Indonesia - July 2006 - Cataract Surgeries

I left home July 7, 2006 for a mission to Indonesia and the Philipppines. My main purpose in going to Indonesia was to see about the cataract surgeries BandS Ministries partners with other NPO's in doing. The flight to Medan was very comfortable thanks to free on miles given by Larry and Gaylene Drader, of Calgary, Alberta, (Gaylene is my niece).

The roads on the Island of Nias are still in a state of disrepair. Almost every bridge and culvert on the island was destroyed during the tsunomi and earth quake last year.

The roads make it both dangerous and difficult to transport patients to Lukas Hospital for their eye surgeries. Even with these problems, there were 101 eye surgeries completed during the second week of July.

The weather also interfered with our travels. Our flight from Medan to Sitoli was cancelled twice and we arrived a day late. Getting off the island was also difficult. I bought tickets on two different airlines so I could be sure of getting a seat. I took the first flight out.

I found out that the bugs on Nias have been in training. They now attack me without a sound. I thought of trying to negotiate with them and offer my blood in a small basin so they could get their fill with out puncturing my warm and tender body. Think of the wear and tear it would save on their little sticker/sipper.

We will do surgery in a few hours. One interesting fact about this trip is that many of the patients came from remote villages. One small village sent 40 patients. It is only 17 miles from their village to the hospital but it takes 6 hours to make the trip.

We sent 4 small trucks with benches in the back for them to travel in. Of course, more than 40 people came. Each patient was allowed to bring one person with them, but the count seemed to get mixed up.

I have not been in one place for a month this summer, but I have not been home any either. Rose and Papa both "encouraged" me to blog, and this is my contribution. I started the summer by registering at Harding, and have 15 hours next semester which were difficult to procure because of my AP credits and planned semester in Europe. Then I headed to church camp as a camper for my last year of Zenith at OC. It was wonderful. I had one night in my bed before flying to Nicaragua with Papa. A learning experience and a testament to how much I appreciate mission experiences. Then I was home for a few days to shop for my dorm, train for Royal Family and head to Cornerstone, a middle school camp, as a counselor. 14 middle school girls. It was like reliving the worst years of my life, but I was viewed as old and supposed to have all the answers. Actually it was awesome and my group grew tremendously. God has worked powerfully in everything He has allowed me to do this summer, and I am blessed to have so many opportunities. I leave for Houston on Monday and then Royal Family Kids' Camp for foster children is the next week. It amazes me how much energy I still have...lots of love to everyone, and I hope your summers are as wonderful (I know they are as full) as mine has been thus far.

Arrived Safely in Indonesia

I had a good trip to Medan, Indonesia. The first leg of the trip was to SF and I had plenty to read, so the time passed quickly. The longest leg was from SF to Tokyo. I was able to sleep about 4 hours of the 11 it took to fly. It was day light and we went from Wednesday morning to Thursday night without any darkness.
From Tokyo to Singapore is about 6 hours and the arrival time was 11.30 p. There is a very nice hotel in the international arrival area and I had a room reserved. They have made improvements since I last stayed there and it is atlest a **** hotel now.

The trip from Singapore to Medan is just a little over an hour, and they try to feed us breakfast. It was not a breakfast I wanted to eat.

One of the usual things that happens is that the baggage crew holds back a few bags and about the time you get the form for lost baggage filled out they suddenly find them. In the great rejoicing hour they ask if you would like to give them a little something for finding your bag. I fell for this the first time, but this time I told them I knew what was going on. The custom inspector was a part of the plan and did seem a little embarassed when I called their hand.
I took several out to dinner last night as we made arrangements to do 20 cleft lip repairs here in Medan. We negotiated a price and we will do the first ones on Wednesday, the day I fly to Singapore on my way to Manila.

I am out of time.
Love to all,
Papa

Medical Mission - El Cua, Nicaragua

Dr. Cody Mihills, Jordan and I along with about 40 other workers traveled to El Cua Nicaragua to conduct a medical mission. This trip was lead by Malena Rampy of Olive Branch Ministries.

The working and living conditions were very primative, but the volume of patients was great. I know Cody saw over 150 patients in one day, and we averaged about 60 extractions each day.

The hotel had no running water, just a tank and a bucket to use for showering. The toilets did not flush and the electricity was off about as much as it was on.

The food was good and we had plenty to eat.

Our daily routine began with alarms going off at 5 a.m. Needles to say, with cold water and a bucket, it didn't take long to shower.

The morning devotionals began at 6 a.m. Breakfast was at 6.30 and clinic opened as soon as possible there after.

Jordan and I were assisted by a Spanish speaking young man from Germany. Sabastian was a good worker, good translator and we couldn't have done well without him.



Our trip out from El Cua was interesting. We came very close to having a head on with another bus. Then we transfered to smaller vans and had the experience of a broken cable on the transmission and a flat tire, causing us to arrive 3 hours late for our luncheon appointment.

After lunch we went to a shopping area and enjoyed the bargaining and shopping that is traditional in Central America.

Jordan was a great worker, shopper and travelling companion. The picture is of us at the farewell banquet provided by one of the local congregations.




This was Dr. Cody's second trip with Olive Branch and I think it won't be his last. He has a caring heart and the patients were very blessed and appreciative.

You can see some of the beauty of Nicargua in this final picture.

I hope Jordan will blog her impressions of the trip. I leave in about 10 hours for Indonesia and the Philippines, and I have not finished packing. Pray for me.

John (Papa)

Brown Family Summer...so far

Okay bloggers...things are a bit slow on the Bailey Family blog so I thought I would fill you in on the West Texas members. First of all I have done very little to report on but everyone else is quite busy. Tod has been preaching this month while Ronnie is on vacation. We just hired a new small groups minister so that will help with Tod's load a bit. He just returned from YouthWave Austin today and once again it was an amazing week. Bailey has been in Abilene for almost three weeks now. She is loving it and has made a great group of friends. She is taking two classes and doing great in both so far. She feels like MCS has prepared her well compared to the other Junior Scholars and she even had the highest first test grade in her psychology class...she is finding it very interesting to be in class with people in their 20's. She will be finished July 5th and I think she will be ready to see her friends and maybe her family too! Bailey and Hutton will be going to YouthWave Pepperdine in July and Bailey will go to cheerleading camp at Texas Tech too. Hutton has really been just in and out of Midland so far. He went on the youth group mission trip to Mexico and after being home a few days headed to Colorado to fish with a group of friends and a couple of dads. He is playing summer league basketball when he can and the football coaches mentioned they hadn't seen him much this summer but I explained that I hadn't either. He is now on a houseboat trip on Lake Travis with the McGraws. We are going to head to Dallas this Friday to see Les Mis...one of his birthday presents. On July 2nd he will leave to be a counselor at Op Camp for the first time. After YouthWave he will settle in and get ready for 2 a days. Connor went on a 2 and a half week trip with Tod's parents to the Northeast and had a ball. He did everything from a Yankees game to Amish country and loved it all. He will be going to McAllen for a 7th grade mission trip, to Panama with his friend Tanner and Tanner's dad for another mission and then to church camp with me and Reagan. He is also trying to work out for football when in town and playing summer league basketball...he had 6 points last night. Now for Reagan...I am basically trying to keep him busy and not too bored. We are spending a lot of quality mom and Reagan time together. He did tennis camp this week and charmed all the coaches...especially the college girls. They all think he has great potential and he won his first match against an older boy...I told his coach we didn't need another sport but we were enjoying camp...I'm sure everyone is busy but we need news. I will try and get Bailey to blog soon. Have a safe and fun July!

Family Vacation - Providence Point

We attempt to get the entire family together for a few days
vacation once a year. We haven't always been successful
but we were this year.
All the children with their spouses, and the grandchildren
gathered at Providence Point on Lake Brownwood, May 29
- June 1.
Providence Point is the beautiful lake place owned by
Dale and Rita Brown (Tod's parents). They are just about
the most generous folks I know, and they allowed us full
run of their perfect spot for a family vacation.
If it can be driven or ridden in the water, they have one or
more of them to play with, and believe me, we used them
all. The fishing was great and there were times in the early
morning or late evening when the dock was not so heavily
populated that you could get a hook in the water.
Tod and Lee Ann arranged for the food and did most of the
cooking. The only dish missing was Tod's famous "steak on
a bed of sausage." However, he substituted with the best
beef and chicken fajitas that I have ever had.
Unfortunately, I failed to take very many pictures and some
of the most important people are not included. However,
if you read some of the old posts you will see recent photos
of all of the family.

Stephanie and Rainey catching some rays.




















Connor & Reagan in beteen fights




















King of The Hill (Tubes) "King Hutton"




















It was Lee Ann's turn to hold Emily Rose

Congratulations Jordan Elizabeth Bailey

Jordan Elizabeth Bailey graduated Summa Cum Laude from
Birdville High School, May 28, 2006. She was ranked 4th in a class
of 424. Besides all the accolades she has attained along the way in
both academics and theatre, she now is listed as a Texas Scholar,
named to the National Honor Society and has received the
Chancellor's Award and Freshman English Major Scholarship
from Harding University. We are very proud of you Jordan. You have
always been an over achiever and we don't think this is the time to stop.

In your 18 years of life you have never disappointed me. We are
thankful that you have chosen a Christian University as the place
to further your education and we are thankful there are institution
of higher learning with academic standards that will challenge the
best students they enroll.


Jordan with her big/little sister Caitlin




















The Cousins - Except Emily Rose
Back Row - Bailey Brown, Jordan Bailey, Hutton Brown, Caitlin Bailey
Front Row - Rainey Bailey, Connor Brown, Reagan Brown





















Jordan Bailey with Emily Rose Bailey.
(The oldest and the youngest of our grandchildren). If I live to
see Emily Rose graduate I will be 89 years old. I'm going to start
getting in shape just as soon as we finish all the left overs.

Bathing Beauties

Emily Rose is being introduced to the swiming pool. As you can see she meets with the strong approval of big sister Rainey and Momma Stephanie. 

John Connor Brown

If we had known Connor was going to speak in chapel and end his primary school career in such style, we would have scheduled Rose's cataract surgery around such a date.

Connor, you make us proud. Your mom didn't tell it all, but then she doesn't have time to write a book.

You're a good man, Connor Brown. 

Final Chapter of 6th grade

I will admit that this reporter has fallen behind this week but I'm updating with a report on Connor Brown. Like his brother Reagan it was a very busy and successful week for Connor. He finished his elementary career with all A's for 1st through 6th grades, made a perfect score on the Language Mechanics part of his achievment test and was awarded a Presidential Award for Academic excellence from George Bush. He also competed in the Bible Bee for the intermediate school and finished in the top 10. Today was his last day of elementary and he and his good friend Tanner Dobbs were asked to speak in chapel. He did an excellent job and may give his father some stiff competiton some day. His parents were heard to say they were very proud but not surprised at his strong finish. This reporter hopes that Papa can find a picture to post with this report...way to go J. Connor Brown!!!!

Three New School Records

Bailey Family Blog

Editorial Page
Midland, Texas - Some people say this editor is hard to work for. Is it too much to ask your reporters to be on time and have all their reports perfect the first time? I think not. Therefore when I level criticism at the reporting staff from Midland, faithful readers know that it is not without reason.

A case in point. Several days have passed since Reagan Brown competed in the MCS field day. No one outside the Midland area knows that he set three new school records on that day. If he had just set a new record (for his age group) in the 50 Meter Dash, I would excuse our reporters of their slothfulness. But he also set new school records in the Long Jump and the Obstacle Course.

This young man's body is power packed. He is built for speed. He has demonstrated his hand-eye coordination on the base ball field this year as well. His on base average is about .900 and his speed makes him a dangerous man on the bases. His defensive play is also outstanding. This writer witnessed a game where Reagan threw out a runner at first base from deep in the pocket at third and later threw a one bounce ball to the catcher from center field.

There is more. Reagan competed in the Bible Bowl and received a third place trophy. This allows him to be on the student team that will compete against the faculty of MCS. Teachers beware

With all the accolades he has received, this editor was deeply impress with Reagan's humble attitude. In a phone interview last night, I told Reagan just how proud we all were of him and his accomplishments. To which he replied, "Thanks so much for calling." Then he left to continue the evaluation of his golf game he had just completed with his dad.

MCS Student Body President 2006-2007

Midland, TX - May 12, 2006
JC Bailey Family Blog

Editorial Page

Today Bailey Ann Brown, daughter of Tod and Lee Ann Brown, was introduced as the Student Body President of Midland Christian Schools for 2006-07 school year.

The election of Miss Brown was the results of the voting of both the student body and the faculty. For those who heard the speeches of the candidates, there was no surprise in the annoucement. Our reporters all agreed that Bailey's speech was a master piece of both rhetoric and elocution. If that wasn't enough, the stunning beauty of Miss Brown even had the football team holding their breath. It was generally agreed that Miss Brown's beauty is known to those who know her best, as both an outward and inward. A beauty that is not exceeded even by her intellect.

A free press is wonderful, but it is the belief of the editor-in-chief of this blog that all bias should be confessed. This editor admits to having formed an opinion about Bailey Brown just a few minutes after her birth. His evaluation then was "she's perfect......just perfect". I have had no reason to change my mind. Congratulations Bailey. Papa loves you.

(Please note: all letters to the editor will be published). 

World Bible School in the Philippines

Rosalyn Bailey Sharron Gonzales

WBS has proven to be a very effective tool for the churches in the Philippines. Rosalyn is one of the teachers at our church and she was pleased to spend time Sharron who is the resource person for WBS in Baguio. Sharron process thousands of students and teachers names and is responsible for locating the follow up person for each student who requests further study.

I wish all of you could know Sharron. She is not only beautiful and smart, but she is a dedicated Christian worker. We love you Sharron. John & Rosalyn 

Thanks to BandS Supporters

In a recent letter from Ron Brown, head of Agape China, he said, "Thanks for all of your help. You do more for the China Mission than anyone else. I appreciate your love and concern for the poor children of China."

Ron and I both know that it isn't me, it's all the supporters of Body and Soul Ministries that do these good things. We have 150 patients ready for clef lip surgeries in August. These will take place in Mongolia. The good news is that we already have funds in hand to pay for the surgeries. What we are lacking is tavel funds for some of the health care workers. I would like to make it possible for several young nurses to be able to go who need some help with travel expenses.

I want to remind you that BandS Ministries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and all of your donations are tax deductible as according to the law. Our address is: 3704 Greenbriar Court, Colleyville, TX 76034.





















One dear lady who helps us on each of our trips to the Philippines is Ethel Paul. This faithful sister is a member of the Legacy Church and spends many hours collecting good quality flat ware. She packages these and I take as many as my weight allowance will allow. She only sends high quality goods and the most common comment I get is, "we could not afford this good ware in the Philippines." Rosalyn and I enjoyed giving to these young brides. Ethel Paul is a lady who helps people and I've known that for many years. Many Filipino's thank you Ethel.

 

MCS Banquet and other news

Just a quick blog...Bailey and Hutton had banquet last night and both looked wonderful. Bailey went with a boy we really like...actually he is one of Reagan's favorites. Hutton decided not to ask anyone but sat with several girls who went by themselves...his sister was not happy with him not asking but couldn't sway that decision. Bailey's golf team finished as state runner up last week. We were thrilled because they finished 3rd at regionals so they fought hard for 2nd at state. Things here are busy as usual. We have just 2 weeks of school left so end of school things are coming fast and furious. Bailey is busy with some senior parties and cheerleading practice and Hutton is now in off season football. Can't wait to see you at the lake!

These four girls have taken a picture like this every year since 7th grade. They sure have grown up.

Hutton and Bailey - MCS Banquet 2006

Bailey and Derek Whiting MCS Banquet.

Island Hopping

Rose is in Bohol at the Women's REtreat. I traveled via ferry boat to Leyte and toured the area of the mud slide where over 3000 were buried alive. We took several orphaned girls with us and they showed us where they thought their house was buried under 30 feet of mud and rocks. I think thet were less emotional than I was.
Today we are traveling to Bohol where we will stay until Monday. There is a 3 hour ferry ride and a 3 hour bus ride. Our goal is to arrive before dark.

Tmorrow morning I will preach in Bohol and we will tour the island in the afternoon. This is a famous island both for historic reasons and for it's sceinic beauty. This island is home to the worlds smallest monkey and the "Chocolate Hills".

We leave from Bohol early Monday morning and arrive home 42 hours later with stops and layovers in Cebu, Manila and Soeul. There is 13 hours difference in time. Papa
Sent via BlackBerry from Cingular Wireless

Prom Pictures

Here are some pictures from prom, so that Papa and Rose don't go crazy with anticipation before they can get home. I hope this is what you wanted. This weekend was a blast with Region, prom, and Project Celebration. I won a nice refrigerator, and managed to stay awake for more hours than I thought possible. It's been crazy, but fun. Thanks to everyone who came to San Angelo, and I'm sorry we couldn't talk longer. Love you all!

Thank you for the birthday wishes. We crossed the International Date line at midnight so we went from April 20 to April 22 so I just skipped my 71st BD.However, I am having fun basking in the success of my grand children and children. All the news from home pleases us and is shated immediately with our friends here. U would be amazed at how many read this blog here in the Philippines. Keep blogging so we can keep up with you.
We leave Tagaytay on a few minutes. Ems and Jennifer Layco will go with us to Manila and we will fly to Cebu. We have been informed of a welcoming banquet to night at the Mactan Church. Mangos are in season, so what 0else is needed?
Love from Rose and Papa

Happy Birthday Papa!

I thought it would make you happy to know your overachieving grandchildren did you proud this weekend...see earlier post! I hope your trip went smoothly and you are there enjoying yourselves. We love you and are so proud to call you dad and papa. I know you are happy spending your birthday doing what you love. Thank you for all you do for us and for the example you are. We love you so much...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

State Bound Jordan and other news

I can't write with the details ( I will let the Bailey's of far north Hurst do that) but just wanted to say congratulations to Jordan. Of course I, as your aunt and without seeing any other plays, thought you were a given for best actress...I'm so glad the judges agreed! Huge accomplishment and such a fun way to end your senior year. Hutton ran today in the district meet. He came in sixth...good enough to get points for his team and letter in track (his and his coaches goal)...not quite good enough to go to regionals...maybe next year. Reagan had a great baseball game today. He scored the first run by getting a walk and then stealing 2nd, 3rd and home. He also had a hit that brought in three runs and had a great play at third...scooped up a slow roller and threw a boy out at first to end the game in a tie. Connor spent his day with me in the car driving back from Denton and Bailey practiced her golf game today. Tod, Bailey and I leave tomorrow for Houston and the State golf Tourney. I will write with results when we get back.

San Angelo Bound

It's been a while since we updated, and by we, I mean me because I am the technically savvy and family oriented person in my home. Caitlin's District track meet went well yesterday despite her injured leg, and she ran her best time yet. The One-Act play is coming to San Angelo for Region the day before prom, so my life and mom's scheduling for Project Celebration are crazy right now. I interviewed for full tuition scholarship at Harding on Monday and it went well, so we'll see how that turns out. Keep the whole college process in your prayers. The picture is of me in makeup for Ballyhoo and Caitlin in track apparel. I'm disappointed in Bailey and her decision to turn to a life of pom-poms, but I'm hopeful about chastising her in person at the competition in San Angelo. I'm sure I left out some interesting details of our hectic schedule, but I hope I hit the highlights. I love you all and can't wait to see everyone soon.

CLASS REUNION - 1953

David Lidbury David Olson John Bailey Walter Straker

There were only five boys in my graduating class from Radville Christian College (High School) in 1953. We decided to call for a reunion of the guys and four of the five gathered in Cananasca, Alberta, Canada last week.
We had a great time remembering and correcting each others memories. We also had an interesting time sharing our lives and what has happened to us since graduation.

I doubt if there has ever been a class quite like ours. Eighty per cent of the boys have advanced degrees. Forty per cent have earned doctorates. These guys graduated from a high school that competed against all the high schools in Saskatchewan. We all took the same examinations and they were set and graded by the department of education. Our teachers had never seen the exams until the package was opened at the beginning of the testing and our entire years work rested in the examination result.

Our little school did not have indoor plumbing. Our chemistry lab was an old kitchen cupboard. None of us remember a single experiment that worked the way it was supposed to. We succeeded in school because we have parents who motivated us and teachers who were dedicated.

It is interesting that we still have a lot in common.

1. All four of us spent time teaching school. Dr. Olson made a career teaching at the university level. David Lidbury taught high school and was a school administrator until his retirement. Walter Straker is still teaching at the Great Lakes Bible College. I taught 3 1/2 years at Western Christian College.

2. Each of us is still married to the wife of his youth.

3. All have traveled extensively. There are not many countries where at least one of us hasn't visited.

4. One or both of our parents lived more than 90 years.

5. We all have children and grandchildren.

Fifty three years has brought it's changes. While we share many things in common we differ enough to make conversations interesting and thoughtful. I hope we will do this again in a year or two in a place as beautiful as Cananasca.

Thanks David, David and Walter for the effort you made to make this a memorable weekend.

I want to thank R.V. Elliott for coming. He was one of our (David Olson & I) star students. Russell was in grade eleven when David and I taught at Radville Christian College. He received his Ph.D in nuclear physics from the University of Canberra in Australia. We needed him to round out the group and to share and challenge our thinking on a number of subjects.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAY

I'm sorry that I do not have a picture of you on file that does you justice. I must update my files so this mistake will not be made again.

The Sunday morning you were born, I was preaching at the Woodlawn Church in Abilene. I was the associate minister filling in that morning for Dr. Paul Southern who was the head of the Bible Department at ACC.

I stayed at the hospital until it was time for the early worship. I went back to the hospital during the Bible Class hour and then preached again at the second service. You were born sometime during that hour. When the little old ladies found out that I was not at the hospital when you were born, they were highly critical of me. However, in those days fathers were not allowed to even touch the babies until it was time to send mom and babe home from the hospital.

I remember thinking that I was totally unprepared to be a father and to raise a son. I asked God for some favours and depended on your mother for much of what went into your training, and both sources were dependable. I like what we have in our eldest son.

I must admit that some of the happiest moments of my life are living vicariously through my children and grand children. Your professional career plus your role as pulpit minister mimics what I did for many years. I must admit that your ministry is an improvement over mine. That is to be expected. I taught you all I know and spent a fortune on your education so we should expect a better product. You do not disappoint me.

Have a happy birthday, and thank you for your life and the choices you have made. You make me very happy.

Dad

Happy Birthday

This is one of my favorite pictures of the birthday girl. It was taken at Lake Louise, Canada on a vacation trip a couple of years ago.

One thing all Bailey men have in common is that we married far better than we deserved. This is particularily true in my case. I am grateful that she has more than tolerated me (even loved me)for more than 45 years.

Our children and grandchildren can rejoice in having this lady in their linage. She has it all. Just look at how pretty she is. You all remember the great story of her athletic achievment at Farrington Field running in the sixth grade relays.
Who else in our family picked up at batchelors and masters degrees in four years and did so with grades that are reflected in the honors on her degrees? None of us.

So send her your love and congratulations and she will keep sending you birthday money.

Papa 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUTTON!!!!!

Hutton, I couldn't find a recent picture of you in my files. The lastest photo is this one taken last summer while you were on vacation at Hilton Head.
Casual visitors to this blog may now know that you are the tallest one.
When you were born, I was praying hard for a grandson. You see I thought Bailey was perfect and to have a little sister just wouldn't be fair for the "little sister". I got my wish and more. I was looking at some pictures of you when you were very small. I smiled when I remembered how great it was to have a grandson and it pleased me that I find even more to admire in you now than I did then.
Keep setting a good example for your brothers in school, home and the church. Challenge them to greatness as you continue your quest to be all that you can be. Rose & Papa love you. 

Out Of Nias, Indonesia

I keep this picture available so when I start to plan another trip to Nias I will remind myself that it is always a difficult trip because of the travel, extreme heat and the humidity. Someone took this picture during a lunch break in one of the remote villages we visited.
However, I am home safely and body and soul are just about back to Texas time.
Due to missed connections, faulty calculations, layovers and flying time, it took me 61 hours to get home. As difficult as the trip was, it was made much easier because of the generosity of Gary Mann who made arrangements for my travel and put me in first class/business class all the way. This also gave me priveleges at the AP lounges and made for easy bording.
The minor inconveniences of the trip pale in comparison to what was accomplished. I am trying to follow the code of "truth in reporting" that I personally wrote, so here goes. Our team completed 142 eye surgeries, saw over 1,000 patients in village clinics, gave away hundreds of pairs of glasses and distributed hundreds of pounds of rice and dried soup mix. The last count I had, about 350 personal Bible studies and prayer sessions were scheduled by the local evangelists in the villages.
It is a real joy to be on the giving side of human need. I believe true joy comes from living in the knowledge of the ever abiding presence of Christ, and I think you will never be closer to Him than when doing what He did. He went about doing good and place a priority on caring for the poor.
Speaking of "joy in His presence", being there when Reagon was buried with Christ in baptism is pretty high on the list of true joys that can be experienced by mortal man. Your a good man, Reagan Brown.
Papa 

Big Weekend

Thought I would blog before another busy week starts. We spent most of the weekend in Brownwood watching a track meet. We ended up with both the girls and guys teams spending the night at the lakehouse...lots of fun and a huge breakfast Saturday morning. Hutton ran the mile and two mile...he did great but I don;t think track will ever be his great love!

Bailey found out Friday night that she made cheerleader. When she told me she didn't want to play volleyball her senior year and she might try out for cheerleader I was a little surprised since she hasn't cheered since 6th grade but Bailey doesn't let little details like that stop her! She did great and we will have a blast watching her cheer on the Mustangs next year.

We had a very special day watching Reagan's baptism this morning. He had been waiting until Rose and Papa could be there because he didn't want to do it without them. Our family has a special completeness now and we are very proud of him.

Jordan we really want to see the play! Please make it to San Angelo so I can come! Let me know the dates if you can so I can make sure I'm not scheduled to work. Great job on all star cast too. Caitlin you look beautiful in your picture...and I'm not at all surprised on the award. We need to meet the new guy...I think he especially needs to meet Uncle Tod don't you?

Love to all and have a great week!

Ballyhoo

I just wanted to update on what's going on in "far north Hurst" (named by Dad). The play I'm working on went to Zone competition yesterday and we advanced, so next Thursday we have District. Think good thoughts. I won an All-Star Cast award, too. Caitlin had basketball banquet and looked beautiful in her dress and make-up applied by a loving older sister. I'll try to post a picture. She won the Hustle award taking after our micromanaging mother. Things are blessed in all areas around here, and we're all excited about the lake trip this summer. Love to everyone!

Birthdays

I did not have a signal on the island of Nias so I couldn't call to wish Lee Ann a happy birthday on March 11. Lee Ann, when you were little people thought I loved you too much. They were wrong then and you have given me more reasons to love you - at least 5. I am so proud of you. I show pictures of your family every where I go and the response is always the same. People are xlown away.
It's Saturday, March 18th and that can only mean one thing - John Connor Brown (JCB IV) is 12 years old. He is everything a man could wish for in a grandson. You are a delight to look at and a joy to be with. It doesn't hurt that you are a good football player and make good grades, but you are maturing and being molded into the image of Christ. I hope God will allow me to live long enough to see some of the things you accomplish
in His Kingdom. HAPPY BIRTHDAY from indonesia,
Papa
Sent via BlackBerry from Cingular Wireless

Nias, Indonesia

I'm in Medan and this is the first time I could make contact with the rest of the world. We have had a hard trip but a very successful one. The eye surgeons from Medan complete 142 surgeries. They would have completed more but about 50 who had been screened either did not show or were turned away because of health problems.
We treated more than 1000 in free village clinics and distributed hundreds of pairs of glasses.
I will write in more detail when I get home in about a week. I am very tired but well. It is 2 a.m. and I can.t sleep. I am eager to get home. I am going to try to crowd 5 days work into 3 and see if I can change my ticket and get home 2 days earlier than planned.
Sent via BlackBerry from Cingular Wireless

Madness

Happy Bracket Week everybody! Thanks to Alan Brown, several of us fill out brackets each year for the NCAA basketball tournament and show the world how little we know.

I thought I better warn those of you involved this year that there is a new "playa" on the scene. Rose is in this year and she's in it to win it. Look out Tod, your mother-in-law is gunning for you!

Now, we'll know she's really serious if she picks anybody but Kentucky to win it all...

Into Nias

I leave Medan today for the island of Nias. This is where our medical mission will take place. I don't think I can write from there. The work force on this trip is very small so I believe my goals for patients treated will not be met. I am well but it is very hot here. Will blog when I can.
John
Sent via BlackBerry from Cingular Wireless

Medan, Indonesia

I'm here but my bags were sent to Hawai (spekk check please). No one met me at the AP and none of the team is here yet. I have a couple of contacts here that I will call later. It is 4 a.m. So I will wait a couple of hours before I call.
The flights have all bee smooth and. Thanks to Garry Mann, I have really enjoyed sitting up front, I could easily get used to it.
Tyeping on a BlackBerry is a slow process and since I don,t know if this will transmit, I will close.
Sent via BlackBerry from Cingular Wireless

Testing

I leave March 3 for Nias, Indonisia. I hope to be able to keep you informed about the mission by writing a blog and sending it from my BlackBerry. This is a trial run.
Sent via BlackBerry from Cingular Wireless

Clef Palate

This is what the palate looked like prior to surgery. It was 10 mm wide at the base and extended anteriorly to 8 mm of the incisal foramen. I was able to document this procedure with photographs and would be happy to share them with anyone who is interested. 

Surgery Completed

Dr. Phillip Strawther did this surgery at the Clinica Ezell in Guatemala. For the untrained eye, the black is the gauze that covers the denuded bone. This tissue will granulate in and make the palate smooth and comfortable. Prior to surgery this patient could not speak plainly enough to be understood. As soon as the anesthetic wore off the mother heard her child speak normally and was overcome with gratitude.