Surprise!

Last week, whilst I was in London, brought a beautiful and unexpected moment, that I won’t forget.

While attending meetings on the third floor of the Hyde Park Chapel, busy planning this year’s Light the World Christmas campaigns, I heard some news of some unexpected visitors downstairs.

Someone mentioned that the BYU ballet group were rehearsing in the cultural hall.

I knew Emma Bair, one of our former missionaries from our time in Belgium and the Netherlands, was part of that group.

We had already made some plans weeks before, to meet for lunch the next day in Bayswater, but I couldn’t resist the chance to surprise her early.

I quietly went down to the hall.

And sure enough, there was Emma, completely unaware I was just outside in the foyer.

I introduced myself to one of her supervisors, and we hatched a plan: I’d return in an hour, just as practice ended, and surprise her.

An hour later, I came back.

What followed was one of those rare, joy-filled reunions.

The look on her face when she saw me was priceless.

We hugged, laughed, and even shed a few happy tears.

It was a beautiful tender reminder of the lifelong bonds we’d formed in our missionary service together.

The next day’s lunch was even sweeter for it.

Sitting in Bayswater, catching up on Emma’s journey and everything she’s doing now, felt like a continuation of all of our joyful moments together.

There’s something truly special about reconnecting with those we’ve served alongside.

Their stories continue to inspire me, and Emma’s certainly did.

Happy Birthday Emma!🎊🎉🍰

Have you ever had a surprise reunion that filled your heart?