Ren Hardy served in the Scotland, Edinburgh Mission from October of 2005 through October of 2007. Ren shares about his wilder side before his mission and how he claims his dad used magic to get him to decide to serve. He tells us stories about 14-hour ferry rides, having his companion lie to him, laughing in the face of a NED trying to rob he and his comp, and disagreements over the temperature of the fridge. ***Please be advised that Ren shares his thoughts with the inclusion of some scriptural curse words.***  

Ren currently lives in Carefree, Arizona, north of Phoenix, with his wife and their 3 sons.  

Recorded February 21, 2023

Andre Zinkovski served in the Scotland, Edinburgh Mission from June of 2004 through June of 2006. As a convert to the church, he had to work very hard to make a mission possible. He was born and raised in Ukraine and struggled early in Scotland to learn how to speak English. Andre shares some of his favorite memories, including riding a ferry by himself to Isle of Lewis, asking members to make him potato skins and fish lips for dinner, and interpreting his patriarchal blessing from English to his native tongue.  

Andre currently lives in Kharkov, Ukraine.  

His fresh food business, Smart Food,  has helped many who have been unable to flee the country during the current war. If you'd like to help Andre with the work he is doing for those in Ukraine, follow his Instagram page "@andrepolonski" and you can donate to help him buy food for those in need through his PayPal account, [email protected]. Andre is grateful for all those who have donated items and funds thus far and he is in great spirits considering his current situation. Please continue to keep him in your prayers as well.   

Recorded February 20, 2023

Allison Laird served in the Scotland, Edinburgh Mission from July of 2003 through January of 2005. Allison shares about how she has since her mission learned that she has ADHD and that it was a likely factor in her missionary service. She loved her companions and all the areas she served in. Allison shares some funny stories about unique GQ'ing tactics, learning the ropes of being a young senior companion, and avoiding potential problems while not following mission rules.  

Allison currently lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband and their 4 children.  

Recorded February 19, 2023

Garrett McLeod served in the Scotland, Edinburgh Mission from June of 2005 through June of 2007. Garrett shares with us all about his experiences with his companions, including stories about hemorrhoids, being the victim of revenge via stool softeners in his food, and being kissed on the mouth by his companion before moving. He talks about his ability to find joy through laughter and fun.   

Garrett currently lives in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada with his dog, Velcro.  

Recorded February 16, 2023

Thomas Brownlow served in the Scotland, Edinburgh Mission from March of 2004 through March of 2006. He shares his stories of how he arrived in the MTC as a shy young man that was helped out of his desires to sit back. Through this, Tom became a leader in the mission. He loved all of his companions, especially Brandon Egan (story to hear). Tom also had the opportunity to teach the caretaker of a 110-room working castle in Fyvie. Overall he loved serving in Scotland.  

Tom currently lives in York, England, with his wife and their 2 children.  

Recorded February 12, 2023

Alberto Marcone served in the Scotland, Edinburgh Mission from September of 2006 through September of 2008. Alberto had a unique MTC experience because his sister joined him as she prepared to serve her mission in Manchester. He came to Scotland with a very limited grip on the English language. Over time and through many wonderful challenges, he developed the skills and thrived in large cities, along with small villages.  

Alberto currently lives in Pescara, Italy, with his wife and their 2 daughters.  

Recorded February 9, 2023 & October 25, 2022

Jack Bryce is back with an episode to recap all the fun memories that have come back to him since we began the S.E.M. Podcast. Back when he shared his initial thoughts about the mission, he was going off of memory and he had not gone through his journals. Today, Jack reflects on his companionship unifiers, shows off some of his favorite treasures he collected in Scotland, and talks more in depth about his companions and their time together! 

To re-listen to Jack's original episode, check out Episode 1 of the S.E.M. Podcast.  

Jack currently lives in Firestone, Colorado, with is wife and their 3 children.  

Recorded February 5, 2023

Jeremiah Johnson served in the Scotland, Edinburgh Mission from early November of 2006 through late October of 2008. Jeremiah comes on and shared his favorite memories from serving in Scotland, including run-ins with NEDs, open bathrobes at the doorstep, and loving the people through all-out obedience. He shares about giant pizzas, car crashes, and all things he loves about Glasgow. Jeremiah loved sharing all of his great memories from his companions and favorite people from the areas he served in.

Jeremiah currently lives in Port Angeles, Washington, with his wife and their 2 children.

Recorded January 29, 2022 

Chris Mace served in the Scotland, Edinburgh Mission from March of 2004 through March of 2006. Chris tells us about his plans to serve a mission, which came after being in uni for a few years and being engaged. He shares some of his favorite memories, including authoring the famous S.E.M. Expositor & playing Golden Eye on N64 for a week between Christmas and New Year. Chris loved serving in Scotland and had an incredible list of companions, which helped him learn wonderful lessons during his mission.  

Chris currently lives in Huddersfield, England, with his wife and their 2 children.  

Recorded January 26, 2023

Krista Heap served in the Scotland, Edinburgh Mission from December of 2003 through July of 2005. Krista comes on and shares all about her decision to choose to serve a mission, and finding joy with her fellow missionaries during a difficult times. She loved all of her companions and also talks about her unique relationship with President Vriens.  

Krista currently lives in San Diego, California, with her husband and their 4 children.  

Recorded January 22, 2023