April 17-23, 2022

 SUNDAY

At church today I was set apart as the assistant pianist for the ward. Henk Schuur, a counselor in the bishopric set me apart with Doug assisting. It was all in Dutch, but Doug told me later that I was blessed to be able to do my part well. I know I make mistakes when I play the piano but I can usually go on without too much trouble. My prayer has always been that I won't distract from the spirit of the meeting. And this is what I hope for now. I am  happy to be able to help in this way in our ward.

Johanna is a returning member of the ward. As Norma and I spoke with her today after Sacrament meeting, she explained she has been inactive for 15 years and is starting her activity slowly...just staying for the first meeting right now. Norma invited her several times to stay and sit with us, but she hesitated. I then told her to 'come and be new with us' and explained we are new to the ward as well. She got emotional and said she was happy to have friends at church. She still left and caught her bus home but promised to come to the ward BBQ on Saturday. I feel like she will be a new friend

Inga grew up in Utrecht but has lived in Canada for many years. Her mother still lives in Utrecht and she is here visiting. Her mother is very much against Inga's activity in the church so Inga only comes to meetings if her mom is not home. I can imagine the struggle it would be to have that kind of opposition from family members, yet there are many who give up all to join the Church and continually sacrifice to keep their covenants. It is motivating to me! I have always had the support of family and friends, actually we all have the same desires and goals. I am recognizing more and more the sacrifices some people must make to follow the Savior.

During our Come Follow Me study this afternoon, we listened to and read a talk by Elder Neal L. Andersen, “Overcoming the World,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 58–62. It is a great talk with some very thought-provoking ideas.  Overcoming the world is remembering, even when we are discouraged, the times we have felt the love and light of the Savior. Elder Neal A. Maxwell explained one of these experiences this way: “I had been blessed, and I knew that God knew that I knew I had been blessed.”At this point he referenced an earlier conference address "Remember How Merciful the Lord Hath Been" By Elder Neal A. Maxwell, April 2004 General Conference."...as you submit your wills to God, you are giving Him the only thing you can actually give Him that is really yours to give. Don’t wait too long to find the altar or to begin to place the gift of your wills upon it!

"I testify to you that God has known you individually, brethren, for a long, long time (see D&C 93:23). He has loved you for a long, long time. He not only knows the names of all the stars (see Ps. 147:4; Isa. 40:26); He knows your names and all your heartaches and your joys! By the way, you have never seen an immortal star; they finally expire. But seated by you tonight are immortal individuals—imperfect but who are, nevertheless, “trying to be like Jesus”!

I love the testimonies and assurances of the living Apostles. As I read these words, I know they are true! Heavenly Father knows each of us and "has loved us for a long, long time".

MONDAY

Krystal Hoole was at the office early today, before the young Elders and Sisters arrived for their SM meeting. She an I had a good visit. She talked of her brothers and sister and how she loves to be with them and their children. We talked of how many times our life does not follow the path we assumed it would. She is not yet married, though she would love to be a wife and mother. We shared experiences from our lives and I feel like I have another friend.

TUESDAY

Last Friday I saw on FaceBook in a group I joined a couple months ago, Gouda Expats, that someone was looking for an apartment. There was a response from another member of that group so I also inquired about apartments as well because the President wants to get another apartment in Gouda. I got a response immediately and today we and the VandeWal's went to look at it. It is in a great location, is suitable for a Senior Couple and will work very well for the Office Elders until another couple comes to the Office. The owner is very nice and it seems like he will be easy to work with. This little miracle actually started a couple of months ago when we met with some of the Social Media Missionaries and asked for tips on how to better use FaceBook and Instagram for missionary work. They told us to join some groups in our city and try to find people with similar interests. So I joined Gouda Expats. And today we have an apartment because of that! The Lord is in the details of our lives and in the details of His missionary efforts. 

Natalie's sister-in-law, MaryCat Bloxham and her friend Becky Bons stopped by the Office today. Their husbands are in The Netherlands for business meetings and they are enjoying this beautiful country. Today they came by train to explore Gouda. We were so excited to have them stop by for a few minutes!

WEDNESDAY

My early morning walk did not disappoint! Another beautiful sunrise in a magical place!

The path near our apartment at sunrise.

This morning we drove to Den Bosch to deliver a bike to Elder Bybee and Elder Olive. They use public transportation and bikes to get around and one of theirs has a problem with the chain. It is always good to see the Elders. This morning was a very short stop but good nonetheless.

Elders Glauser, Collin Olive and Kael Bybee

It is about an hour drive back to the office. We spent the rest of the day just doing regular office things. We stay busy all day, paying bills, calling missionaries, reporting car accidents, setting up car repairs and bike tune-ups, arranging for health care, etc.

THURSDAY

We walked the short distance from the Office to the park near the train station to have lunch on this beautiful day!

Our typical Thursday dinner with the office Elders. We enjoy having them come to our home each week and now we are getting to know Elder Henrie and Elder Boyer a little more personally. They are both good young men who are working in the office because they have been assigned but would really rather be out among the people testifying of Jesus Christ and the Restoration.

Elders Aiden Henrie and Landon Boyer 

FRIDAY

This morning the sun was just coming up as we arrived at this little bridge while riding our bikes. The sun was reflecting off the bridge and the surrounding trees. We live in a gorgeous place!

SATURDAY

After another nice bike ride this morning, we spent some time studying Come Follow Me together and then did some individual study. I am doing a verse-by-verse study of the Book of Enos. I have been amazed at the insights I have gained by studying this way. Every verse is packed. President Watson spoke about the 'Enos Challenge' at our last Zone Conference and it is changing the way I study the scriptures.

The Utrecht Ward had a BBQ today. We went a little early to help set up with Henk and Alja Schuur, our good friends. Henk is in the bishopric and Alja is the RS President. They are wonderful and hard working people. We are blessed to be associated with them. We were expecting 75 people but I think only about 40 actually came. There are about 500 people in the ward, but only about 50 come to church each week. So there is a lot to do to help strengthen the members and support the leadership. 

Kathryn Passey, Alja Schuur, Norma VandeWal. 

Kathryn and her husband have been here for a year but are moving back to Utah next week. They are expecting a baby the first week of August, so they need to get home in good time. We will miss them here!