Doug and Marcia Glauser, Senior Mission 2021-2023

  SUNDAY Today was Annie's blessing and we had Zoom set to watch and listen. We could see the Oak Valley Ward but no audio. From the comments of others, no one had sound. It was disappointing not to be able to participate from afar. However, we did get pictures from those attending. We are very grateful for Dustin and Mike G, who stood with Mike as he gave his beautiful daughter a Priesthood blessing and for Jill and Joseph for traveling from Texas to be there. Front: Lilah, David, Joseph, Ben, Jake, Avery Back: (Joel's girlfriend), Joel, Adriana, Mr Avila, Priscilla. Joanna, Mike holding Annie Joy, Jill, Dustin, Meli, Mike G, Meagan holding Aria MONDAY We took the train to Den Haag to meet the Elders from Sint Niklaas, Elders Sam Evans, Jefferson Millward and Luke Wray, as they needed a bike key and money to get back home. Traveling from Belgium to Den Haag is very expensive for them. They get extra funds every two weeks for travel but it doesn't cover these mandatory tr...

  SUNDAY Happy Easter! Alja Schuur, our friend and the RS President in the Utrecht Ward painted this beautiful picture of that first Easter morning.  I love how we are looking outward from  the sepulcher. We can rejoice with Mary that Jesus Christ really did rise again. Because of Him, we will all be resurrected and can live again with our Father in Heaven and our families.  MONDAY It gets light early (and stays light late) so we have time for a bike ride/walk in the mornings before going to the office. We have time for some personal study in the mornings as well. We get up early, but it is a great way to start the day. Gouda is celebrating 750 years; the city was founded in 1272. From now til October will be a time of celebration. The Market Square is decorated, there are statues that have been painted in various ways all over town. Flags fly on the main streets and over the canals and the King of Nederlands came to town to start off the festivities. TUESDAY The Mis...

  SUNDAY With Transfers happening this week this is Elders Weber and Snow's last day in Utrecht Ward. We hope to still see them often as they will continue with the special assignment of Content Creation for Social Media. Elders Weber and Snow At Church today we met Maria and one of her daughters, Anastacia. They are refugees from Ukraine. They were on a train trying to flee the country when the tracks were blown up and the train was unable to go further. They were put on another train which was shot at requiring them to hide and black out the windows. Finally, they were able to  escape. Maria's mother was sick and unable to travel. She is better now and trying to make her way to Germany from Ukraine. When I met and talked with her, this war between Russia and Ukraine suddenly became very real. So many innocent people are being affected, some losing their lives and all being fearful.  Anastacia, Maria and Kate MONDAY At our District Council we sometimes plan lunch togethe...

SUNDAY   General Conference weekend! Because of the time difference, we watched the Saturday morning session at 6pm on Saturday. We joined the VandeWal's and Elders Ludlow and Blodgett at the office to watch the Saturday afternoon and evening sessions on Sunday morning. Sunday morning session was watched at 6pm Sunday and Sunday afternoon session we finally heard on Tuesday morning. I love hearing from the living prophets and apostles! This time, instead of taking notes of things I heard, I tried to focus on how I felt. There were several impressions that came to me throughout the conference.  I know that Heavenly Father loves me, despite my shortcomings and weaknesses.  I have been endowed with power from God. I can 'lend my candle to the cause'. Jesus Christ will not leave me...I am His God is a God of miracles I trust God Just as Peter trusted the Savior more than he trusted his boat. I can have courage and trust the Savior more than anything earthl...

SUNDAY It was Ring Rotterdam Conferentie today so we drove to Rotterdam for church. President  Watson taught us that we Love, Share, Invite, Encourage, Listen and Pray for others One by One. He invited us to follow the example of Jesus Christ and serve each other one by one. Sister Watson taught us that she loves missionary work but wonders if she is good at it and that we need to find joy in missionary work. She is making connections with her extended family as none of them are members of the Church--most don't even believe in God. She is inviting them to join her in activities and is a great example to all of us. Elder Michael Cziesla Area Authority Seventy from Germany, reminded us that new callings are sometimes challenging and help us to grow. He and his wife received about 2 days notice to be the interim Mission Leaders during Covid when the out-going President needed to go home and the incoming Leaders could not get into the country. They served for about ...