A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE 

      

                               BRUXELLES
          A SPECIAL TIME, A SPECIAL  PLACE

               

                 THE "DIPLOMATS" OF EUROPE
     

Throughout the city of Bruxelles, there are many murals painted on the sides of  buildings.  Although this gentleman is not a diplomat, I've always loved this depiction of a dueling figure, which we see whenever we take the Number 63 bus into the downtown area.  What an appropriate image for the capital city of Europe, which brings together dueling diplomats from many lands to resolve their differences and find solutions, which hopefully makes life better for the people of Europe!

 

 The European Parliament is at the heart of the European Union. This display of flags suggests the complexities involved in the creation of a unified entity speaking for "Europe." In 1876, the German Chancellor, Otto von Bismark, wrote: "Qui parle Europe a tort. Notion geographique." ("Whoever speaks for Europe is wrong. It is a geographical expression.") Today countless political players make decisions on behalf of "Europe."

The fascinating interplay of heads of government, the President of the Commission, the Court of Justice, members of the

Parliament, the countries of the Eurozone, the President of European Council, and a myriad of civil servants from all

members states, makes decision-making very difficult. It is an economic union and embryonic political system with no Constitution, often contradictory treaty obligations, no central bank, and no common language!  (English is the common working language so we had no communication problems.)

Like these chefs in the Parliament, the many countries represented in the European Union, all have different "tastes" and ideas about which direction the EU should go!  

We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of  Margaret Thatcher, the former Prime Minister of Great Britain.  Mrs. Thatcher was a great leader and friend of the United States.   She "fought" for the things she believed in to make England great, even if it meant being isolated in the "Club of Europe"!  A special table was set up in the Parliament for admirers to express their condolences, which David did on behalf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

 AMBASSADOR OF AFGHANISTAN

It was a great pleasure to get acquainted with H.E. Homayoun Tandar, the Ambassador of Afghanistan to the European Union, Belgium, and Luxembourg.  We engaged in an interesting conversation about the future of his country and the turmoil across the world. It brought to mind the Lord's words in 1831 to the Prophet Joseph Smith: "And again, verily I say unto you, O inhabitants of the earth:  I the Lord am willing to make these things known unto all flesh; for I am no respecter of persons, and will that all men shall know that the day speedily cometh; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand, when peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion. And also the Lord shall have power over his saints, and shall reign in their midst, and shall come down in judgement upon... the world." D&C 1:34-36. May   peace and the blessings of the gospel come to all nations and people throughout the earth in these latter-days!

  AMBASSADOR OF PAKISTAN

The Ambassador of Pakistan to the European Union, Belgium and Luxembourg, H. E. Munawar Saheed Bhatti, is a well educated and very articulate diplomat. He was especially forthcoming on difficulties encountered  in the Pakistan and India relationship, and his desire to overcome obstacles to peace. I was reminded of the black-tie dinner at Mount Vernon Virginia, hosted by President John F. Kennedy for the President of Pakistan, General Mohammad Ayub Khan. My hope, expressed to Ambassador Bhatti, was that religious liberty would bring the blessings of heaven to all nations. 

President George Washington's words came to mind: "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.  In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.... And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education...reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."

 This wonderful singing group from Latvia, as well as the European Union Member Countries,  all interpret the "music" of politics differently. We became very good friends with the representatives of the Baltic States and worked with them constantly on the issues of religious freedom. This performance in the Yehudi Menuin salle of the EU Parliament, was the venue for many cherished  memories with our European friends.

A luncheon in the EU Parliament between sessions of a diplomatic conference found David seated between two very influential delegates. On his right is The Lord Hylton, M.A., A.R.I.C.S., House of Lords, London (Oxford educated.); and on his left is Dr. Jamel Zarrouk, Chief Economist, the Islamic Bank of Development, Ryiad ( M.A. at the University of Michigan, where he studied with Paul McCracken, and Ph.D. University of Colorado. He lived with an LDS family during his student days in Maryland, while doing research at the Library of Congress.) 

Our loadstone during our mission was to follow the Spirit of Revelation each day. In this manner, the Lord placed us in constantly changing relationships and friendships, which may be called upon in the years ahead to further His work. Lord Hylton of the United Kingdom and Dr. Zarrouk of Saudi Arabia are good examples of high-level individuals in positions of influence who may be very helpful to the Church in the years to come based upon a friendship which began in Bruxelles.

    In the Parliament, the press is ever ready to interview and record the Members on decisions they have taken that day, and what the future might hold for their constituents. Interestingly,
legislative initiatives come from the European Commission and not from the Members of Parliament. 

The United States Constitution has it right: "We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." Preamble.

 David is pictured here with probably the most important man in the European Union, Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, who chairs meetings when the Heads of State and Government meet in high-level council sittings. 

At the annual Prayer Breakfast (held each year) in the Parliament, President Van Rompuy, a former Prime Minister of Belgium, spoke about his Christian beliefs and "life as a road to perfection." He said: "as we come closer to reaching it, the end
of life approaches.  In that sense the culmination of the good life
is sometimes very near to the end of it.  Those who achieve it earlier in their lives are on the road to sanctity.  Human beings like me need much more time to get there!" He impressed David with three qualities as they exchanged greetings on more than one occasion:  First, he had a very firm handshake; second, he had very clear and penetrating blue eyes; third, he was a good listener.  

David noted that in his remarks at the Prayer Breakfast, President Van Rompuy said: "No one has seen God, let alone God the father." David said: "I thought to myself, every Primary child knows more than the President of the European Council!" His term of office expires in 2014 and he has been a steady and good friend. We will be sorry to see him go, and wish him God speed in his future endeavors.

Sometimes not everyone wants to get "on board" at the Parliament, but would rather jump from the sinking "Titanic" before it goes down.  Such is the case in the European Union, where the voyage is stormy and often through very rough seas.  One shrewd observer has stated: "Discourse is no mere verbalization of conflicts or systems of domination, but the very thing for which and with which one fights, the power one is aiming to seize." Michel Foucault (1971).

As shown in this famous painting in the well known Ryks Museum in Amsterdam, many of the countries in the European Union need to be rescued from impending political, social and financial disasters!  Our efforts were well repaid as the European Parliament and Council of the European Union, adopted "EU Guidelines on the Promotion and Protection of Freedom of Religion"in June 2013. As we were departing from Europe the next month, it was heartwarming to see this major step forward in the cause of religious liberty.  Many wonderful friends in the Parliament, Commission, Council and NGO community joined us in this successful effort to provide a European benchmark for the implementation of religious freedom by the European Union. 

Along the walking street just off the "Grand Place", is another example of urban art work.  The countries of Europe need to face their problems together, and not retreat, or go back down like the people in this painting are doing.  They need to continue to press "onward" and "upward" for the common goal of a united Europe!  The live mannequin you see on the right is also symbolic of a paralyzed Europe in the face of serious crises, which constantly beset the member countries. 

David enjoyed the receptions and socializing at the European Union Parliament.  This event in the grand concourse of the Parliament, was a celebration of the freedom and democracy now prevailing in the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.  MEP Sandra Kalniete (Latvia) was typical of the bright, well-educated women taking their place in the world of European politics. 

This part of the world still bares the scars of domination by the Soviet Union following World War II. We found the down-trodden of Europe, and those nations and people who suffered the injustices and harshness of totalitarian dictatorships, to be especially appreciative of  American ideals and the humanitarian work of The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints.



                       Special Friendships and Memories

                                        My Dear Friends.
                   

Juri and Vatiare Rudiger met at the Brigham Young University Hawaii while they were students.  Juri, with his German-Russian heritage, was raised in Eastern Europe, and Vaitiare      with her South Pacific and Tahitian heritage, were faithful members of our Brussels Ward. We found ourselves being substitute grandparents to their adorable children, which was especially nice on the day their daughter was baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.


                    THE WONDERFUL CASARES FAMILY

                    Awaiting Ambassador and Mrs. Kovanda's  
            arrival for dinner at our Ambiorix Square residence.

           Ambassador and Mrs. Kovanda of the Czech Republic
                                      to the United Nations
                                                   

   One of the wonderful family nights spent with the Casares family in Waterloo, with their wonderful children Daniel, Christian, Sebastian and Savanna.
                                                 

This picture shows us with some of our fellow missionaries at the beautiful Waterloo home of our friends Orlando and Astrid Casares. Orlando has a thriving global law practice based in Brussels, where he met his beautiful Danish wife, Astrid. 

Pictured with us are Elder and Sister Okelberry from Preston, Idaho, where he raises those tasty Idaho potatoes, which keep the McDonalds franchises well supplied with their basic fries. 
 Brother Okelberry had recently returned home for hip replacement surgery, and was back at work in Brussels within three weeks, a miracle which brought great rejoicing by their 14 children, numerous grandchildren, and fellow missionaries!

Here we are with three generations of a faithful Latter-day Saint family from Armenia, all members of our Brussels II Ward.  The Sunday meetings alternated each week between English and French, however, this wonderful family only spoke Russian.  Nevertheless, we became fast friends through the language of love, and the mutual testimonies which we shared of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of the gospel, through the Prophet Joseph Smith.  The family matriarch became a dear friend of President Peterson, and her grandson on the right was
soon to depart for his mission. We miss them very much!




             THANKSGIVING WITH SPECIAL FRIENDS

To Darelyn's left is her best Brussels friend and visiting teacher, Rebecca Bertz (whom David called "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm", because of her joyful personality and splendid spirituality).  Rebecca is Swiss-German by birth and a long-time Brussels resident.  She is a shining example of the Savior's admonition to care for the poor and down-trodden, as she volunteers her time to work with the homeless of Brussels.

We gathered at the Bertz home for an American Thanksgiving Day with the wonderful Voightlander family, now in Mexico City for another U.S. Department of State assignment; and new friends from Africa.  

Rebecca kept us well supplied with the finest fruits and vegetables, and made weekly visits to our home, to be sure we were getting along just fine. What an angel she is and we miss her a great deal as well as all of our dear friends!

We have a great love for our dear friend Regina Mukondola and her wonderful family, pictured here at our Brussels II chapel after Sacrament meeting. Regina works with an African Ambassador, and proudly wears the beautiful and colorful African costumes with spectacular head pieces to special events. Three of her children are still studying, and one is pursuing his career in the U.S.  They each bring a wonderful light to all they meet, whether in Belgium or in the United States. 

We miss the international flavor of the 23 countries represented in the Brussels II Ward.  Saints from Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Armenia, Russia, the United States, England, Peru, Brazil, Portugal, Denmark, Kenya, Ghana, Hungary, and the Netherlands, to name but a few.       

We bid a fond farewell to these special friends and sang "God Be With You Til We Meet Again" with tears of joy and love in our hearts for the blessings of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, which will draw the elect from all nations, kindreds, tongues and people of all the world in the latter-days.

         The evening of Sunday, June 29, 2013, concluded our mission to Bruxelles with a not-to-be forgotten program and reception at the stake center, where diplomats, scholars, missionaries, members and friends gathered for a special showing of Lee Groberg's production "Fires of Faith." Pictured left to right: David and Darelyn; Professor Guido Letre, Resident Scholar in English History, Culture and Biblical Studies, Katholic University of Leuvan, Belgium; Serge Vanderische, LDS Public Affairs Director for Belgium, and U.S. Embassy staff; Claude Bernard, LDS Public Affairs Director for Brussels, and Professor at the Free University of Brussels. 

The "Fires of Faith" tells the story of the
father of the King James Version of the Bible, William Tyndale, who was imprisoned for translating holy scripture into English and died a martyr's death by strangulation and burning outside of Brussels in 1536. In a letter to the authorities, he begged for "a warmer cap...a warmer coat also...also a piece of cloth to patch my leggings... but above all my Hebrew Bible." 

At the end of the program, we were suprised and honored to be presented with a farewell gift of the "Christus" sculpture, His arms extending an invitation to come unto Him. What joy filled our hearts and what sadness engulfed us, as our departure was imminent!

Serge and Claude made our association on the Public Affairs Council a joyous experience, for they are great advocates of religious liberty and very talented friends, whom we love and will miss a great deal!

Two days later, we were flying home with sweet memories and thousands of new friends, to be always remembered in the heart of Europe!


         Adieu, Adieu and Adieu Cher Amis!

Arriving at the Washington, D.C. Reagan National Airport around midnight, having travelled all day from Bruxelles; we were exhausted!  

(When we arrived in New York, there was only one available seat left on the flight to D.C......so we decided that I would fly and David would take the train.  We were to meet at Reagan Airport.)  When I arrived at Reagan National Airport, these three handsome men were there to greet me!!  I was shocked to see our two sons, John and Taylor, standing with David!!!!  He had just run into them in the airport...and was stunned also!! 
              What a fabulous and unexpected surprise!!!!!




               
                     RETURN AND REPORT
                                     
                                            CHURCH OFFICE BUILDING
                                                  SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH

         Following our return to the United States, we enjoyed a special hour with Elder Lance Wickman, General Counsel, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, during which time we made a full report of the work in Brussels with the European Union and the status of religious freedom in Europe.    

   

We felt the love and support of Bill Atkin, Deputy General Counsel, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, throughout our mission, and were delighted to provide a detailed report on the progress of the work in Europe. 

We were pleased to report significant progress in maintaining and expanding religious freedom; the establishment of positive and lasting relationships with many Ambassadors, decision-makers and opinion leaders; forward progress on strategic Church issues; the establishment of credible networks of scholars, civil society, and religious leaders; and the Spirit of Revelation, which we experienced in making the gospel message central to the European Union.   

                               ELDER M. RUSSELL BALLARD 
                   OF THE QUORUM OF THE TWELVE

We were thrilled to make a personal report of our mission to Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve on Sunday, May 18, 2014, when he visited the Mount Vernon Virginia Stake for a special conference in the Washington, D.C. area. 

We expressed the strong impression to him, that during our
labors, the petition of the Prophet Joseph Smith to the Lord in connection with the dedication of the temple at Kirtland, Ohio in 1836, had been, in part, answered upon our heads.  There, in the 109th Section of the Doctrine & Covenants, are recorded these words: 

"Remember the kings, the princes, the nobles, and the great ones of the earth... That their hearts may be softened when thy servants shall go out from thy house, O Jehovah, to bear testimony of thy name; that their prejudices may give way before the truth, and thy people may obtain favor in the sight of all...." 

This had been our experience and we felt greatly blessed by
the Lord in this special assignment the past two years.




       And so this incredibly unique mission as 
"Diplomatic Representatives to the European Union" has come to an end.  We will forever cherish the memories of these past two years in Bruxelles, and never forget the wonderful missionaries, members, Ambassadors and leaders of Europe that we have met, who all work diligently each day in trying to solve the issues that confront this magnificent region of the world, to establish peace, justice and religious freedom for all the children of                      Our Heavenly Father






      WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE LOVE      AND SUPPORT OF OUR DEAR FAMILY

We are grateful for seven wonderful children (Paige, Heather, Lindsey, Jordan, John, Ashley and Taylor) and eighteen grand- children, who have prayed for us and supported us throughout our three missions, which took us from their presence.  

We love them with all our hearts, and will be eternally grateful for their love and support!  We share the joy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them, as we live in anticipation of the Savior's return, and the magnificent blessings of His Millennial reign on earth.
        

                IT'S GOOD TO BE HOME AGAIN

THE BYU HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAME

                    We Rejoice in our Posterity

THE CHARM OF

BEAUTIFUL EUROPE

We are safely home again in the USA, and it is good to be back home in beautiful Virginia!  We

returned from Bruxelles with many very special memories of the city, the work in Parliament, and our dear friends.   As we prepared to leave Bruxelles, we were so busy that we did not have time to complete the several mission blogs that we had started.  Rather than deleting them, we decided to finish what we had started, so that our record would be complete.  We hope that you will  enjoy this walk down memory lane with us.  

Each morning as I walk the four blocks to my gym on the cobblestones, I pass by this townhouse whose owner is a designer, and this is what she chose to display in her sidewalk window!  When the season changes, so do their outfits, and now the mannequins are in shorts, straw hats and sunglasses...even though at the first of June, it is still chilly here!

 

In the next block as I walk, there is a great lesson in life to be learned, by watching the miracle of flowers and trees that manage to find that one tiny place in the midst of the cobblestones, where they can grow.  This is a great lesson for all of us........"To Bloom Where We Are Planted", no matter how
difficult the circumstances may be.

                                   
                                                 I love the charm of the old townhouses of Europe!

You never know who you will run into in Bruxelles!


 

A late-night visit to a small Bistro, where a fabulous Hungarian gypsy violinist holds

forth with fire and passion, brings back fond memories of our beloved Budapest and our service there as Mission President in 2000-2003.

 

 

The incredible Roby Lakatos is a gifted virtuoso with a world-wide following.  Our friend,

Andras Lasslo, whose father was one of Hungary's foremost violinists, invited us to a late-night session with the maestro himself, where he had arranged front row seats for us in the small Bistro.  Andras knew the owner, and had told him that he was bringing the American Ambassador with him, which later explained why we were given the royal treatment, with front row seats and complimentary bottles of wine, which we very graciously declined (of course)!

 Following a fabulous performance, as we left our seats to depart, a Belgian gentleman engaged us in conversation, asking David if he was the American Ambassador that they had been told was coming, to which we replied "no".  He responded that he had been watching us, but could not detect any Secret Service present, which concerned him.  When we left the Bistro we asked our host Andras, if he had told the man that David was the Ambassador from America.   He  quickly replied  "Why yes..... you are an Ambassador........ you are an American, and the Ambassador of  your  Church to the European Union!"  We all enjoyed a good laugh at his explanation!

     Andras Lasslo is himself a Hungarian violinist, translator and entrepreneur living in Bruxelles. Several days later, he invited us to his home for dinner where he prepared Paprikis Chirka, which is tender chicken prepared in a special sauce, and is every missionary's favorite Hungarian meal.    Andras' 10,000 books in his study, added to the enjoyment of the visit.  Although he was not interested in the Gospel, he is a good man of faith, and loved going to Stake Conference  and other Church socials with us. 

 

Medieval Fair at Cinquantenaire Park

The Cinquantenaire Park is a 15 minute walk from our home at Square Ambiorix #40.
The  triumphal arch is a landmark patterned after the Arc de Triumphe in Paris, and
reminds citizens of an idealized past. We enjoyed the spacious lawns and oak-lined
paths leading to benches, where a pleasant hour of meditation or reading made a nice
interlude in the hectic schedule of most days.
 

 

These talented musicians greeted us with their music as we entered the park, where a very authentic
medieval festival was in progress.  We happened upon it one Saturday afternoon in June, and
were surprised by the diligent efforts being made to replicate the sights, sounds and foods of the 15th century. Just another day filled with surprises in Bruxelles!

 

 

These folks claimed to have made their clothing after the patterns of the past.
Could this be the first "North Face" branding effort?

 

These burley fellows own a costume shop and seemed to be having a lot of fun
engaging the crowd in animated conversations about medieval life and times.

 

 SURPRISE BIRTHDAY DINNER!

My surprise birthday dinner at the beautiful "Belga Queen" Restaurant in downtown Bruxelles, was
fabulous!  David had me close my eyes as we walked up the street and entered by way of a non-descript entrance....... but inside this is what greeted me! 

 

 

The huge skylight of this famous restaurant was a sight to behold!  Evidently
this building was originally a Bank, and the creative restaurant owner, who
happened to be an architect, designed the most beautiful interior skylight I have ever
seen.... and the food was great too!  I consider this one of Bruxelles' treasures!

Five sets of missionaries in the Bruxelles 2 Ward, posed for a photo on my birthday! 



The downtown Bruxelles Marriott became our favorite place for many delicious Saturday morning breakfast buffets over those two years!  The Doorman, the Manager, and Chef "Austin Friday" all knew us by name, and treated us royally each time we were there, serving us special fresh Strawberry Smoothies, compliments of the Chef, and not on the menu, on each visit.  All of our children  enjoyed the same special treatment and perks, whenever they visited! 

Thank You Marriott!!

With our good friend Chef Austin Friday



 

 

THE BEAUTIFUL BRUXELLES OPERA HOUSE

Friday Afternoon Concerts

Most Friday afternoons, we would treat ourselves to a concert at the beautiful Opera House. We would make an effort to arrive early so that we were first in line to buy our tickets, as we liked to sit at center back from where this photo was taken, on a red velvet settee, which provided an unobstructed view right down the center aisle.   Each week we would sit in the same place, absorbed in the beautiful surroundings, and listen to heavenly music by featured members of the Bruxelles Opera Orchestra.

 

On this particular occasion we sat on our favorite settee, but this time the chairs in front of us had no aisle, and the chairs completely filled the room.  Just prior to the concert starting, these two very large fellows plunked themselves down directly in front of us, blocking our view!!! 
I just had to take this photo!! Music lovers come in all shapes and sizes:)

 

 

BACKSTAGE AT THE OPERA
 

On this particular afternoon, we were allowed to go backstage after the concert to where

the costumes were stored.  It was so interesting.  I especially loved the polka dot skirts and the full hoop petticoats hanging from the ceiling, looking like lampshades!

 

 

As a young girl, I spent many years practicing my violin, at the strong urging of my mother.   But this base fiddle is MUCH larger than my violin....... and I just couldn't resist this picture!!!

 

ANNUAL "OPEN DAYS" AT THE

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Take a look at these huge loaves of bread!

 

Once a year they open all the buildings of the European Commission for public tours.  It is a festive occasion where the streets are blocked from traffic, and there are flags, music, food vendors of every kind, and people everywhere!!  This bakery's display and the samples were incredible!!  In fact, the bread on the right was stuffed with whole hazel nuts, whole prunes, dates and other delicious morsels!  I bought a small piece, and it was so delicious that I am still searching bakeries everywhere in Bruxelles, trying to find it again!!  YUMMY!  Now that we are home again in the good old USA, I have to admit one of the things I miss most are the European breads!!  My waistline however, is grateful I now rarely eat bread!!



 

Striking a pose in front of the interior entrance to the European Council building!
This is where Heads of State and Governments come together to decide the large strategic issues facing the European Union. With the addition of Croatia on July 1st, there are now
28 members of the European Union.

 

The Nobel Peace Prize was recently awarded to the European Union. This was largely because of the
peace in Europe during the last seventy years, after the bloodshed of two World Wars.


 

It was amusing to us that when we were leaving the "Justus Liptus" building, where the European Council meets, the hostess nodded her head to David in acknowledgement and said...........
"Mr. Ambassador"

(It must be the silver hair and dark suit that does it.)

 I love this Photo Opt inside the Berlaymont Commission Building, just a block from our apartment !

 

 

 

MY FAVORITE CITY IN BELGIUM

CHARMING ANTWERPEN 

 

 

 

We enjoyed a wonderful visit from David's third cousin Dan Miller of Alexandria.  He     was President Peterson's Stake Executive Secretary in the Mount Vernon Stake.  Dan previously served in Antwerpen with the State Department,  and was anxious to give us a personal tour of "his city".   It was BEAUTIFUL and we loved it!!!!!!!

 I love this classic European car we saw parked by Dan's former apartment!

 

 

 

 

It was a beautiful day in Antwerpen.

The birds were singing and the Bride was beaming!

Here she is arriving at a gorgeous Chateau for her special day!  

 

 

 

 

We were so fortunate to have Dan Miller as our "tour guide" for the day.  Since he lived in Antwerpen for several years, he knew just where to go!   Around the block from the wedding Chateau, was the most pristine and beautiful housing area that I have seen.  The homes in this area were gorgeous, and most of them dated back to the 1920's. 

 

 

 

 

 

 I'll Take This One!

 

 

 

 

And in the middle of all of these stately old homes, is this beautiful ultra modern home, said to have been built by a man from India, and who was possibly one of Antwerpen's Diamond Dealers.  Notice on the right and left the sculptures of two reclining women with golden arms stretching out to the name of the dealer on the house (and probably the diamonds) 

 

 

 

 

While on our day's tour of Antwerpen, Dan treated us to a fabulous dinner that took us through

multiple courtyards and alleys, and through the gate, to finally arrive at an old, charming and fabulous restaurant, where the food was stunningly delicious...and beautiful to behold!!

 

 

 

An interior courtyard at the restaurant "Sir Anthony Van Dijck." 

 

 

 

 

A passageway under the "Sir Anthony Van Dijck" restaurant, added to its charm. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If only these old walls could reveal the secrets from centuries past!   

 

 

 

 

 

FEDERATION PRO EUROPA CHRISTIANA 

PAUL HERZOG VON OLDENBERG 

 

 

Our good friend in the cause of religious liberty, Paul Herzog von Oldenberg,  Director of

the Catholic Federation, Pro Europa Christiana.  We maintained a close relationship throughout our time in Bruxelles.  We felt a bond with the Catholic Church, as we stood together on many important issues including marriage, the family and decency in general

 

 

 

 

Just a few blocks from our home at Ambiorix Square, "Pro Europa Christiana", occupied a beautiful old townhouse and was the site of many pleasant evenings of intelligent discussion with leaders from

around Europe and the world.  Here David is engaged in a conversation with H.I.R.H. Prince Bertrand of Orleans - Braganza - Prince Imperial of Brazil, who spoke that evening. 

 

 

 

 

 Just some of the charm of Bruxelles

 

You never know what you will see when at the "Grand Place" (pronounced "Plas") in Bruxelles.  This colorful juggler was quite entertaining on a Saturday morning! The arcade behind him
exemplifies the early 20th century grand style of Bruxelles over 100 years ago.

A fun example of how they decorate buildings around the city.  By painting the exterior of their buildings with colorful scenes of everyday life, neighborhoods take on a distinctive

character and identity.

Another familiar everyday scene in beautiful Square Ambiorix Park, just in front of our building.    These mostly Arab men would gather almost every day for a round of cards.  I would walk past them each time I crossed the park to catch my favorite #63 bus downtown.  I asked permission for the photo before taking it, just to be on the safe side. :)

On The Road Again

Once again in the train station.....this time headed for Strasbourg, France, where the European Union

has a second full size Parliament facility.   The entire membership travels there to meet during the fourth week of each month.  It would be like the members of Congress in Washington D.C. having a second identical facility in New York City.  It is really quite ridiculous!!!  However, France

insisted on it at the founding of the EU.

We enjoyed many smooth travels on the fantastic rail systems of Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands. The only drawback is an occasional strike in France where that is the favorite means of

social protest.  On our journey to Strasbourg for an important vote on religious freedom on June 13, 2013, we were delayed by a strike, but thankfully re-routed through Metz, France where we enjoyed a charming outdoor lunch. We learned that the Members of the European Parliament travel between Brussels and Strasbourg on a "secret" high speed train for MEPs only, which takes only two hours via Paris instead of the normal five hours. No delays for them and their staffs!

Strasbourg, France - EU Parliament

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on June 13-14, 2013, was a very nice conclusion to our mission, and consisted of a "victory lap" of goodbyes and fond farewells.  Here David says "aufwiedersehen" to the President of the European Parliament, Martin Shulz (Germany), one of the most powerful leaders in Europe at the present time, while at lunch in the members dining room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ambassador William Kinnard of the United States warmly recognized and greeted us in the Parliament dining room in Strasbourg, where he was also saying his own "goodbyes" as our Ambassador to the European Union.  He wished us a safe journey on our trip home, and much future success in Washington.  Here we are with him on an earlier occasion at the United States Embassy. 

 

 

 

Our good friend, Graham Watson of Great Britain, a Member of the European Parliament,

at the Strasbourg meeting where we said our "goodbyes." The debate and vote on new

Guidelines for Religious Freedom and Belief for the EU foreign service had just been successfully concluded and marked a culmination of our work in Europe.

If this doesn't speak to the charm of Europe, I don't know what does!!  While attending meetings at the second Parliament facility in Strasbourg, France, David discovered this "Boucherie"on an early morning walk!  You have to agree that you would never see this  in a butcher shop in America!!  Classic!!  Don't you love this!! 

The beautiful old Cercle Royal Gaulois club was the venue for a meeting with

the United States Ambassador to NATO, Ivo H. Daalder.  In the background, with a

red tie, is my friend, Jan Techau, Director of Carnegie Europe. When I discussed our

work of the past two years with him, and emphasized the Savior's call to his

chosen disciples to "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matt. 4:19)

he responded: "And the fish are hungry! Techau shares a belief that there is a

great unsatisfied yearning among the intellectual elite of Europe for more

spiritual substance.

 

 

"Au revoir" for now!