June 4 - 10, 2023

 SUNDAY

After church today was the baptism of Cassander Muurling. He is the second son of Joachim and Marieke. This is one of the many families we will miss when we leave here. His brother, Laurens gave a beautiful talk about baptism.

Laurens Muurling

After his baptism, Cassander bore his testimony!

Cassander Muurling

MONDAY

Since we have 12 Departing missionaries this transfer, we had six of them come to the office for interviews with the President today. The others will come on Wednesday. Our interview is short, so it gives us a few minutes to talk to each one of them. We continue to be so impressed with these Elders and Sisters. They have solid testimonies, optimistic outlooks and great plans for the future. 

TUESDAY

Morning walk in Gouda. Peaceful canal near our home and one of the many charming streets with Sint Jan's Kerk in the background.

Arrivals and Transfer Day is always exciting! Several of our missionaries have new companions, new areas or new assignments. We meet at the Church building in Amsterdam, the Elders and Sisters find their new companions and they head off to work in their area. 

Charlie Stewart,Marissa Stephens, Anna Jensen,Elise Conlee, Alyssa Walker, Marcia

Aiden Henrie, Doug, John Brown, Coulson Rich

                                                            Anna Jensen (new STL) 

                                               and Kate Welton (new trainer)

Adam Kujanpaa, Richard Hoopes, Luke Wray, Christian Adams, 

Lukas Vanderlinden, President Daryl Watson

Arriving from the MTC were Sister Jaya Gilbert and Elders Jared Gardner, Trent Perrins, Isaac Robinson and Enrique Solorzano. We took care of the essential paperwork, they met their companions and began their missions here in the BNZ. We look forward to meeting them next week at Orientation and get to know them!

When we arrived back at the office, there was a gift from Elder Nixon with a lovely note of thanks to us. A tie for Doug and a beautiful key ring for me.

WEDNESDAY

One route that Doug and I both take on our morning bike ride or walk is along this canal near our home. Almost every morning, at 5:30, this man is here, sitting on a stool, front door open, music playing from somewhere inside, while he fishes in the canal. 

More departure interviews today. These missionaries have served well and are looking forward to the next step. All have plans for work or college (or both). They are committed to keep the good habits they have learned these past 18 months or two years. We are blessed to know each one!

Doug, Daniel Ornelas, Marcia

THURSDAY

It was a very early start today as we met at the Mission Home at 5:45. There are 12 departing missionaries so they needed Doug and I to drive the big van with all the luggage. It was fun to watch them as they left here, anxious to meet their families and get on with the next adventure! These are people we have known over a year. We have laughed with then, cried with them, hugged them and loved them! 

(front) Rhyan Green, Nichole Cullumber, Izaak Bevell, Adrian Blodgett, Marcia, Doug, 

Tess Flake, Melody Morrise, Madeline Nay

(back) Nick Taylor, Fernando Cervantes, Benjamin Nixon, Wyatt Lee, Daniel Ornelas

Doug is wearing the tie Elder Nixon gave him on Tuesday.

Tot Ziens!

Later we received this email:

Dear Brother and Sister Glauser, 

Thank you so much for taking care of our sweet son Benji. He arrived home safely and talked so much about you and the other mission leaders! He loves you and we love you, so much! Enjoy the rest of your mission, you're both in our thoughts and prayers. 

With Love, 

Maria and Paul Nixon 

Sister and Brother Nixon,

Thank you for your kind words.  We love Elder Nixon. We want you to know what a fine man you have raised.  We were both touched by a kind gesture he made to us.  On Tuesday morning we found on our desk a small gift bag with a gift for each of us and a heartfelt note.  When we visited with him on Wednesday we asked where he learned the important skill of thanking others.  He immediately responded that he learned it from his mother.  Thank you for your wonderful parenting and example.  You have raised an amazing young man.  May the Lord bless you and your family.

Sister and Elder Glauser

The Content Team came into the office this afternoon and at first we just saw Sisters Anderson and Bair. Doug said something to the effect that it was great to see our favorite missionaries. Just then Elders Snow and Wood peeked around the doorway! No wait! You're all our favorites! But to make up for it Doug gave them the homemade bread that Sister Smith had delivered to the office. Just another fun moment with these missionaries!

Anthony Wood, Atticus Snow, Doug

Elders Sam Evans and Alex Holje stopped by the office and brought Norma and I each a little flower 🌼 So thoughtful!!

Burgers and milkshakes for dinner tonight!😋

Marcia, Adam Kujanpaa, Christian Adams, Anthony Wood, Doug, Atticus Snow, Janessa Anderson, Emma Bair

FRIDAY

This morning we drove to Arnhem to switch bikes. Sometimes its just easier for the missionaries if we bring them a working bike rather than have them take it to the shop and then wait a day or two for it to be finished. And it was a beautiful morning to be out!

Doug, Yael Bethers, Jared Yuyes

It was Cathy Wagner's birthday today and she loves the chocolate cake from Jumbo. Her husband asked us if we would stop by on the way home and get a cake for her. When we looked at Jumbo, there were no chocolate cakes...what a disappointment! But Doug asked the worker if there were any others and she said they would have more around 15:00, but that the White Chocolate Cake was 'heel lekker' (very good). So we bought that one. (And it was GOOD!)

At 15:00 Doug went back to Jumbo and bought a chocolate cake! So Cathy ended up with two birthday cakes!!

SATURDAY

A beautiful morning for a long walk (for me) and a long bike ride (for Doug). The park near the office was so peaceful.

It was a rare day that nothing was planned until the evening, so we took advantage of it! We will need to be out of our apartment in about two months. The Johnson's will be taking our positions in the Office and will be here at the end of August. So we have started to notice things about the apartment that need to be replaced. We have just gotten used to things but now realizing we should replace the blinds that are worn out. So we went to Gamma (similar to Home Depot) to look for blinds. Afterwards, we dropped off the van at the office and walked back home through the Market. It is so fun to just buy fresh foods and take it home for lunch. Today it was olives and bread!😋

The Utrecht Ward had an activity tonight where we were instructed in Chess. Some of us had no idea and some were very experienced. Dan Brandenburg, who lived in Utrecht as a youth and is now a Chess Grand Master, came to teach us. Only 10 in attendance, six of whom were missionaries, but we all had a good time. 

Doug, Elder Ammon Leman