SEP 18-24, 2022

SUNDAY 

Church, quiet afternoon

MONDAY

Early, early morning as we got up at 3:30 so we would be ready for the APs to pick us up at 4:45. We went to the Mission Home and picked up Sister Medico and then on to the airport. Even though the recommendations are to be at the airport 4 hours early for an international flight, we were through Security within an hour, so had plenty of time at the gate before our 10:00 flight.

In SLC we met Sister Medico's family and they had a joyful reunion. She seems happy and excited to transfer to the Service Mission in her hometown of Taylorsville, UT.

Marcia, Savannah Medico, Doug

A fun surprise for us was that Ann and Dwight were in Salt Lake! They had just finished a week-long motorcycle trip with Dwight's brothers in Idaho and were on their way back to California. They met us at the airport and we went to lunch before they headed across Nevada in order for Ann to get to work at 6:00 Tuesday morning!
Ann, Dwight, Marcia, Doug

From there we went to Deseret Book to pick up some books President Watson had requested.Since very few people knew we were going on this assignment, we had asked the Office Elders and the APs what was something they missed from the US. Elder Kempenaers had already asked for a book from Deseret Book so we picked that up as well. 

We had dinner with Natalie and kids and Nathan. Jeremy was in Florida on business so we missed seeing him. It was fun seeing the family and giving the kids and grandkids a hug! On the way back to the hotel we stopped at Chick fil A for some sauce for Elder Zarges, Cane's for sauce for Elder Bevell, and Target for Cinnamon Toast Crunch for Elder Henrie and Fruity Pebbles for Elder Thomas.

After being awake (with a little dozing on the plane) for about 29 hours, we slept soundly.

TUESDAY

Since we couldn't find Stephen's Hot Chocolate at Target last night, we made a quick run to a Lucky's grocery store near our hotel and found it there for Elder Doxford. He had wanted the Candy Cane flavor, but that must be seasonal and not in the stores yet, so he got regular milk chocolate. 

Ryan had driven most of the night to get to us. He is on his way from Florida to California (by way of Utah). He and Brianna are expecting a baby next month. She flew to her parents in August and he will join her there. They plan to stay with Brianna's parents until after Christmas and then go back to Florida. 

We met Ryan and drove to visit Doug's mom. Brad and Vicki joined us, Paul and Lisa called so we all visited for a while. Karen also joined us a while later. We had a wonderful visit!

After getting some lunch, we took Ryan back to his car and went on to Thanksgiving Point to meet Elder Boyer's mom, Tanya. He was the only one who did not have a request for us so we had contacted his mom for ideas. She offered to meet us and bring some treats from BYU Bookstore. Not only did she bring treats for Elder Boyer, she brought treats and socks for all the Office Elders.

Doug, Tanya Boyer, Marcia

Finally we met up with Richard and Laurie and dinner with them at Thanksgiving Point. It was so good to catch up on the family activities. I could have spent so much more time with them. A day packed full of visiting with family and a new friend!

WEDNESDAY

We realized we had not pick up anything for Elder De Jong. He is a new missionary in the office. He is a Service Missionary and spends two days a week helping at the mission office and two days helping at the temple. So we went back to Deseret Book and found a keychain with a compass. Then it was off to the airport and the flight back to The Netherlands.

THURSDAY

We landed at Schiphol at 8:30 and were met by the VandeWal's. We spent the day catching up at Office, then went to dinner with Office Elders, Elders De Jong and Kempenaers to the Pannenkoe near our home. Another 30 hour day!

Doug, Elder Landon Thomas, Landon Boyer, Jorne Kempenaers, Nathan De Jong, 
Dallin Doxford, Aiden Henrie, Marcia


FRIDAY

We didn't wake up until 8:30! Usually we are up at 5;00, exercise, study and leave for the office by then. But today we needed to sleep! We worked at the office for a few hours then drove to Rotterdam to visit Sister Huber who has not felt well for about 10 days. Elders Mahe and Maxwell came to dinner and we discussed ways we can work together in the Utrecht Ward to strengthen the members.

Marcia, Doug, Elders Vilai Mahe and Forrest Maxwell

SATURDAY

The cough and cold I have felt coming on this week finally hit! I had planned to go to the Regional Women's Conference but instead just stayed home. Doug drove to Almere to help the Elders get their bike from the repair shop. The shop keeper would not take cash, nor their MSF or personal cards because they are foreign cards. So Doug took the Rabo card from the office, drove the hour to Almere and paid the 20 euros. But he was able to take the Elders to lunch and spend some time with them so it was a good day.


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