Guyana News 6/17/2007
The family is now complete with Carolyn and Brenda's safe arrival to Guyana. Their luggage arrived the following day. So, even though it was a longer than usual trip, all's well that ends well. They made quite a positive contribution to the Soesdyke worship service yesterday morning. Rox (Patrick's wife) and Carolyn got to spend some catch up time together and Brenda and Chrystal (partners in crime) played together most of the afternoon until it was time to return to Georgetown for evening worship. The two of them had been looking so forward to this day of reunion. When it was time to go, we called our little "sand puppies" in and got Brenda brushed off for the trip back to town. We attended North Road last night where the welcome back hugs and kisses (yes, kisses) were abundant from the brethren there. Brenda was so excited about going in to see her church family that we had to literally hang on to her to put the insect repellant on her before she went inside. She just knew that they were waiting to see her. Once we gave her the "all clear" she disappeared like lightning into the building and was not at all disappointed in her expectations of welcome. Carolyn is "auntie" to so many of the kids and young adult men and women (ages about 30 years and below) and a very special "sis" to all of those who may not be considered young anymore. Hugs and kisses came from all. They've been awaiting her coming every since I arrived. It was almost like taking the grandchildren home to see your parents. They're not looking for you. they're looking for the grands. Well, it wasn't quite that bad (smile). I still got my hugs, too. Momma and daughter are at home with daddy and everybody's happy with that.
I would like to ask for you to remember in special prayer my oldest sister, Gloria Cook, who was diagnosed on Thursday with advanced *** cancer. Surgery is recommended asap with chemo and/or radiation to follow immediately. She has been an active Christian for most of her life; so, we're not worried about that part. It's strength for the long period of discomfort and adjustments that lie ahead for which we request the prayers of our brethren. Our family has survived all of its crises through the comfort of the support of our family's God, the ever-present support of each individual family member, and the ardent prayers of faithful brethren who know and love us. I expect that mom and the siblings will converge in Alabama for the surgery, as is our family's custom, and I may well be among them being the family cleric. I love you with the love of the Lord. Bg