Tag Archive for: sweet reunions

Revisiting the Vineyard

Family and business matters took Monic and me back to Belgium and the Netherlands this week.
It’s been over six months since we were last there together, and it felt like coming home – even more so for Monic!
With the kind permission of the new mission leaders, we were able to spend a little time visiting some of our former missionaries who are still serving in the countries.
What a reunion it was!
The air was filled with laughter, the sharing of stories, a few tears of joy, and, of course, countless warm hugs.
It was a moment to cherish and one that reminded us of the deep bonds of friendship and love, formed through our shared service.
Seeing everyone again was more than just a pleasant visit, it was a time to reflect and reminisce.
We recounted the countless memories we had shared: spiritual milestones, hard-fought lessons, and small victories that had brought us all closer to each other and the Saviour.
These young people taught us so much about resilience, faith, and the joy of missionary work.

Growth

It was a privilege to see how much they had grown and to be reminded of the lasting impact of the gospel.
As I reflected on the special relationships formed during those years, Paul’s words in Philippians came to mind: “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:3-5).
How fitting this scripture is to capture the joy and gratitude of reconnecting with those who have been a huge part of such a meaningful chapter in our lives.
Special times like these are extremely rare and very precious.
They remind us of the eternal nature of the relationships we build through service and the joy that comes from working together in the vineyard of the Lord.
What memories or connections have brought you the greatest joy recently?
How have they strengthened your faith or reminded you of the Lord’s hand in your life?

Sweet Reunions

𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 were aplenty this week.
Last Sunday evening Megan arrived. The next day we travelled to Brussels together to attend the BYU Ballroom Dancing Company. It had been several weeks since she was last in the Netherlands.
As we travelled together, it was great to catch up and share stories with one another, about how similar we are. Then came a funny coincidence, as without any coordination mother and daughter dressed for the evening and realised that they had both chosen almost identical outfits for the show.
See the picture evidence above!
The evening brought another sweet reunion.
Moroni Wright who had served in the Belgium Netherlands Mission and returned home several months ago, was one of the many talented performers in the BYU Ballroom Dancing Company. The show was amazing, and what a delight it was to see Moroni again and catch up with him once more. It was especially pleasing to see him living his dream, as he longed for the opportunity to perform in this dance company.
And our third sweet reunion was with Kiera and her husband Brendan – who we met for the first time.
It had been several years since our last encounter together. Kiera had become a wonderful friend with Megan, when she was studying in Arizona, in 2016. What a joy it was to see them, share stories together and feel of their love.

Reunions are special

Reunions are special, they are built on love for one another.
Travelling along our own pathway in life, let’s not forget those family and friends who have passed through the gateway to the next life that we call death. I hope that we can turn our hearts to them who have gone on ahead of us. They are not dead, their spirits live on, on the other side of the veil.
In a not-too-distant time there will be a sweet reunion for each and every one of us. We need not look upon death as an enemy.
I was reminded of that this week too, as I walked through the sprawling cemeteries in Ipres, with vast numbers of the dead from WW1.
In Malachi 4:6 we read: “And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.”
We can begin our own quest for forever families, by considering our ancestors and coming to know them through online tools such as Family Search.
Then take some time to understand why The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has so many Temples around the world. In them, families are united forever. Our missionaries can help explain this further to you.
Sweet reunions await us all.