HONORED ELDERS

We were privileged to be invited to a "Farewell Party" for our friend Geoff's father, Mr. Ragegea. Geoff and Anne are in our small group and bring an international flavor to the group. Geoff is from Uganda and teaches English at GSU and Anne is from Rowanda and works in the Financial Aide office at GSU. Anne's family were affected by the genocide in Rowanda losing many members including her brother. She and Geoff have helped the extended family raise the nieces and nephews of her "Late Brother". We found our self in a diverse group from many nations in Africa at the party. The youngest niece is now living with Geoff and Anne and attending GSU. All of the nieces and nephews have done really well and education is a top priority for them. All have graduated from college except for the two youngest and the eldest of those will graduate this week. What an accomplishment and what a testimony to family.

We find our African friends very gentle and polite people. They are always soft spoken and not attention seeking. Just as we Americans come in all sizes and shapes, so do those from different countries in Africa. Anne is a very tall woman, probably at least 6 feet tall and has what I often identify as traditional African features and build. A high forehead and round face with a sweet smile that shows beautiful white teeth, she often wears the traditional dress and it is always very beautiful and so feminine. A soft heart and sweet spirit were evident the very first time I met her. We are blessed to have them in our group.

The celebration was to say farewell to Geoff's father who is returning home to Uganda. Mr. Ragagea is 90+ years old, but he and Geoff go to the track every morning and walk 2 miles. Mr. Ragagea only speaks broken English, but his demeanor is very gentle. Anne told us that he has 4 Bibles in 4 different languages. Every day while they were at work, he prepared a devotional for that evening which they had at 9 every night. She said they often sang a hymn or two, listened to the scriptures, and his thoughts and prayed together before retiring. He gave a short speech before the evening was over that Geoff translated. This is the text of what he said-

"I thank God for this day and this hour that you have come so that we can say farewell to one another. I thank God because I didn't think that I would be able to come. I didn't think that I would be able to fly again because of my failing strength. But it was not because of me; it was God's will. I thank you for the fellowship and friendship as people of goodwill and for being Christians, people of Christ Jesus. Now let us read Second Corinithians 13:ll----
'Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.'"

Such a Godly man and his family holds him in such high esteem. It was an honor for Bobby & I to be a part of this sweet celebration. We are praying for Mr. Ragagea's continued good health and hopefully his return to Ruston.

On a much lighter note, I ran 6 this AM with my legs screaming No-No-No. It is good to know that my head can override that and push me to keep going. It was not pretty, but it is over. Friend Sandra's daughter Suzanne had her baby today-a petite precious girl. The number of grands among the runners continues to increase since Babs also just had another grandson. This gives us something delightful to discuss as we put in the miles. Every diversion is truly a blessing!