Happy Fathers Day in Brussels!

Greetings from Brussels! And Happy Fathers Day in Brussels!

Thanks to so many for reaching out this past week! We are so grateful to hear from our family and friends.

We are on our last scheduled video shoot this weekend. We rode the train to Brussels on Thursday and have had three long long days of videoing with one more day to go. Although I struggle to get excited about the video trips because of the long hours each day, I am always so thankful for the many wonderful people we meet and learn from. We have heard some amazing stories of faith and strength.

Friday and Saturday we filmed on the French side of Belgium. We worked with such dedicated Elders and Sisters and even a senior couple who are serving as the Mission Medical couple. We met a young man from the Congo studying to be a doctor, a sweet couple that are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year, and a young married man who was brave enough to share with us his previous addiction to pornography and how his faith helped him overcome it. By the time the days were over I was so hungry I could have eaten a horse, but alas, you shouldn’t really say that in this country because horse is served here. Yikes. On the flipside, I had the BEST pain au chocolat croissant I have ever eaten for breakfast this morning at a little bakery across the street from the hotel. Oh my. I’ll be back there tomorrow.

Today we filmed on the Flemish/Dutch side of Belgium. We attended Sacrament Meeting in a building that has an Art and Craft store in it as well. The Church owns the top two floors. There is not a sign outside of the building, and one would never know there was a church of any sort inside. After church we were fed coos coos and Marrakesh chicken (made with chicken, spices, sweet potato, carrots, zucchini, and pinto beans) that was so yummy, and a variety of fresh cheeses and warm baguettes for dinner. We were treated well. We filmed at the famous Atomium (see photo, you’ll recognize it!) and the King’s Palace. Although it hasn’t been our favourite city, (traffic is horrible, intercity is not well kept) some of our very favourite people live here and some of the interviews we did will be our very favourite. And like I said, the croissants will definitely be one for the favourite list.

Sidenote – to my friend Tami England – several of the people we spoke with know Sister England! It’s always fun to make the connections.

I’m too tired to write more, although we had many wonderful experiences. I’ll share some when I am home with you. We must get to bed now . . . another full day tomorrow. I’m feeling my age today, but also feel so blessed for the many wonderful experiences we are having. Life is good . . . missions are the best.

Love to you all,
Ron and Marie