Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father’s Day to all the men in my life! I am especially grateful for my own husband, son, and son-in-laws, and father-in-law. I miss my own dad. My little Primary children sang their hearts out in Sacrament Meeting today for their fathers. We learned two new songs for them to sing (I assumed they knew them, but no . . .) “Fathers” (The father of our home leads our family . . .) and “I’m So Glad When Daddy Comes Home” complete with actions. I was so proud of them!

I left you last week after three days of video shooting in Brussels. We continued with another day and met more amazing people. Our last interview of the trip was a young family, Melvin and Graciella Hoepel and their two young daughters from Suriname, which used to be a territorial island of the Netherlands. He was speaking on education and self-reliance, two subjects that our church is emphasizing right now. He came to Brussels under his mom’s Visa but is now, as an adult, needed his own Visa. While waiting for it he couldn’t even get a job and work to support his family. He decided that he would go to school and learn a trade so that when his Visa finally came through (it took about four years) he could get a job straight away and support his family. It was such a humbling story. When we were done filming and walking back to the cars, he asked me how much longer we had on our mission. He said, “When I was where you are in my mission, I was very sad.” I said, “I’m sad to leave this experience but will be happy to see my family because I have missed them so much.” He said with a sheepish grin, “I think I loved my mission more than I loved my family.” I commented to him that he must have had a wonderful mission and asked him where he served. He served in the West Indies about six years ago. I asked him if he remembered an Elder Gines or a Sister Weaver. “Yes! I was his Zone Leader! They got married when they got home!” It’s true. Elder Daniel Gines is my nephew who married Sister Kaisha Weaver Gines. Small world. I love it. What are the odds . . .

Monday evening we went with Peter, the videographer, to a restaurant that is well known for their steaks in celebration of the end of a tiring but successful trip. Josh, our cute 24-year-old cameraman had to catch the train and get back to London for a job the next day. (Josh is not a member of our church. This is the second time we’ve had the pleasure of working with him. I want to bring him home too . . .). The restaurant is in the district of Brussels called Sint Nicklaas. In the town square there is a very large statue of the jolly old man himself. The Belgians don’t like it one bit that Ron and I J changed his name to Santa Claus . . . we were scolded. As you know, we are very used to being scolded for anything the USA has ever done that anyone in Europe doesn’t like. We have developed thick skin. J

But . . . back to the restaurant . . . the owner was going over the menu with us because it was it Dutch, describing each cut of steak, each type of chicken, each piece of fish, and then . . . ”and this one is Horse, but I am not going to tell you about it because as I have been told before you do not eat your pets” and walked abruptly away. HA! I almost died on the spot! I needed a good laugh, even if I had to stifle it a bit. We all ordered beef.

Tuesday was our travel home day, and we were happy to walk in the door and crash, but not before thanking Heavenly Father for a wonderful weekend that all came together as it should, and for our safety. I KNOW we had added protection and blessings, as it is not a comfortable city to be in right now.

Back at the office we began our search in the Warwick area for a new flat for our replacements. The office will be moving to the chapel in Warwick in September. We thought we would like to help them out by getting them settled when they arrived rather than having to move out of this flat and also move the office. We are discouraged by what we are seeing, and I cannot recommend a place for someone to live that I wouldn’t be happy in myself, so plans may have to change. I feel blessed that we were able to live so comfortably and want the new couple to have the same.

King of the grill, even in England!

Friday night we had our YSA/Mid-Singles BBQ and Sports Night. It was supposed to be hosted by the Bishop, but he texted Thursday night and is suffering from illness right now. So of course, we carried on with Ron as the BBQ Master. We had 14 people attend which we were thrilled about, and after dinner they persuaded us to play round-robin table tennis and chair fotbol with then. They do keep us young! It was so much fun. I’ll be bringing some new game ideas home . . . I’ll bet you can’t wait! We had to be cleaned up and out of the church before 9:30pm as once again the Muslims were using the building, this time to celebrate the end of Ramadan.

Saturday we ran some errands and caught up on things at home, and the Sisters came over for dinner. I just love Sister Gee and Sister Cannon. Today the Elders came for dinner. I just love Elder Fox and Elder Vuki. Today is also transfers again . . . where does the time go. After dinner Ron dropped the Elders back off at the church. Just after he dropped them off, the dreaded text came. We are losing both sisters and Elder Vuki. Transfer days are my saddest days in the mission field.

Have a brilliant week! If you’re feeling a little down for any reason, go out and serve someone! It cures every time. And have a Happy Birthday on Saturday, Vicki! (Ron’s sister)

Love to all,

Ron and Marie