Here Comes the Bride

All of the Abilene excitement is going to be wonderful, but we have other big news in the Cousin Club : ) My big sister, Jordan, will be getting married in June of next year. All of the plans are in full swing and it is very exciting. Sam is the lucky man, he is already a huge part of our family and we all love him very much! Jordan will be graduating from Harding in December and then her plan is to begin grad school at the University of Houston. Sam lives in Katy and is the orchestra director at Katy High School. Jordan will need to be making trips to Abilene to see her favorite sister : ), the maid of honor for her big day! We are very excited for Sam and Jordan! We love you both!

Sam and Jordan with me at my graduation.

Another ACU Student

Bailey led the way for her little brother and cousin to follow. She spent last semester in Oxford, England. She will be a junior at ACU this fall and is under strict orders to keep an eye on her brother and cousin. I know she has been and will continue to be a good example.
This photo was made last spring when we visited England and Ireland.

ACU Bound - Pre Med Students

Hutton Brown and Caitlin Bailey, two of our grand children, are both entering ACU this August. They have a lot in common since they are cousins, but more than that they each won a President's Scholarship and they will be pre med majors. They are going to China to work in a Medical Surgery Mission in just about 10 days. This will be Hutton's first trip to China, but Caitlin will be making her third entry into China. Congratulations to both of you.
Papa

Major Surgery in Malindi, Kenya

1. Large tumor of the mandible. 2. Dr. Brian Camazine, a general surgeon, did the surgery. 3. Some old man assisted him. 4. We did a hemi- section of the mandible. 5. Putting him back together. 6. Dr. Camazine with the patient one day post op.

Just in case you think surgical/medical missions are for fun and vacation, I included this surgery as an example of hard work. This is just one of 154 surgeries we did in Malindi, Kenya over a 5 day period.

It was the best medical mission I have been on. The team worked together perfectly. The preparation from here proved to be more than adequate. The work done by our team in Malindi, was over the top. Want to go with us next year? We have two weeks to choose from. You can volunteer for one or two weeks.

Aunt Mabel Johnson Bailey

One of the loves of my life left me last week. I called her Aunt Mabel and I have nothing but fond memories of this gracious lady. I didn't lose her, in the way I lose my keys, because I know exactly where she is.

I could write volumes about her. She was one of the prettiest ladies I have ever known. At 94 her complexion was that of a new bride. Her outward beauty was enhanced because it housed what was truly a remarkably wonderful lady. I would put her picture next to the description of the "fruit of the spirit." Think about the love that is manifested by the joy, peace, long suffering etc., and you have a description of the heart of my Aunt Mabel.

A heart like that could be easily broken, and hers was on more than one occasion. Not a complainer, but her heart often spoke out to those she trusted and loved. I consider those conversations during the last few visits with her, as sacred. To talk with her and to recall with her what was really important, was a catharses for my soul.

I really did want to attend her funeral with her family. I put out maximum effort, but schedules just would not come together in a way that would allow for travel. If I need to be forgiven for this, I think I would want my Aunt Mabel to be in charge of absolving my sin. I know she would readily do this.

Heaven is more important than ever now that the one I affectionately referred to as "the grouchy old hired girl" is there. Only my family will know the absurdity of this little boy referring to her that way. It was like calling Goliath "Shorty". I loved to tease her because she was one of the few people who could still blush.

So, set the table Aunt Mabel, and call the 2 Myrtles you love to come to tea. Call John Connor Brown to join you. I really want him to know you as I do.

I love you.