Much More than a Chance Meeting - May 18, 2015

(On May 18, 2015, a great family friend of Elder Wilde's family when they lived in Shanghai, told of this amazing experience that happened while she was on her way to China to finalize the adoption of her third Chinese child.  This had to be more than just a coincidence--definitely guided by the Lord as a tender mercy for all those involved, as well as Elder Wilde's family hearing about it!)

(The subject line read:  A Missionary that Might Know Elder Bracken Wilde)

Hi Alison,

So, I'm at the Hongqiao airport (to finalize Sunny's adoption) and the flight is tremendously delayed.

These two guys are part of my group waiting for a bus to go back to the airport from the hotel (there were over 200 of us sent to the hotel from the airline).

 (Sunny, the little girl being adopted, Jack Li, and Islam)

The one man says his name is Shariful Islam.  I asked if he was also Islamic?  He said yes. Then I said, then you can call my name "Christian" then!   The Taiwanese gentlemen in the pic then says, "Then that's my name too!" affirming he is of Christian faith, too.

 

Later, when we all meet back up at 1:00 am, we tell stories about how we got to China.  I shared where Tim and I served missions.

The Taiwanese man asks if I am Mormon and then says that he is also Mormon, with two returned missionary sons.

One of the sons recently served in Sydney North, Mandarin speaking and just recently returned.

I want to ask if Bracken knew him?  Elder Brian Li is his name.

I happened to (randomly) have a copy of the Book of Mormon in my carry on and we gave it to our new friend- Islam!

Jack Li said he and his wife were married in the temple and that over 20 years ago they started saving up for their sons missions- right when they were born.  Currently both boys are dating returned missionary girls.

How cool is that?

Your friend,

Suzanne

(Immediately when Elder Wilde's mother got this e-mail, she couldn't believe that her friend was actually meeting the father of Elder Li!)

This is awesome!!!  He absolutely LOVES Elder Lee, and they were companions several times throughout the mission before Elder Li left to return home.  Elder Li has been Bracken's all time fave companion, and just last week I got the sweetest email from Elder Li telling me how much Bracken has influenced him even since returning home!  This is soooo awesome!  I'm going to have to send this story to Bracken.  Only you would this happen to, because you love everyone.  It's one of my favorite things about you.

Thanks so much for sharing this sweet story.  Made my day!

Xoxoxo

Alison

(While Elder Wilde's mother was sending her e-mail, another e-mail was coming in before hers reached her friend Suzanne.  Seriously, amazing!)

So the story continues!! 

While we are preparing a copy of the Book of Mormon for our friend Islam, Jack starts sharing pictures of his son on his mission.  I glance over to see this picture:

 

 That's our Bracken boy!

 

And to honor Elder li and Elder Wilde-
here's our new friend Islam with his Book of Mormon:

Below is the picture of Suzanne's family (the family who is friends with Elder Wilde's family.)  Note the three adorable little Chinese girls in front who they have adopted.

Then, Elder Wilde's family got an e-mail from Elder Li who was so excited that his dad had this wonderful meeting with Elder Wilde's family friend.)

My dad met your friend in the Shanghai airport while he was helping her something.

sister Suzanne Calton~~

she's a return missionary from Taiwan, and she pass out a Book Of Mormon in the airport to a Bengali man as well 

ps: my dad showed her this picture has me and Elder Wilde to her and she was jumping and exciting.  (The picture is shown above that Elder Li's father showed to Suzanne of Elder Li and Elder Wilde in the restaurant.)

;Love

--

Bro.Lee, PoHeng

 (The picture Elder Li's father sent to him to tell him about his meeting of the Wilde's family friend.  Everyone was so excited, they were all sending e-mails and pictures to everyone else about this special encounter!)