best graduating student of Masters Class of 2030, Divine Illumination Citadel of Ministry, Israel, I spotted my smiling mother in the crowd.

Noticing the empty seat beside her, I wondered where Hebron had gone. What kind of fiancé left abruptly during the most defining moment of his partner's life? He must have a good reason...

I took a deep breath and looked at my iPad where I'd drafted my speech. I began.

After the rigorous formal greetings, I just sensed in my spirit that I couldn't continue with my original speech. I felt the Lord would have me share my story and so that's what I did.

"When my mother was pregnant with me, the Lord called my parents from Nigeria to become witnesses for him in Turkey. I grew up in a Muslim community but I knew Jesus personally thanks to my parents' strong influence. Things got bad after the new anti-christian policies were enacted when I was around ten years old.

"We had to escape as refugees to Israel. But on the way, to protect my mother and I, my dad was captured. We haven't heard from him since then."

I took a pause to steady my roiling emotions.

"Many of you, my colleagues and lecturers knew nothing of what I'd been through. On my worst days when it seemed I would cave in under mounting depression, I'd remember my mother and all she has been through for my sake, I'd remember my father's sacrifice and God would give me grace to keep pushing."

As I spoke, tears dripped down my face.

I raised the award plaque I had been given.

"This award is for Jesus. I'll live for his cause all my days."

Then, I handed the microphone over to the moderator, who was speechless for a full minute.

As I walked down the stage, my hands wiping tears off my face, my mom came to hug me.

"Oh, my daughter. I'm so proud of you."

She looked at me with a twinkle in her eyes.

"There's someone here to see you."

Then she stepped away from my line of sight.

My breath hitched and my eyes widened when my brain registered who was standing before me. Was this an hallucination?

"Dad?" I whispered cautiously, confusion raking my senses.

He looked gaunt and exhausted but I'd recognise the sharp features of my father anywhere. His eyes watered and he spread his arms. "Debby!"

"Dad!" I screamed, not caring that my voice echoed all through the hall.

I ran and literally jumped on him, holding on tight to his neck. I vaguely heard the roar and applause from the audience.

"But... But how?" I stuttered as I looked into my Dad's face.

"The Lord showed me mercy, Debby. He heard my prayers and somehow I was released from the reformation camp. I didn't want to miss my daughter's graduation, nor her wedding."

That was when I saw Hebron behind my father, nodding and smiling.

My heart wanted to burst over with joy.

I slugged Hebron on his arm. "So, that's why you were acting all weird this morning. That's why you disappeared in the middle of my graduation. I was ready to sulk at you for abandoning me."

He squeezed my hand and smiled disarmingly at me.

I gave him a quick peck on his cheeks and skipped forward to hold my Dad's arms as we all walked out of the auditorium as a complete family.