As of Saturday evening, our daughter is now a college graduate with her degree in business administration, emphasis in international business. I suppose that means she would be able to function in the business communities in, say, Alabama or Mississippi. West Virginia, maybe?
She faces a quick turnaround before leaving for a month-long mission trip to the Ukraine. I’m not too sure what’s beyond that trip. She’s looking to a couple of job opportunities that would keep her in the Azusa area with some of her friends.
Friday evening we attended a reception for a dozen of her closer friends. Each family introduced their graduate and then told a faith story. I believe Azusa Pacific University has some of the finest students and faculty of any university anywhere. We met one professor of anatomy (father of a very close friend of Jessica) and his wife who particularly blessed our lives. They have a southern California home and a place up in Mammouth / June Lake area of northern California. Two or three times they awakened on a Saturday morning in their northern home, went downstairs for breakfast only to find almost 2 dozen college students sleeping everywhere! Their daughter, Sharon (one of the sweetest girls I’ve ever met), would bring her friends for a weekend of skiing and snowboarding. They graciously welcomed the crowd and grew to love them all.
Our lives are changing so rapidly. Both the children are now college graduates. We have the rest of our lives to pay off the tuition! Grandson on the way. Career change. Moving to the desert. Chipper! Finding new friends. New church. New places to shop. New health care. New car care personnel. Chipper! All I can say is we are so graciously blessed by our Father!
[Note: A very special "Thank You!!" to my brother, Randy Wray, for learnin' me how to post pictures large enough to actually see. Sure makes a difference to these aging eyes.] Pictures are of the family (Greg, Heather, Josh, Jessica, Janice) and Jessica with her Uncle Cecil. He was here for Josh’s graduation and said he wouldn’t miss Jessica’s for the world. He kept his word. Some friends are friends who stick closer than a brother. Cecil has been and is one of those friends in my life. For those who saw me at Pepperdine, you’ll notice the facial hair is missing. I grow it each year for Pepperdine and shave it off as soon as I get home. Can’t explain why … just something I’ve done over the years. Janice likes it better shaved off! Says it makes me look younger and doesn’t tickle her nose when I kiss her!!
Greg England
Good pics. I saw a picture of Cecil at his churches’ web site. This one is MUCH nicer.
Why don’t you send Chipper to Randy. He’s got a huge backyard!
Definitely a great occasion! Some good pictures not counting one old man and one hairy monster–I think you know which is which.
Nothing can take the place of the blessings of kids!
Peace.
I think that is very cool. Congrats to Jessica! I have a number of friends who are off to the Ukraine soon as well. Part of the same trip/team?
I’m glad Pepperdine is over so I can stop feeling envy. It’s a sin, you know.
Excuse me for a moment Greg:
Brady:
Thanks, I think? Actually that picture on our website was taken in a hurry on a day when it was windy and I was in a hurry.
Greg – Being an only child (O.K. – no spoiled child comments) you are as close if not closer than any brother I could have had. I know there are a lot of new things coming your way and I lift you and all of your family up in prayer.
I still plan on making my annual Pepperdine visit but now my detour will include the beautiful city known as Temecula. Tell Chipper I owe her a right jab.
Congratulations to Jessica. Did you tell her the Chipper is to be her graduation present?
Beautiful family….I know you are proud, as you should be!
Congratulations to Jessica. Thank God she’s beautiful like her mother. I know you are all proud.
I cannot believe Jess is a graduate. I didn’t know she was graduating this soon. I wish I could have been there but that would have been a little difficult from China. I hope you and Jess understand. Love you all so very much.
Congrats Jess. I am so very proud of you.
Cis
Hi! This is not your sister, it’s your favorite niece…Teri!! Please tell Jess how proud I am of her and if it were not for being in China the moment, we would have been there. I’m so disappointed that we missed one of the biggest events of her life. However, I am soaring with pride for her and know she will be so successful in her career! We will continue to pray for her missions trip and we expect to hear all details about it! We love you very much…give her a hug and kiss for me! Love, Teri
A proud daddy, and so you should be! Congratulations to all of you!
I can hardly wait for Duncan to graduate from boot camp. I’m sitting at night, playing my new Taylor Guitar (had to add that) while I wait to see him again at the end of July.
Once a dad, always a dad, right, Greg?
Sorry I’m so late adding my congratulations, but have been a bit busy, what with flying to Virginia all day yesterday and keeping up with my son David and the two little ones all day today. Plus David is trying to pass a kidney stone and is in a considerable amount of distress.
He has a doctor’s appointment in the morning, so maybe he can get some help with the pain he’s in, if nothing else.
Much love to you all, Greg. Tell Jessica congratulations from one of your favorite blogging buddies. That always earns a lot of points with my kids! Ha!
Dee
Well guess I was right about the Pepperdine facial hair tradition, so my memory must not be as bad as I thought. However, I must admit to being disappointed seeing you clean shaven on Sunday, but then I don’t got to kiss you.