A Visit from Friends

When we served our last mission in New Zealand - 2014-2016, the Director for Temporal Affairs (DTA) was Brent Buckner.  The DTA has responsibility for welfare, finances, physical facilities, etc. in an "Area" of the Church.  We did several things with Brent and his wife, Debbie while in New Zealand.  Recently Brent retired and he and Debbie went on a retirement trip.  They first visited the Holy Land and then many other places they had lived in Europe during Brent's employment and while he was a mission president in Switzerland.  As part of their Europe trip they came to visit Germany.  Brent was also the DTA at an earlier time in Frankfurt as well.  On Friday morning Gary answered his phone and it was Brent.  He and Debbie came up to our office and we visited for a few minutes and then set up an appointment for dinner that evening.

Brent and Debbie selected the restaurant; it was a place called Zu den 12 Apostein.  Which means 12 Apostles.  The food was delicious and the company was great.  We all ate too much and really enjoyed ourselves.  It was great to visit with old friends and meet new ones too!

Susan dinner which was delicious.  Gary had Cevapcici.  

Elder and Sister Davis, Susan and Gary, Brent and Debbie Buckner, Kay Lindquist

Debbie Buckner, Kay and Dave Lindquist, Elder and Sister Davis, Susan and Gary

"Make new friends, but keep the old;  Those are silver, these are gold.  New-made friendships, like new wine,  Age will mellow and refine.  Friendships that have stood the test - Time and change - are surely best.  Brow may wrinkle, hair grow gray; Friendship never knows decay. For 'mid old friends, tried and true, Once more we our youth renew.  But old friends, alas! may die; New friends must their place supply.  Cherish friendship in your breast - New is good, but old is best; Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold. "
Joseph Parry