Oct 13-19, 2022

SUNDAY

It was the Primary Program in the Utrecht Ward today. Even though there are only 10 children in Primary, they spoke and sang of their growing testimonies of the Savior. 

The Colleyville 1st Ward and the Oak Valley Ward also had Primary programs that we were able to watch via Zoom. Technology is so helpful for us to be involved a bit in the grandkids lives. And today Adam Brown was presented to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood in preparation for his mission. It was a nice surprise for us to be able to sustain him virtually.

Top left: Luke Brown.  

Top right: older boys, including Ridge and Luke, singing

Bottom left:          Julia Brown

Bottom right:      Ridge Stouvenel

Julia singing with the older girls

Lilah Stewart

As an added bonus, Lance Glauser spoke in his ward and we were able to watch virtually.

MONDAY

Lots of activity at the Office today. We love the energy when so many missionaries are there!

TUESDAY

We spend the day before Orientation buying and preparing the food. We are expecting to feed 45 tomorrow so that means lots of chopping, setting up the tables and generally getting ready.

WEDNESDAY

Today at Orientation we had the 12 new missionaries plus their companions along with the APs, Office Elders, Taal Elders, the Watson's and President Kleijweg. It is a great introduction to the Belgium Netherlands Mission. During our allotted 15 minutes, we tell them a little about the Finances, Bikes, Autos and Medical.  Our biggest job on Orientation Day is providing lunch 😁

THURSDAY

Getting a Driver's License is a problem here for most US citizens. We can drive for a few months  but then have to go through the process of getting either a Belgium or Dutch license. For several months there was a problem with the process in Belgium and none of our missionaries were able to get it. Some of that has been cleared up but the process is slow. Doug decided he would go ahead and take the test in The Netherlands. He has been studying for several weeks for the very difficult written test. And today he Passed! The next step is to sign up with a driving school for some lessons (seems like this is a mandatory step) and then take a Behind-the-Wheel test.

Dinner with the Office Elders again tonight. We sure enjoy having Elders Doxford, Thomas and De Jong in our home each week.

FRIDAY

Doug's calling in the Utrecht Ward is counselor in the Elder's Quorum Presidency. He has been filling in for the President at ward and stake meetings and needed a little clarification from Phillip. He set up a time to meet with him and instead it turned into dinner at Phillip and Danielle's home. We had a delicious Indonesian dinner and afterward they were able to talk about EQ business. It was a lovely evening with these good people!

SATURDAY

We went to the Temple this afternoon. First, when we were at the Recommend Desk, a Sister Gout was there. Doug asked her where she was from. She answered Frankfurt, but as we continued to talk with her found out she has lived in Gronigen for 50 years. And Doug has a picture of her and her husband at their wedding!! She was so excited to meet him again and went to get her husband. We are thrilled to make these connections again after so many years. We hope to get to know Buddy and Beryl Gout better while we are here!

In our small Endowment session of 13 people, the ceremony was translated into four languages. Dutch, German, English and Ukraine. Sister Brandenburg told us that during the day they also had French, Spanish and Portuguese patrons. Truly our global Church was well represented here today.

From there, we drove to Rotterdam to buy Cinnabon sweet rolls for the Muurling family in our ward. The last time we were in their home a few weeks ago, they mentioned how much they loved Cinnabon. So we bought some for them, and some for us!. The woman in line ahead of us only had a debit card and the technology wasn't working, so we were able to pay for hers as well. Sometimes it is just the simple things that make your day complete.

When we stopped by the Muurling's to deliver the treat, only Joaquim (the dad) was home. He was super excited about Cinnabon himself and his reaction was priceless. They later sent pictures and videos of the kids. We love these dear friends!