Doug and Marcia Glauser, Senior Mission 2021-2023

  SUNDAY On the way home from church we stopped to drop off a little gift and card from the Bishopric to a man that has not been to church for a while. Doug and Gerrit went to the door where the man happily met them. He was wearing a mask, explained that he has a 'blood disease' and cannot be around people much right now. He seemed very happy for the visit. As we drove into Gouda, we noticed several people skating on the canal near the office. The water under the bridges are not frozen, but apparently the ice is thick enough!?!  We spent some time today getting Christmas cards ready to send to our Ward members. We realize we have many friends and acquaintances here in the Utrecht Ward and feel blessed to know these good people. MONDAY We had the pleasure of visiting and having dinner with the Oostveen family. Jan and Franca and their grown children Julia and Sander along with Julia's fiancé Fabian welcomed us warmly. It was so good to be in their home and get to know them...

  SUNDAY All (three) of the Young Women in the Ward, Bente Kleijweg, Maira Bijkerk and Emmalyn Markus, spoke today in Sacrament Meeting and all did a wonderful job teaching us how to be better followers of Jesus Christ.  Jana Meijerink taught the Relief Society lesson again today. She is from Chicago but has lived here in The Netherlands for about 35 years. She teaches in Dutch but has Dutch and English on the power point. That is so helpful to me. Also, her husband Andries translates for Sacrament meeting and stays to translate her lesson. He is an excellent translator! He is an atheist but comes every week to support her.  Jana has a strong testimony of the Gospel. She was raised Catholic, joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 30+ years ago. She had two children when she met Andries and they married and had two more children. She continues to be the only member of the Church in her family, but is very committed and loves the temple.I feel bles...

  SUNDAY I had a lovely birthday this year. I counted all the activities of the past few days (Brugge, the Mission Conference, Village Soest) as being part of the birthday celebration. 😁 Annelies sent flowers, Alja gave me lotion and chocolates, Doug gave me flowers, clothes and shoes and Norma gave me a Delft spoon holder. Most of all, the messages of love from family and friends.   I am blessed! MONDAY Today is 5 December, Sint Niklaas Day! We were invited to spend the evening with Justin and Daphne Bijkerk and their family for dinner and to see what the traditions are in Holland. What a fun, fun time together!  We started with Hot Chocolate with all the trimmings. As we were singing, there came a loud KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK on the door. 6 year old Sirah ran for the door and came back dragging three large bags full of gifts. The first gift was taken out, the recipient opened and admired it, then that person reaches into the bag for the next gift and so...