The announcement, part II

Well, it did turn out to be a big deal. The Brussels International Ward is being split, and absorbed into two Belgian wards. We will have Bru I and Bru II. Some of you have experienced this before. The redefining of ward boundaries, or the splitting of a ward. For some reason, this seemed to be more traumatic, partly because it is dissolving the only English speaking ward and combining it with French speaking wards. However,the ability to worship in your native tongue will be preserved, and the opportunity to be involved with the Belgian Saints are the advantages.
It was a very emotional day. The entire gamut of feelings were experienced and voiced by all the members.
Church is not just a part of our life. It is our life. So when changes come, it is very much a challenge. It will definitely be a test of our faith to move forward and make this all a success. Hopefully we will pass the test.
Still, I am in the mourning phase, as many of us are. We are allowed that afterall I think.

Big announcement in our ward today

Normally I go to bed, and when my head hits the pillow, the next thing I know, the alarm is going off. Well, not tonight. I was up at 4am tossing and turning. I was thinking about this big announcement and I just couldn't sleep.
Since the announcement isn't for several more hours, I guess I can't post the particulars...maybe Widigers or Millers are reading my blog this morning!
I do think a story from church history might be a good comparison though. At one point there was a general conference where Brigham Young stood at the pulpit and basically told the audience, "We just can't sit here while there are saints out there who will perish if we don't help." I have been thinking about the reaction of those in the audience. I'm sure some debated whether or not they would leave their warmth, put their own lives in jeopardy and maybe not even save anyone and perish themselves. Others put their comfort aside and prepared to help. Not because they wanted to or because there was any guarantee of a safe return, but because it was the right thing to do. Because they were asked to help, because their spiritual leaders requested it, and they were confident it was what God was asking of them.
When our spiritual leaders ask something of us, there is always a mixed reaction in the hearers. Some obey, some will receive the direction with joy. Others may be angry. And every emotion in between will be experienced as well. And sometimes when you are asked to sacrifice, many times you only see the loss, and not the blessings that are at the other side of the trial of your faith.
It could be that I'm over-dramatizing the announcement. But I don't think so. It's early Sunday morning. I'll update later.

Stake Conference is over.

Dad's burdens are lighter, conference is over for another 7 months! He did a great job though, for the record. He had to prepare 2 talks in French. Mighty proud of him.
After conference, there were a zillion missionaries that came up to introduce themselves because they all knew Colie from the MTC! Elder Furman said he took yoga class from Soeur Herway in the MTC. Sister Thrasher actually was Colie's roommate in the MTC. She was from Winchester Virginia and knew all about Petersburg, WVa.
We also were introduced to Elder Honeycott from Charlotte NC who is from Jake/Mel's ward. He thinks very highly of Jake and said Jake always said 'hi' to him at church and that made him feel good.
I spoke in the Sat night session. It was just an update on our missionary and how having a missionary blesses our family.

Jimmy Stewart and Kim Novak

Here are some pictures of the Mission Ranch in Carmel, and then pictures from San Juan Batisto....the place in the movie 'Vertigo' where Jimmy Stewart and Kim Novak had a scene at the church. It is all still the same, exactly the same. It was fun to see. As soon as we got home, we pulled out the movie to see the setting, and there it all was.

home, and still sweet home

All is well in Brussels. The home is still standing. The clouds are still overhead. The mist is still misting. The long hallways are still at the Zaventem airport.
It was a fabulous 5 weeks in the US and both Tom and I have an extra 5 pounds to prove it. Oh no! Just in time for Christmas too.
It was pretty funny. We had 2 suitcases each and a carry on each. We looked like we were moving or something. Glad to get those unloaded!
Thanks Natalie and Noel for letting me and Dad come and hang out at your house. Thanks to Isabel for giving us a reason to come! And thanks to Dan & Lara and family for their grueling drive to Ca. and a terrific week-end together!

We found a really good deal on a house in Carmel. It's about the size of a trailor, needs renovating and the asking price is only 1.5 million. But the location is to die for. At those prices, we won't be locating there any time soon. Maybe Austin :) Or maybe we will just enjoy what time we have left in Europe! But just for the record. That is one place I would love to live!

I hate to say good-bye!

Sunday morning before we had to say good-bye. At this point we were all happy and smiles. Not much later there were lots of tears.
Man, I love all of you sooooo much! I miss ALL of you!

Beach at Carmel

There is certainly magic at the beach. Add some crazy, fun loving kids, and it is double the magic! We had a blast in the waves. They all got soaking wet, as would be expected, and had a ball doing it.
Too bad it had to end. We'll do it again, I promise!!!