A Chance Meeting

This month it will be 12 months since Jess left for her mission. I have always heard missionary mums say how fast the time goes, and I have even experienced serving a mission myself, so I know how fast it can all happen. Before you know it, it is all over and life melds back into normalcy.

But it is a rare occasion when a parent gets to see their son or daughter out in the field, doing what they are there to do. Oh, yes, we all get the photos and the emails telling us what they’re up to, but to be able to go into the mission and see them in the setting is something really special.

I must add here that it’s highly unusual for this kind of thing to happen, and it takes some prior arranging . Also, every mission is different, and it’s entirely up to the discretion of the Mission President as to whether you can visit your missionary or not.

So, when Wayne knew that he would be less than two hours drive from Jess when he went over to Salt Lake City for Conference and work meetings, he decided to seek permission to see her.

The Mission President was forthcoming and allowed him to have a one hour lunch with Jess and her companion. So the plan was set in action, and executed with precision.

They met up as planned and had a great hour together talking about the work that she is involved in, and the people she works with. Even the District Leader and his companion arrived on the scene to find out just how amazing this dad of hers was.

Father and daughter.

After lunch Wayne was given directions to the closest Seminary building, as he wanted to meet the local teachers and seminary leaders…as you do.

While there, a beautiful family arrived wanting to meet Bro. Maurer, father to Sis. Maurer. The White family are local members who work closely with the missionary’s and take care of them. They had heard thatWayne was there and wanted to meet their favourite missionary’s dad. It is comforting to know that our daughter is cared for while so far away from home.

So, a chance meeting it wasn’t, but it certainly was a highlight for the both of them to be able to catch up, talk about the work she has been involved in and discover that there is still no homesickness.