May 22-28, 2022

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, we have come to love him. He will be back out in the field starting tomorrow and we will miss him at the office. But he is anxious to get back out there and teach the Gospel and we are excited for him to be able to share his testimony with the people here.

TUESDAY

Arrival and Transfer Day!

Sadly, I didn't get any pictures of all the activities today. We received three new missionaries, Elders Thomas Boland and Wyatt Lee, and Sister Sophia Packard. All three have been in other missions waiting for their visas.

The office was the hub for Transfers as well. There were many who came there to meet up with their new companion and then off to a new area. One car had been in a minor accident earlier but with the added weight of all the luggage, the bumper was rubbing on the tire. As the Vehicle Coordinator, Doug made the decision to exchange cars with the office Elders and keep the one that needs repair to prevent any other damage.

On top of that, President Watson mentioned to Elder Henrie that we needed to move offices around sometime in the next week to accommodate the Social Media District that will be meeting at the office three days a week. Elder Henrie (reminiscent of President Nelson) said "what about now?" Suddenly, desks were being dissembled, file cabinets and computers relocated to different offices, and a general sense of chaos all around. But many hands make light work! We just moved out of the way and let the young Elders do it. Before long, we were settled in our new office just down the hall from our other one.

Once each month I have a Mission Health Council with President and Sister Watson and our Area Medical Advisor. Because we had just received new computers last week and not everything is completely set up, I could not get the sound to work for the Zoom meeting. I called to Elder Henrie who tried as well, but after a few minutes we decided to just go with the very low volume. As it turned out, it was just a matter of changing a few settings (which I would not even know where to begin). So I am all set for the next virtual meeting.

WEDNESDAY

Departure day for the eight missionaries going home tomorrow! They spent the day at the Office having interviews with President Watson, turning in any extra MSF money and train cards and receiving the Delft Blue Plates they each had previously ordered. Sister Watson made soup for their lunch, they got their Covid tests (needed for travel back to US) and had a wonderful Departure Meeting. President Watson spoke to them about firmly planting their stakes of testimony. So many returned missionaries get casual and within a few years have slipped into inactivity. He plead with them to do all the things to keep a strong faith...daily prayer and scripture study, attending the temple and worthily partaking of the sacrament. He gave each of them a tent stake to remind them of his plea and promise. We feel very blessed to be part of this great work of the gathering and especially to associate with our Mission Leaders and missionaries.

Elders Tee Ludlow and Elias Hansen.

Sisters Bethany Janes, Lauren Jensen, Shanalee McBride, Emily Jorgensen, Savannah Clark and Ashly Kirchner. Sister and Elder Glauser

THURSDAY

Jill and Edie arrived!!

After meeting Jill and Edie at the airport, we drove to Zoetemeer to exchange vehicles with Elders Austin and Kempenaers. We found a little lunch spot in Zoetemeer and had some Kapsalon.

Then off to Kinderdijk! What a fun afternoon we had learning about the windmills and controlling the water in The Netherlands.

FRIDAY

We spent a few hours at the office this morning. When Jill and Edie were ready, I walked to the hotel to meet them and we walked to Bakker Bart to get a sandwich and pastry. Took them to the office to get Doug and from there we headed to Madurodam. It is actually a war memorial in honor of George Maduro created by his wealthy parents after he was taken prisoner, sent to Dachau Concentration Camp and died. It is said to be the happiest war memorial. It is filled with miniatures of many famous places in The Netherlands.

We drove to Den Haag and visited Paleistuin (palace garden). This park is filled with flowerbeds, fountains, trees and ponds. It is directly behind Noordeinde Palace. A quiet place surrounded by the bustling city.

From there we walked to the Mauritshuis Museum. I loved the painting of The Girl with the Pearl Earring by Vermeer. There are many beautiful paintings including several works of Rembrandt. I love hearing and reading of these great works of art and am gaining a better appreciation for art.

We ended the day having dinner at Pannenkoenborderij. Very Dutch!

SATURDAY

We had the three new missionaries and their companions at the Orientation meeting today. This is to introduce them to the culture and vision of the Belgium Netherlands Mission. It is a great way to start their time in the BNZ. most of our missionaries have been serving in other missions while they await their visas, so they have experience as missionaries, but they all find it is a little different here and seem grateful for the added information.

Jill and Edie joined us for the last few minutes and to have lunch. Then we headed to Utrecht to visit the De Haar Castle. The grounds are massive as is the castle itself. It has been nice to visit some of the nearby places and give Edie and Jill a little taste of The Netherlands.