We had a surprise this week. Tom got a phone call, when he was out running, from the grandparents of one of the missionaries we have served with in Chalon. They were visiting in France, from the U.S., and wondered if they could come and take us out to dinner that evening. He responded that we had commitments until 5 but any time after that would be fine. What a wonderful evening we had although we ended up eating soup, salad and apple crisp at our house, sharing stories of success and struggle as older adults. They had come to thank us in person for helping their missionary survive the first six months in France. They were grateful we showed personal interest, were encouraging, provided many meals, rides, advice, and listening ears. As senior missionaries it was our great opportunity and blessing to love. And we made some new friends.
We have been anticipating our branch conference for the past week and we were not disappointed. Our branch president spoke first about accounting, and how important it is when discrepancies arise during an audit to not try to "fix' the books, but honestly identify the cause of the problem so correction can be made. Likewise, we need internal audits of our lives to recognize when we are not in alignment with God, so that repentance can bring about necessary change.
The stake president is a young man and spoke about his family working in the production of Baccarat crystal. His father was a glassblower in his younger years. It has a special purity and brilliance because it is made with lead, up to 30%, and is heated to 1500 C to purify the melted sand. Each finished glass resembles the others, but each is unique and makes its own tone when the rim is moistened and rubbed with a finger. He compared the lead to Christ's presence in our lives. He purifies us through trials to help us become the disciples who can reflect His light to the world and help others see more clearly. Second hour was a discussion about how to bring the spirit of the temple into our lives and homes. Our quorum president suggested, quoting his mother, "We need more Nephi and less Wifi".
Among the stake visitors was the second counselor, Pres. Kabuya, who immigrated from Kinshasa about 25 years ago. We asked if he knew Elder Thierry Mutombo, the Central Africa Area president with whom we worked closely when serving as the Medical Advisor there. He said they grew up together in Kinshasa and that they still stay in touch. I told him the story of a meeting in Nairobi when Elder Christofferson came to visit. Elder Christofferson said he had just one concern about Elder Mutombo - that he needed to smile more. Everyone laughed out loud because Elder Mutombo is known for his ever-present broad smile. Pres. Kabuya also got the joke. We had a photo taken to send to Pres. Mutombo.
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| Everyone enjoyed the meal after conference |
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| A view from a run this week along the old levee of the Canal du Centre |
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