A reunion was held last night (1/5/18) in the Yamaguchi home in Vila Sonia. Brother Yamaguchi became the Young Men Leader after we returned to the States in 1980. He is now the Stake Patriarch and continues to love this special group of “youth” just like we do.
Most of the group now have children and grandchildren of their own. Many remain active members and leaders in the Church. One (Darcy Medeiros) “graduated” four years ago.
Everyone wanted to know about our children. The group has fond memories of Shannon, Shayne, Rebequinha and “o nene” Ryan.
We were always impressed with how the Brazilian youth had fun just being together, sharing their talents, and sharing their love of the gospel. It was no different last night.
We sang. We laughed. We cried. We shared our testimonies. We reminisced. It was like we had never been apart.
We all agreed that, after this life, our reunion will most likely be very similar to last night. D&C 130:2 corroborates this fact:
“And that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy.”
Amen!
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| Some of our "youth." |
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| Tuca (Shayne’s buddy) and his mom |
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| Mom, Celinha (one of our babysitters), and Erica Mesquita |
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| Sandrinha (another babysitter) and Celinha’s mom. (Selene, Sandra’s Sister, organized the reunion.) |
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| Brother & Sister Mesquita |
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| Newton, Graça and Erica Mesquita |
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“Tocando em Frente” [“Keep It Going”](by Almir Satar). Brazilian song about “Life,” sung by Brother Yamaguchi and Celinha’s husband, with group joining in. (Search for It on “YouTube.”)
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I walk slower now because I’ve hurried too much in the past. I chose to smile because I’ve cried enough.
I am stronger, happier, knowing who I am [child of God].
The more I learn, the more I realize I know nothing at all.
I love the treats of mornings, the taste of pasta and of apples.
It takes love to live.
It takes peace to smile.
It takes rain to bloom.
Living is coming to understand the [gospel] path and then keep moving along.
Just like an old cowboy herding his cattle.
We carry on even though the road is hard and long;
For it is on this road that I belong.
Everyone loves. Everyone cries
One day we are together.
The other, we'‘re gone.
Each of us writes their own story.
Each of us can achieve our potential.
We can all have joy....if we keep moving on.
(The English doesn’t do the song justice.)
Our lives intertwine with countless others as we learn, love and serve throughout this mortal adventure.
Friends and families are forever.
Luv,
Papa
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