A Surprise Reunion

While on a recent trip to Santiago to meet with Elder and Sister Healey at the Santiago Institute of Religion, we accidently ran into one of our sweetest and dearest students, Hermana Nelly Luciano. About one month ago, we bid farewell to her as she entered the Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Santo Domingo for her mission to Lima, Peru.  Nelly attended our Institute classes, she taught us Spanish, and we worked closely with her on the Institute Student Council.

Nelly Luciano Santo Domingo Temple Endowment

We knew we would see her again briefly during her three-week stay at the MTC before she left on her mission.  While awaiting her visa to Peru, her ultimate mission. she was temporarily assigned to serve in the Santiago, Dominican Republic Mission.  We had just parked at the Institute and were getting out of the car when we noticed Nelly and her companion walking through the parking lot. She had visited the Santiago Mission Office, which is on the third floor of the Institute building, when we noticed her and called her name.  Recognizing us, she screamed "Elder and Sister Park!" and came running across the parking lot to greet us.  We hugged! and shared about 20 minutes of catch-up news explaining that she was on her way to the Santiago airport to fly to Lima having received her visa.

Hermana Nelly Luciano Santiago Mission Office

Expecting to spend a months or more, she only spent about two days in Santiago.  What made this unsuspectful meeting so eventful was that when we said "goodbye" in Santo Domingo a week earlier, we thought this would be the last time we would see each other in this life.  She told us that her father and mother and her younger sister Anabel, who we know and adore also, were meeting her at the airport in about an hour for her send off.  She was so excited.  She explained that her father (non-member) and mother (less active), who orignially were not pleased with her decision to serve a mission, were now supportive and were planning to give her money and a positive send off.  This was a major answer to both hers, ours, and many prayers.  We had an amazing and tender moment with our young friend.  We wish her much success.  She will be a great missionary!  When you are around Nelly you cannot help but feel her love for the Lord and the restored gospel, and her family and friends!  She is amazing!

Nelly, Peggy and Anabel