Doug and Marcia Glauser, Senior Mission 2021-2023

  SUNDAY A peaceful day after a busy week. It's always good to gather with the members of the Utrecht Ward. As we were leaving the house, I got a text from Lukas Maring, a counselor in the bishopric. The person who normally plays the piano had just let him know she would not be there and would I be willing to play the piano for Sacrament Meeting again. Of course I always say 'yes' even though I really like a chance to practice a bit.  MONDAY District Council today was with Elder Snow's district since they were meeting in Gouda. We love being a part of this weekly meeting and hearing the wisdom and the testimonies of these Elders and Sisters.  Elders Jackson Weber, Tee Ludlow, Atticus Snow, Kyle Austin, Jorne Kempenaers, Aiden Henrie, Sisters Tess Flake, Kamryn Doyle, Ashlynn Lybbert, Hannah Hammer.  (back) Elder and Sister Glauser  Elder Adrian Blodgett has been in the Office since before we arrived. He has been so much help to us, but more importantly...

  SUNDAY Doug spoke in church today. He spoke in Dutch and from his heart. He was able to communicate his thoughts very well. Every day he has opportunity to use the language and is improving all the time. I am so proud of him as he works hard to learn the language and then uses it in many settings. Even though most everyone speaks English as well, he reminds them he is trying to relearn Dutch and they are very gracious and help him with pronunciation and words he is not familiar with. It was a nice afternoon of study. Just as we were finishing dinner, we got a call from Elder Grey and Elder Andersen. They were in Belgium for a baptism and the train they planned to take home had been canceled. We were able to get them tickets on Thalys but had to quickly walk to the office to use the credit card to complete the transaction.  About an hour later, we got a phone call from Elder Austin and Elder Kempenaers who had heard about Sonya (Utrecht Ward) who had been at th...

  SUNDAY Happy Mother's Day! We celebrate our moms, sisters, daughters and friends today. I'm so grateful for the example of my mom as she taught me while I was growing up but especially after I had my own kids, she was always there to remind me I was doing OK and to 'carry on'. Sally is such an inspiration to me. She has welcomed me to the Glauser family with open arms. She is amazing at keeping track of all her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. Her love of the Gospel is evident every time I talk with her. And to see each of my daughters and daughters-in-law raising their kids today is inspiring. It's good we celebrate our moms on this day. The Utrecht Ward is no different, some things are universal. Like the Primary kids singing 'Mother Dear I Love You So' at the top of their lungs and a little treat for all the women. The difference here is that we got two pancakes, with two pieces of chocolate wrapped in cellophane. And Doug gave me not one but two bo...

  SUNDAY I had the assignment today to play the piano for Sacrament meeting since the other two pianists were not able to be there today. It was good to be able to do that again, even though I make mistakes. I love the hymns of the Gospel. We were invited to have dinner with Henk and Alja Schuur along with the VandeWal's and Maria and her daughters, Anastacia (Anna-stay-CEE-a) and Kate from Ukraine. They have been here two months after fleeing the country. They have an amazing story of escape and their resilience is evident. Maria said it was the first time she had felt good in two months. Alja found some candles and we celebrated  4 birthdays. MONDAY Three sets of missionaries sent in their fuel receipts yesterday (May 1) without even being asked to do it! It makes Elder Glauser's job of collecting receipts at the first of the month to have them be prompt, but to have them send them automatically was great! So he started the First Day of the Month Club and intr...