SUNDAY
Yesterday we heard from our friend Jay Wilson that he and his son, Erick would be in Amsterdam today and Monday. They were able to take the train and come to Gouda to have dinner at our place. It was a good visit and so nice to catch up. Sadly, I forgot to take a picture.
TUESDAY
It was an early start today as we needed to be in Amsterdam by 8:00 to meet the new Arrivals. We thought we would be there about an hour before anyone else, but when we arrived we already had 5 new missionaries! Their plane had landed an hour earlier than scheduled. Elder Doxford was already getting the paper work started. We don't do anything but the essentials on this day because they are jet-lagged. Because of the early arrival, there was a lot of time before the next group came and the assigned companions would not arrive until 11:00.
Elder Kempenaers decided to do a training with the new missionaries. I wanted to be a part of it so I went in and sat at the back of the room. He talked with them about several things, but two of them were Fear and Language. He used some scriptures and taught from the words of the prophets. One scripture he had them look up was DC 84:85
"Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man."
I realized as he was teaching that this scripture was being fulfilled right before my eyes! Elder Kempenaers has diligently studied the scriptures and the words of the prophets. So much so that "in [this] very hour" he could recall and teach the scriptures without any preparation. He had no idea he would have an opportunity to train the new missionaries today. I felt the Spirit bear witness to me that the scriptures are true. It was a tender mercy for me to witness this moment.
We ended up getting 12 new missionaries, 11 of them Sisters. Along with that, about 75% of the mission were either transferred or had new assignments. So 3/4 of the Mission was at the Amsterdam building today meeting new companions.
One of our new missionaries is Emma Bair. Julie Markham had texted me about her last week. Her family lives in Ben and Julie's ward and when Julie heard she was coming to our mission she asked me to watch for her. It's always fun to have an added connection.
Doug, Sister Emma Bair, Marcia
It was a wonderful day to see how much they all love to be with each other. By 14:00 everyone was on their way home. Back to the office we went, trying to get a little work done there.WEDNESDAY
Departure interviews! We always have a few minutes with the Departing missionaries to have them turn in their FOB (used to tell the car who is driving) and to make sure they have enough MSF funds to get some food at the airport on their way home. We spend most of our time just chatting and hearing what plans they have for the future.
Matt Anjewierden, Zach Stoner, Doug, Marcia,Victoria Vassar
(front) Sister and President Watson
(back) Norma VandeWal, Matt Anjewierden, Gerrit VandeWal, Zach Stoner, Doug, Victoria Vassar, Marcia
THURSDAYSister Huber and Sister Allen (a new STL) stopped by the office this morning. We made the quick decision to take them to lunch. So we walked into the Centrum and had lunch at a little restaurant there. We had a wonderful time with these two dedicated Sisters. Marcia, Rebecca Allen, Hallie Huber
Suddenly, as we were walking back to the office, they both saw a young man, felt a prompting, and turned to walk after him. Soon they were running to catch up. They had a great conversation with this person and we were delighted to see some of our bold missionaries in action!
Sister Boyer and Sister Wilcox (another new STL) also came by the office. They needed to get to the IND in Den Haag for Sister Wilcox's appointment and decided to drive to Gouda and then take the train to Den Haag. (A great decision because it is a short train ride and the parking situation in Den Haag is less than ideal) When we got back from lunch with the other Sisters they had just arrived back. They planned to do their studies at the office and stay in Apeldorn rather than drive all the way back to Antwerpen just to return tomorrow for a previously scheduled doctor's appointment. So we invited them to come to dinner! The office Elders come every Thursday so it was just a matter of 'putting another potato in the pot'. Sisters Sarah Boyer, Liberty Wilcox, Elders Landon Thomas, Nathan De Jong, Dallin Doxford, Doug and Marcia
We love these missionaries. They are working hard, teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, strengthening their testimonies and serving others every day. What great examples to me!
FRIDAY
On my morning walk, I usually listen to a Come Follow Me podcast or a BYU Speeches podcast or the Church News Podcast. It is an informative and uplifting start to the day. Today I listened to Sherri Dew giving an address at BYU-Hawaii entitled Prophets See Around the Corner (Nov 2022). As I listened, I had the distinct and undeniable feeling that I was hearing Truth. Through the Holy Ghost, it was confirmed to me (again) that living prophets guide us by teaching us what Jesus Christ wants us to know. President Russell M Nelson is the Senior Apostle and the Prophet today. His counselors and the other members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are all prophets, seers and revelators and we cannot be led astray if we listen to and heed their counsel. I'm so grateful to have this witness and testimony.This spot on a Gouda street is a sacred place for me. At this place I remembered that I know God speaks to His Prophet.
Today we had the pleasure of having two YSA girls from the Utrecht Ward come to the office and make lunch for us! Renske and Julia and previously arranged this fun day. They also invited the Office Elders and The Utrecht Elders. Renske's birthday is tomorrow and her two-year anniversary of her baptism is on Monday. So they made lunch and we all enjoyed some time together. Dallin Doxford, Doug, Marcia, Julia Oostveen, Renkse Jepma, Norma VandeWal, Gerrit VandeWal, Landon Thomas
SATURDAY
Today Sent Niklaas arrived in The Netherlands! At least he arrived in Gouda. Apparently, the cities and villages sometimes have a different day of celebration. But we watched as he arrived on a boat coming up the canal across the street from the Mission Office. I'm quite sure the entire population of Gouda (72,000) were out to welcome him. The kids were dressed up (some older folks, too), bands were playing and everyone was having a good time. It is so fun to learn of the traditions here.
Elders Doxford and Thomas joined us at we watched the procession go up the canal. What a fun beginning to the next few weeks when Sint Niklaas leaves treats in the children's shoes. It culminates on Dec 5 when the children receive the bigger gifts.
The Utrecht Relief Society had an activity that Norma and I had committed to attend, so Doug and Gerrit went to Breda and served lunch to the MLC (Mission Leadership Council). They served Rice bowls to 34 people.
The Church is building a new Chapel in Breda and today was the ceremony to unfurl the Dutch flag on the highest point of the building. This is another tradition here. The building is not finished yet, but there were speakers from the Church and the community, a missionary choir and refreshments.
In the meantime, Norma and I attended the Utrecht activity. We only had 9 sisters in attendance because of other commitments or illness, but it was a lovely day. Lunch consisted of pumpkin soup, spaghetti with beef chunks, salad, green bean casserole and dessert. Juice and chocolates were served during the Family History instruction.Juliet Onyekaoha, Annelies De Haas, Nettie Stoppelenburg, Geurde Harskamp, Willy van Beek, Alja Schuur, Pamela Markus, Norma VandeWal
Nettie taught a class about the Archives and how family lines are researched in The Netherlands. She shared some of her own family history. Several of the women brought things to display or stories to share. It was so good for me to be able to get to know these sisters a little more.
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