Mar 12-18, 2023

 SUNDAY

Since we have been in The Netherlands, we have attended a Dutch-speaking ward. It has been wonderful and we have met many good friends. The translator, Andries Meirijnk, is excellent so I can understand what the speakers are saying and love hearing their thoughts and insights. During the sacrament, I have tried to think of the exact wording of the Sacramental Prayers. Today, the only word I could think of was remember. I thought of some of the things I want to remember as I covenant to Always Remember Him:

            1. Remember that He loves me

            2. Remember His teachings

            3. Remember His suffering

            4.  Remember His sacrifice

            5. Remember to Trust

            6. Remember His strength -- He is mighty to save

As a last minute change to the transfer plans, Elder Leman will be coming to Utrecht. A little background....He is from Belgium and is called to the Johannesburg South African Mission but is reassigned to the BNZ while waiting for some passport issues. A couple weeks ago we were at the temple with Alja and Henk, our friends from the Utrecht Ward. She is the RS president and he is in the Bishopric. While there, I introduced Alja to Sister Leman. She talked about how the process for getting her son's passport to South Africa has had a few set backs, but she is so excited for him to get there because that is where she is from and so many of her family are there. Her nephew has recently been called to South Africa as well, so the cousins will be in the same mission.

Now the miracle...A young couple, who have just moved here from South Africa, were at Church for the first time today. Alja was sitting next to her in RS and texted me from across the room that he is a member of the Church but she is not. "This is why Elder Leman was transferred to Utrecht". The Lord truly is in the details. That Elder Leman's passport is taking so long and that he was transferred to Utrecht are both evidence that the Lord knows all of our needs and we should always trust in His timing.

MONDAY

In District Council today, Sisters Bair and Anderson gave a training on the Attributes of Christ found in Preach My Gospel. In PMG we are invited to "learn of Him and seek to incorporate His attributes into your life." We were divided into three groups, each group given three attributes to discuss. One of our assignments was Obedience. I loved the quote from L. Tom Perry from GC, April 1991, "The discipline contained in daily obedience and clean living and wholesome lives builds an armor around you of protection and safety from the temptations that beset you as you proceed through mortality." I know that as we work to be "exactly obedient" as President Nelson and others have counseled, we can expect miracles.

It was a nice surprise to see Lucas Montoya, a former missionary here, and his friend, Jason as they dropped by the office to visit. They are both attending school in Chicago and are here for Spring Break. (sadly, I didn't think to get a photo)

Through the wonders of technology, we were able to video call with Adam, serving in the Buenos Aires West Mission, and the Brown family. It was so good to see him and hear of some of the things he is doing and a little of the culture of Argentina.

TUESDAY

Arrival and Transfer day is always full of excitement. Today we welcomed five new missionaries. 

Pedro Amato, Kate Welton, Betty Besaw, Doug, Gabriel Mildenstein, Gavin Jones

Sister Kate Welton is one of our New Arrivals. Another 'small world' moment when she told us Natalie had been her Primary teacher in Springville. This makes two of Natalie's primary girls here in the BNZ. Jaislynn Kimball and Sister Welton were friends there. As an aside, they both moved away when they were about 11 years old, Sister Welton to Oregon and Sister Kimball to Arizona. Today they saw each other for the first time since then!

Jackson Burt and Richard Hoopes

WEDNESDAY

Departure interviews are a time of mixed emotions. We love talking with the missionaries who are headed home about future plans and what they have learned as missionaries that will keep them spiritually strong in the future. These young people are well prepared! They have a deep understanding of the gospel and are committed to be life-long converts. A part of our hearts will go home with them. We have come to love these Elders and Sisters so much. 

Monic Watson, Thomas Boland, Gideon Ross, Johan van der Put, Gerrit VandeWal, Kamryn Doyle, Norma VandeWal, Nuura Westerlaken, Sophia Packard, Hannah Hammer, Marcia, Doug, Mason Zarges, Daryl Watson. (back) Nate Christensen, Christian Adams

The Departure meeting is a time where each of the missionaries have an opportunity to share in an informal way some things they have learned while on their mission. Today the topic was How have you found joy during the past 18 or 24 months?' As I listened, I reflected on the joy I have felt as a missionary. Visiting members of our ward, getting acquainted with the young Elders and Sisters, enjoying the beauty of a new country and culture and seeing and recognizing miracles regularly bring moments of joy. One of our favorite scriptures during our mission has been DC 100:1 " Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, my friends [Doug and Marcia], your families are well; they are in mine hands, and I will do with them as seemeth me good; for in me is all power." This knowledge brings much comfort and joy!

The dinner with the Departing missionaries is always at a Pannenkoeken restaurant. As Senior couples, we are invited occasionally and we always love it!

THURSDAY

Our Dinner Group tonight😁

Christian Adams, Nate Christensen, Marcia, Elise Conlee ("I'm going to make the Journal for WEEKS!"), Tess Flake, Doug, Izaak Bevell, Atticus Snow

FRIDAY

The view of Sint Jan's Kerk in the morning light from the top of the stairway at our apartment.

Doug had bikes to deliver and others to fix so he made a trip to Rotterdam, then to Amsterdam. Since Haarlem is only 20 minutes from Amsterdam, he took a needed bike key to Elders Rich and Hanks...just at lunch time.😁 So they went to lunch at a pannenkoeken place! 😋

Coulson Rich, Doug, Tyler Hanks

SATURDAY

We can tell Spring is arriving because the willow tree on the edge of our canal is getting leaves again.

The Utrecht RS had an activity to celebrate 181 Years of Relief Society. Guerte Harskamp planned and prepared a lovely day with crafts, lesson and lunch. 12 sisters gathered to enjoy the day.