Stephen and Elaine Biddulph

21 - 27 MÄRZ 2016

This week was marked by terrorist bombings in Brussels, Belgium. Three suicide bombers attacked the airport in the early morning near the American Airlines counter. They were affiliated with the ISIS group and lived in Brussels. This cell was directly connected to the man who they say master-minded the attacks in Paris France a month or two ago. Police have been seeking him since then. They arrested him just on Friday before the bombings in Brussels. This spurred the attackers to strike earlier than they had planned because of fear of being caught. Three men hit the airport and one the metro subway. A total of 31 people were killed and over 230 injured. The bombs were nail bombs, filled with nails, screws, and other objects that could cause death and serious wounds. The largest bomb did not detonate. It is suspected that the other two bombs sent off, killing the men, and the third did not go off. The man then fled the airport and has been hunted thereafter. Several people have been arrested in connection to the bombings; some in France and even one or two in Germany.

Four LDS missionaries were seriously hurt in the explosions in the airport. These missionaries were from the France Paris mission which shares part of Brussels with the Belgium/Netherlands mission. One senior elder, two young elders, and a sister were hurt in the blast. They have been in the hospital all week being treated for serious shrapnel wounds and burns. Of course, this has been a big news item in the church and a great concern for us in Europe, especially those working in the Belgium area.

France and Belgium are mission areas that we have some responsibility for as AMHA, so we have been busy reaching out to Mission Presidents, coaching them as to trauma counseling, and offering our availability for helping those who are undergoing stress and anxiety related to the bombings. Stephen has spoken with several missionaries, offering support, encouragement, and building their faith.

The senior elder has been in a chemically-induced comma for a few days because of the severe burns on his face and head. He also had a broken leg, supposedly from the concussion of the blast and or shrapnel.The other two elders are progressing and their families are there supporting them. The sister was from France and was headed to Ohio for a mission. They were dropping her off at the airport for that flight when the bombing occurred. She received more minor wounds with shrapnel. We heard that she was back in France being helped, and we also heard that the elders will be taken back to the USA for treatment.

We don't feel fearful at this point. In fact, we feel calm and continue on with our work helping missionaries. We are reminded to be watchful, careful, and vigilant. One is less inclined to be where large groups of people are congregated, as this provides desired target areas for the terrorists. That said, Saturday was a beautiful, sunny day, and we caught the U-Bahn 5 and went down to Konstablerwache and walked down the Zeil and to the Main River and along its beautiful walkway. We crossed over the walk bridge (Eisener Steg) where all the padlocks of love are at, and visited the Driekönigkirche and the Frankfurt Cathedral (St Bartolomäus) and other places. We visited again the Römerberg and Paulus Platz where Hitler visited and burned all the books and began his persecution of the Jews and other people. We walked into the large old historic cathedrals and marveled at their massive structures and emptiness.

The Zeil is a pedestrian shopping walkway through downtown Frankfurt. The skyline of large skyscrapers is interesting, and the way is jammed with the most modern stores selling the most modern clothing and wares. It is so very worldly, but fun to see the masses of people swarming along its way. Fruit stands, flea markets, and small vendors were everywhere. The Main river walkway was delightful. We strolled along the wide pathways along both sides of the river. River tour boats sat anchored and tied up to the docks waiting for a few more weeks before they begin another busy summer or tourism. It was a delightful few hours spent together.

We received our 3-month release letter from the zone leaders, giving us guidance on how to prepare for release from our mission. Time goes buy so quickly that the light at the end of the tunnel just keeps getting brighter and bigger. We really don't want our mission to end. We really don't have any meaningful plans or desires that pull at us to return to our home in Provo, Utah. Utah Valley is just getting bigger and more congested. We wonder if we should downsize from our big home and go somewhere quieter and more peaceful. Yet, we love the old home. Ready or not, here it comes.