Rolling Reunion continued: A Joy FULL Journey!

Written by Brenda Senga

It has been a long-time coming to travel the paths where the first steps of our faith movement began. To “hear the Stories”. As I joined with Gwyn & Linda and other 43 excited companions, it became an extraordinary journey, with the echoes and reverberations of the past marking each mile. The “surprises” and moments of blessing were innumerable.

How many of you have ridden on a carousel? Lately, on our first day we stopped at the Coralville Mall in Iowa. Just inside the entrance was a beautiful, big and bright carousel. A private ride was awaiting our enjoyment. Oh what JOY. (I found it was much easier to get on my horse than get off!)

It was delightful to sing and to dance 2 song books (plus many added songs), celebrating the lives and actions of the many women we were highlighting. On a sunny,  warm day we indeed sang “Under the spreading chestnut tree!” and we were happy! And we danced at the Hancock Shaker Village.

At every site and venue we were greeted with such hospitality and generosity. Dear folks with open hearts and hands- waiting outside, welcoming us in and waving us on our way. Each day there was time to listen and to share our stories while rolling along. As we wound our way through the countryside, there were times that creation was truly breathtaking and we rode in the gentleness of silent wonder.

A moment; we gathered in the parlor of Liberty Hall (Home of the Smith family). The pump organ was played as our accompaniment for singing “The Old, Old Path”. I was taken to a little Church in Arborfield, Saskatchewan where as a child and teen I played the little pump organ for every worship and other occasions. What JOY for that moment!

My ability at taking pictures is “limited”,  I like this one. (see photo above) I took it from the Kirtland visitor center (where the evening meal had been set for us), looking through the window to the Kirtland Temple, where we later shared in the Holy Meal of Communion.

I, (we), have many more stories to tell, more songs to sing. It was a deepening, authentic and sustaining experience. A celebration, a renewal, a recommitment to purpose. Dare to receive the generous Love yet to be. Dare to offer that Love. Trust in the Mystery and the moments of Blessings therein. Now in this moment. Now in this day…