Fakarava, French Polynesia vacation. Picture taken by my friend Vahinerii.

"Our Oasis in the desert is our family."

Friday, August 21, 2009

Elder McGrevy

Living vicariously...this is from my sister's blog/ email.
I wish I was there... Like I mentioned before my sister now lives in New Zealand and it was perfect that she was able to visit briefly with our brother before he took his next flight home to Tahiti. She took pictures that for some reason I can't copy and paste them to my blog - booo...sorry you'll just have to picture a handsome young man with a black/white badge and a huge smile...

"This evening we picked up Uncle and headed to the Auckland International Airport to see my brother Elder Andrew McGrevy!
For the past two years he has been serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Wellington, New Zealand. A couple of weeks ago we received an email from Elder McGrevy with flight information and were thrilled to find out he would be making a change of planes at the Auckland airport. Even though his layover was short, we did not want to miss an opportunity to see him before he goes home to Tahiti! Uncle Noel suggested we meet Andrew at the domestic terminal and drive him to the International terminal. That's what we decided to do and it allowed us a little more time to visit with him - we ended up visiting for almost 45 minutes! It was great to see how much my brother has matured physically and spiritually over the past couple years! He has a glowing countenance as you can see from the photos.

He told us about wanting to rest on the flight over then hearing the still small voice prompt him to talk to the guy next to him. So he did and they had a great discussion! The passenger worked for a brewery and when he found out Andrew was a missionary he said "I'm the opposite of you!" There were eleven other missionaries that finished today also but they had flown out earlier. A former sister missionary and her husband came to see Andrew at the airport as well. They enjoyed talking a little about the mission and catching up. As we were getting into the car to drive to the international terminal, Carson decided to make a run for it and Andrew went after him. While running back and a little worried about missing his connecting flight he said "I don't want to miss my flight home!" We wish we were joining you too, Andrew!

Well done Elder Mcgrevy for two amazing years serving the Lord and the people of New Zealand! Enjoy being home in Tahiti and know that we will be there in spirit as the McGrevy Islanders, family and friends celebrate your return!

We love you and wish you continued success for the rest of your journey in life!" End of sister's blog post.

Coincidentally my brother returns just one day shy of our father's passing, tomorrow (Aug. 22nd) will make one year. I can't imagine what is going thru my brother's head right now especially when he steps off the plane and sees family minus our Dad there to welcome him. Also I can't imagine what's going thru my Mom's head...I have a strong feeling that our father will be there and that his presence will be felt today, tomorrow and always...

"Bon retour au 'fenua' mon frere!
Nous sommes fieres de toi!
Ua here matou ia oe!"

3 comments:

Tracy said...

wonderful post. I wish you could also be there to see your brother's return home. miss you.
p.s. I can't believe it's been a year. So Joshua is turning 1 soon right? or did he already?

Margo said...

What a beautiful post about your brother returning home with honor. I'm sure your dad is very proud of him and has welcomes his son home after serving his mission in NZ! I know Andrew will be a great man and the Lord has great things for him to do. Welcome home Elder McGrevy Welcome Home!

Lois said...

Sista no worries I will send you some pix to post! ; )