The leaves in Longueuil are falling and the ground is covered in crunchy piles of them everywhere. It is sad to see the trees becoming bare, so we are enjoying every last bit of the Fall color.
We had the opportunity to take some long drives in the country, to visit members, where we enjoyed more beautiful vistas of color in the farmlands. Some of our visits this week included some really sad stories of abuse and family estrangement. I am impressed by the courage and faithfulness of these members to go on and put their trust in the Lord. But my heart does break for them and makes me appreciate how blessed I have been with family.
The real highlight of my week was when I sat one evening at the church with these two sisters from Columbia. They, along with another sister I had previously gotten to know, shared their amazing story. All three families lived near each other in a Columbian town. Their kids were literally growing up together and were very close. Adriana, Ruth and Solanyi are as close as sisters. They teased that they were probably sisters in the pre-existence too. Ruth’s husband was the bishop in their ward in Columbia. We had fun getting the story as they are learning English and French, and I am learning French only. They are miles ahead of me, but thru some broken English and a translator on Adriana’s device, they shared how they all came to be here. Apparently, over many lunches together they talked about leaving Columbia. Each of them left one by one to Canada. I don’t understand all of Canada’s immigration policies, but they do assign people to certain towns and provinces. They all had to go through Ottawa to get their assignments and processed.
First, Solanyi’s family with four children came here to Quebec a couple of years ago. Her husband now serves as a counselor in our bishopric. Ruth’s family with their 3 kids went to Vancouver. Adriana had left Columbia but was still in South America. Their children were all very sad and thought they would never see their friends again. Eight months ago, Adriana found her way here with her two children. Then, 3 months ago Ruth’s husband found out that there was an easier way to get through the naturalization process in Quebec. The one stipulation is that you have to learn to speak French. The government here insists that you take classes and pass a test. So, Ruth and her family came here too. Now the three families are all living here in the same ward and in the same neighborhood. Their children are overjoyed to be together again. They are like one big family here. To hear them tell their story, was like long lost friends finding each other again. They truly are sisters in spirit even if not by blood.
It was heartening to hear their story of family, friends and love after we had heard so many stories of disfunction in families. I have always believed that family is everything. I never imagined what it would be like to be alone in the world with no family at all. The ward family is vitally important to some of our lonely friends. Here at church, they are able to feel loved and appreciated and to know that they are literally children of God.
Here are a few more pictures of the last of Autumn in Longueuil as well as a picture of a Relief Society ministering group. I was invited to join them for a luncheon last week. These are some amazing ladies. Ruth is in the center back, she is a new counselor in the RS. Solanyi, not pictured is in the Primary presidency.
The other pictures are of our street from our front balcony and a look out towards the St. Lawrence river. You can just see to top of the bridge tower of the Pont (Fr. Bridge) Champlain. The last is my favorite French style home covered in ivy turned orange this last week.