Luke and Gen Burton’s Vocation Story  

In the year 2000 Luke and Gen both separately chose to join Cardinal Pell and the youth of our areas to travel on Pilgrimage through the Holy Land and then onto Rome for World Youth Day.   Luke, the 3rd  of 9 children from NSW, had been working as a Baker for the four years prior to this trip and was contemplating a career that would be more conducive to family life further down the track.  He always felt that he would meet somebody and marry but was very patient and relaxed about it all as he knew that the right person would come along if this was God’s plan for his life. Gen the 3rd of six children had been working in the family business as personal assistant/office manager for 6 years prior to the trip.  She was using the trip as a stepping stone for a 2 year+ working holiday in the UK and Canada after feeling a little lost in her direction.  Gen was unsure of her vocation at this time but also felt that if God wished marriage as her vocation that “mr right” would come across her path in time. 

During this amazing trip, their paths crossed on the plane trip with Gen’s younger brother introducing them.  Spending time together and with other siblings, Gen and Luke quickly discovered a strong connection.  With hours of talking covering a vast array of topics, both felt something special and soon romance blossomed. After a long distance relationship with many long letters, emails and phone calls, Gen and Luke soon knew that they had found their call to marry and became engaged 18 months after their initial meeting.  Despite Gen being unemployed and Luke beginning full time study, they felt sure that they were on the right path and married 5 months later, putting their trust in God that He would provide all that they needed.   They have been blessed with five wonderful years of marriage and have never been without.  They frequently reflect on their good fortunes and how God has continued to guide them in all their decisions and choices.  Although at times, things were sometimes difficult and didn’t seem to make sense, they would always look back and see God’s hand in everything.  He has a great sense of humour!  Never did they question that they were meant for each other. 

This year Gen and Luke welcomed their first child, Thomas Michael after a long and unknown waiting period.  After being diagnosed with a fertility problem prior to their wedding, they were never sure if or when they would be able to have children but again trusting that God would show them in His time.  During these years of waiting, Gen and Luke chose to make the most of every opportunity together and just enjoyed each other and those around them.  They shared in other people’s families and were open to other callings within their marriage if children did not come. Gen and Luke pray regularly and thank God for all their blessings, asking Him to continue guiding their decisions, especially the big ones that often come up in married life.