What a week!

Dear Family and Friends,

Yes, this has been a week of ups and downs. Guess in some ways a typical Missionary week, but then again a unique family week. It started with FHE Monday evening....French Toast, oranges and ice cream. Tuesday was Transfers where two Elders left, one going home, and one Sister being transferred to another city......but, we got two NEW Elders and one NEW Sister. Being Transfer week I cook for District Meeting. Spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, and  Chocolate Chip Cookie bars. Wednesday Institute, and this is funny. We had fixed oven potatoes with onions, mushrooms and bacon. Broccoli and Texas Sheet cake. Kim and Tessa, two of our YSA's, when they saw what we were having, started skipping down the hall singing, 'Broccoli and Chocolate, Broccoli and Chocolate." It takes SO little to make these JoVo's happy.......Broccoli and Chocolate:) On Wednesday morning I had 2 batches of cookies and a cake made by 9:00 am.......yes, a typical Missionary YSA Senior Couple day. With us now 'almost' being the Senior, Senior couple, we have sent out several emails informing the new couples of Holland traditions, Holidays, contact lists. Can you believe that WE are doing that. 10 months ago I would have said NEVER, but look at us now. I am even telling the 'new' Sisters how to say some common Dutch words. The phrase,

"you've come a long way baby' comes to mind:) Guess after this long, if we did not know more than when we came we should be ashamed of ourselves.

Last night Holland went back to 'Standard Time'. So, tonight at 5:15 pm it was dark. In  another month it will be dark by 4:30...UGH!!!! This morning at 8:30, remember, we turned the clock back 1 hour, the Elders called and said: "we have a question to ask you. Didn't we turn the clocks back last night? Well, we just wanted to make sure because we just saw the Sister's biking to church." Guess the Sisters were an hour early for Church this morning.....of course the Elders thought that was really funny. They tried to call the Sisters on their phone, but with them biking they would not 'pick up.' We were in Den Helder today so don't know the 'rest of the story'. We will find out and let you know. We made the comment that there would probably be several others early as well.

We were THRILLED with the Skype conversation we had with Cameron and Alexis....yes, you CAN add that addition to the house.....with all our love! That was the 'UP' family situation. When we received the phone call from Kristine, we ourselves, stopped breathing for a moment. Like the rest of you, we dropped to our knees and pleaded with the Lord to let one of the Blessings of us serving this Mission be that Shelby's life be spared. We were crying so hard it was hard to pray, but as dad ended the prayer a most peaceful feeling came to us that all would be well. We did call the Missionary Travel number to see what, if, we needed to make an emergency trip home,  how quickly we could  obtain tickets for the trip. They were so sweet, and sent us information almost immediately. Prayers were heard, and now our prayers are ones of thanks. Still some time to go, but we know all will be well. We were all so afraid of what the outcome could have been. One of the JoVo's posted a quote on Facebook the other day we loved. "The phrase,'do not be afraid' is written in the Bible 365 times. That's a daily reminder from God to live every day being fearless.' We have 'Faith' that all will be OK. " FAITH: it does not make things easy,it makes them possible." We ARE SO blessed to have the knowledge that we CAN go to our Heavenly father and ask, knowing he will answer. We understand that Mark gave Shelby a blessing just before she went into the surgery and said 'Thy will be done'......we give thanks that his will was that she live.

Friday Evening we went to Alkmaar to attend a dinner with the JoVo's. It was hosted by the Westra's, a couple that kind of 'watch over' the Young Adults in that area of the Stake. She had the table set with her best China, had a LEKKER traditional Dutch meal of Stomput and worst, with Fla for dessert. There were 17 JoVo's in attendance plus the Missionaries. After the Maaltijd (meal) the Elders were asked to give a Gospel message. One of the Elders asked when was the last time we felt the Spirit of the Lord with us. Dad raised his hand and told about our 'feeling of peace' after the prayer for Shelby. The YSA's wanted to know more, so we told them about the phone call, the tears,and the possible trip home, Of course we were crying. After several others had expressed their comments about feeling of the Spirit, Kim, our FHE coordinator, said something to the JoVo's in Dutch and they all looked at us. Kim asked if THEY could pray for Shelby as well. The most BEAUTIFUL, HUMBLE, prayer we have ever heard was given in behalf of Shelby, Elder and Sister deLeeuw, and our entire family. Talk about tears.......everyone was crying. A moment we will cherish forever! Since then, the JoVo's have written emails asking how Shelby is doing. These young people are amazing, and you can tell how we love them.......as our own. On a lighter side of the evening. I had made 3 batches of cookies to take. They were gone in about 10 minutes. As we were leaving, Sister Westra asked if she could make an appointment with me so she could learn how to make 'American Cookies.' Am I getting famous or what:) We just got off the phone with Kristine. Shelby is still a very sick young lady, but each day things are looking better and there is 'that light' being seen by us all. THANK YOU DAUGHTERS, for being there to comfort your sister and be her support. Times like this it is very hard to be so far away...but we know all will be OK.

Today we traveled to Den Helder. This small Branch of the Church is an 1 1/2 hour drive from Amsterdam. We have wanted to visit this Branch for some time now, so when we contacted the Branch president he was so excited. He asked if dad would be one of the speakers. We took Elder and Sister Lyons with us. They are one of the new Couples that have just been here two weeks. They love seeing Holland, and the drive to Den Helder is beautiful. I counted, and with the four of us, and the High Councilman that was there, there were 30 in attendance. The Branch members were so sweet, and came and shook our hands like old friends. Several of the older members that do not speak English, just talked to us like we would join in on the conversation. At times as this, you just smile and nod your head. The man conducting made a comment about having four 'Lions' in attendance, so to watch out. Elder and Sister LYONS, and Elder and Sister deLeeuw.....de LION in Dutch. Everyone got a laugh from that. After the meeting, a sweet Sister that is a Temple worker, I have met a couple of times when attending the temple, told us to come into a room.  She and her husband had fixed a snack for us so we would not be hungry traveling home. The husband is from Indonesia, and had made 'fried bread', and they had applesap.....apple juice for us. We were invited to come back soon, and next time Sister Lyons and I would speak. Elder Lyons was asked to bear his Testimony. Have we mentioned that Missionary Work is Amazing!!!!

Another busy week ahead. Tomorrow at FHE we are having a Halloween party. We will have chili, donuts, applesap, play some games and just have fun. Dad and I will go dressed as Missionaries:) Tuesday we have a meeting with the Stake President and Bishop......????? Wednesday Institute, Saturday the JoVo's will be at the Temple doing Baptism's, so we will be there with them. AND in between, who knows what will happen. Each day is an adventure.

We love you. April is circled on the calender!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What fun we will have. Christmas Decorations are up all over.......as the Christmas Holidays start here in Holland next month. We will take some pictures of them and the Ollie Bollen stands........Oh, and the JoVo's have asked that we make them a Thanksgiving dinner. We have asked the Den Haag Center to join us as well.....this will be on the 28th of November. Now all we have to is find Turkey's:)   Grand kids, come on over......you can be the Turkey's:)

Have a GREAT week, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love, Opa and Oma deLeeuw

AKA: Elder and Zuster deleeuw

RUNNING!!!!!

Dear Family,

If the pace of this Mission went any faster I think we would 'fall off the wagon.' When Senior Couples go home and say they weren't busy enough, they for sure did not serve in the Belgium/Netherlands Mission :) We are NOT complaining, just trying to catch our breath. Okay, try and follow this so you will know who has been staying at our apartment for 3 days. Elder and Sister van Komen will be leaving the Mission Nov. 8th to go home. Their son just returned from his Mission in the Seattle area.....so he went to Utah for 2 days, then flew to Holland to go home with his parents. In the mean time his brother decided he wanted to come as well........then, a couple that the Missionary son knew in Renton said, "we will be in Holland at the  same time, so why don't we all get together and your parents, Elder and Sister van Koman, can show us Amsterdam. So, for 3 days we have had 6 people here....this week is transfers for the Missionaries, so last night we had 4 Elders here as well. 12 people can get loud in these paper thin walls. We were hoping the neighbors would not call the police. 3 of the 6 Missionaries that live here are leaving. Needless to say the past few days have been an experience. Dad and I said that we are glad the van Komens felt close enough to us to ask for the lodging. They have said 'thank you' 1000 times.

Last week we had Temple Zone Conference Tuesday and Wednesday. We met at the temple at 9:00 am both mornings and did not get home until 6:00 pm both days. Wednesday we came in running so we could get to institute on time. Thank Heaven the Ward was cooking the meal or the joVo's would have had frozen pizza. It is amazing to be in the Temple with all the Missionaries. When we walk into the Endowment room you can just feel the presence of the Priesthood. Several of us were in tears being with these amazing young men and women. President and Sister Robinson gave us such inspirational instruction as well. We came home inspired to step up a notch. Friday we had a special Zone Conference....that made 3 in one week....with our Stake President. Each of the 4 Stakes here in the Netherlands is presenting their vision on how the Netherlands can get those '40 stakes" that were seen to be in the future. President Oddens, our stake President wants to get those who have become inactive, active again. He told us there are 300 names of members of the Den Haag Stake that they don't even know where they are. Out of 2000 Stake Members only 870 are active. He wants us to go after the 'Lost Sheep'. His message was so powerful. He told us how different we are from the Dutch people, so we have to be sensitive to this Culture. He wants the members here in the Den Haag Stake to become more active in Missionary work. He encouraged the Elders and Sisters to have the Ward members go on Joint Teaching more often, as they are the ones that should be doing the fellow shipping. Missionaries come and go, but the members are the ones that should be taking care of the less active and new converts. For the first time since we arrived in the Amsterdam Ward, dad and I have been invited to Ward Council tomorrow evening. We raised a concern we have noticed in this ward.....the black members sit at the back of the Chapel, NO interaction with the Dutch white members. No Ward callings for the Black people who are begin Baptized.....they come a few times then we don't see them anymore. They are not feeling welcomed. It will be interesting to see what happens tomorrow night. Our Stake President is aware of the problem and will be at the meeting as well. We will keep you posted.

This week we have FHE tonight. District meeting tomorrow morning, where I cook because it is Transfer week. Ward Council Meeting.....then Wednesday institute, Thursday Lelystad. Friday we are going to Alkmaar to meet with the JoVo's at a dinner party, then Sunday will attend the small Branch in Den Helder, which is a 2 hour drive from where we live. We have been asked to speak as they love 'Fresh talks.'I told dad he could give the talk since HE is the Priesthood holder, and can speak a little of this language. We will see.  Because these Branches are so small and don't have  lot of Priesthood, dad was asked to be a member of the Branch Presidency in Lelystad. That is where we go twice a month for FHE on Thursday. Dad told President oddens we had been asked to visit the Wards and branches that the joVo's come from to the Centrum, and he could not do both. President Oddens said our visiting was more important.....this is why FAMILIES need to be Baptized, Priesthood leadership is a real concern here.

The lady next door, Dayna Lee, the one with the witched in her window......a few weeks ago she took the witches down....just before Halloween....and she put some red hearts in their place. Hearts are seen everywhere here in Holland. Well, we commented several times how 'mooi' the hearts were. One day last week a knock came at the front door, and there stood Yvonna with a gift bag. In the bag were two red heart for us. Wow, I was really taken back. These people are amazing. Dad helped me and we hung them in our front window.....More homemade cookies for them!

Christmas decorations are everywhere.....and we found a new 'lekker' treat. At the Holiday Season, little'Ollie Bolen' stands are everywhere. This is a fried bread, like a scone, then they are filled with all sorts of different ingredients. Raisins, Cherries, Banana cream, apples, oh my. It's a good thing we have stairs to run off the calories. These could become 'habit forming'. I have purchased a few small things to bring home to show the Dutch Christmas Traditions. As we mentioned before, we wish we could send home some things that are 'traditional' for the Holidays. As I mentioned about the hearts. MANY of the tree decorations here are hearts. For 2 euro I got a heart with white lights to hang on our front door for the holidays.

Just to finish a few things, then I have to go start 'fixing' for tonight. You will laugh. We have had 3 new couples come into the Mission in the last two weeks, and guess who they are calling for help. It HAS arrived....dad and I are now the Senior Couple of the Centrums. We have spent this past week with Elder and Sister Lyons taking them shopping, answering questions, driving them to Gouda yesterday. I can even tell them what many Dutch words say now. GO OMA!!!! Yesterday at Gouda, Sister Woodhouse came up to me, she and her husband are serving in Rotterdam, and said they needed to come to Amsterdam so I could show her the best shopping bargains........we've come a long way baby!

A quote to sign off....."Be yourself because everyone else is taken!"   We love you. We are sooooooooo excited to put on our 2013 calender the arrival of our daughters. Corey, Happy Birthday tomorrow.....18 and Mission Papers, can't get better than that.

Love, Opa and Oma

New Experiences

Dear Family and Friends,

We have had a few new experiences this week that make us feel like we are getting into the swing of things for sure. Again we are starting to write this on Saturday, as tomorrow evening we will be taking the Sister Missionaries for an appointment........in the Amsterdam Ward boundaries, driving in the car, about 45 minutes one way to get there. A single man from Slovakia, so they need a third woman. Dad has to drive, as I still do not feel comfortable driving on the freeways. Tonight we were suppose to attend 'JoVo's Got Talent', here in the Amsterdam Chapel. At the last minute several of those who were to perform backed out, so the production was cancelled due to lack of participation. Needless to say we were disappointed.

Last week's announcement of the age change for Missionaries really had the JoVo facebook page humming. The age for Young men going from the Netherlands has been 18 for several years, because the way the school system is set up here. But for Young Women, it does make that difference. Several Young Woman that were waiting until 21 are now 'filling out those papers.' It is exciting to see the enthusiasm at the announcement all over the world. We have 2 Young Men from our Centrum that will leave for their Mission's in December. SO much work that needs to be done.

Speaking of Missionaries. We welcomed a new couple last week that came from Australia. Elder and Sister Kruizinga. We love to hear them speak with their accent.....Dutch with an Australian accent. Today we met Elder and Sister Woodhouse, and Elder and Sister Lyons. It was so fun not to be the 'new kids':) We met the two new couples at the Mission office, almost laughing, as we remembered the day we flew in, no sleep for 12 hours, in a new Country, signing all the papers, walking to the train station to have pictures taken for the 'Dutch legality card', trying to stay alert enough to talk......The Lyon's are the couple that will be working with us in our Zone, and it is the apartment they will be living in that dad and I have been working to clean the last two weeks. Another couple came to help Elder and Sister Woodhouse, and take them to their apartment in Rotterdam. It is a Mission tradition that all new Missionaries are taken to the Pannekoeken house for their first Dutch meal. Of course it was raining, we were all huddled under umbrella's, feet wet...but had a delightful time getting acquainted with the new couples. It was so empowering as the 'new couples' were asking US questions, and we could answer them:) After all the legal sign in, interviews, and meal, we were off to take Elder and Sister Lyons to Bussum to their apartment. Here again.......NO garmin,(GPS) just drove from Leiden to Bussum like we would drive from Orem to SLC. NEVER thought we would be doing that. Hey, it impressed the new couple:) Because they were so tired and could not think any more, we wished them a good evening, and will go back on Monday to answer more questions, and 'Slay a Dragon' by taking Sister Lyons SHOPPING. That will really give her an experience. Elder and Sister Lyon's do not speak Dutch, have never been to the Netherlands, so are a bit apprehensive about this whole experience. They were called to serve in a JoVo Centrum, but now they are here, have found they will NOT be doing that. All Senior Couples take direction from the Stake President where they live, so it will be interesting to see what President Oddens has them do. Can you believe we were answering questions and giving direction!!!!!!!!This past week was the halfway mark for our Mission. Can't believe how fast time is flying. Only 9 more Fast Sunday's and we will be home:)

Don't know if you have read the October Ensign yet, but read the article "Where I Belong". This is written by Dorota, Dorthy, Musial, our JoVo from Poland. It would take several whole additions of the Ensign, if ALL the JoVo's wrote their stories. We still marvel at the 'Strength of Youth' here. Did you go on our Facebook Timeline and see the picture of last weeks Institute.......those are 'our YSA's.' 

Just like home, Christmas decorations are in all the stores already. IF we were sending gifts home for Christmas, it would be hard to decide what to send. We will try and get a couple of things to bring home so to tell you about the traditions of the Netherlands. Zwarte Piet, Saint Nicholas, the White Horse Saint Nicholas rides off the ship that brings him......we hope to get to one of the cities where all this happens. We understand there are thousands of people who go to the piers to watch the ship arrive. Guess we will be one of 'the thousands'. "When in the Netherlands, do as the Dutch people do." A few Halloween costumes and decorations, but this is NOT a 'holiday' they celebrate here.

Another new experience we had this week......We went to Schiphol Airport to meet Elder and Sister Pankratz as they came back from Utah. We now know where to park, where the arrival board and gate are, where to pay for parking and most important, where to exit to come to Amsterdam. So, come for a visit! 

This week when we went to Lelystad, we purchased a Checkers game, as all we have is a couple of chess sets. Dad is an excellent Checkers player, so I told those who were there, that anyone that could beat dad I would give them two euro. One of the Elders had dad a bit nervous, but in the end I was able to keep my money. Chaim, the young man that helps me cook when we go there, had made a traditional Dutch meal...... potatoes with carrots, onions, and spek (bacon) all mashed together, then served with Worst. I thought it was delicious, but dad could not quite say he enjoyed the meal...he is still longing for a good T-bone steak. When we come home and are asked to prepared a 'true Dutch' meal, this is what you will get. Any kind of vegetable can be mashed into the potatoes, but carrot's and onions are the most common......and it can be served with a piece of meat and gravy.

We did see a couple of trees that were red, yellow and orange in color. We were so excited. We will send a couple of pictures of the 'brown trees' that are most common here for the fall. The daylight hours drop each day....both in the morning and evening. We are really noticing the change. We made a comment today that in just a month it will be dark at 4:30 pm and not light again until 8:30 am UGH!!!!

Next week we will be on the RUN all week. FHE Monday evening, after spending the day with Elder and Sister Lyons. Tuesday and Wednesday are Temple Conference days.....and the Senior Couples prepare the meal both days. Wednesday night Institute, then Friday is a Zone Conference, where we prepare yet more food, and we finish off the week, or start a new one with Gouda. Senior Couples take a 'P' day when they can.

Elder and Sister Van Komen will be spending Monday and Tuesday nights with us, as they live in Groningen, which is a 3 hour drive from the Temple. With us needing to be at the temple at 9:00 am,it is just too far for them to drive back and forth 2 days in a row. Missionary work is NOT just sitting around:) This Temple Conference will be a goodbye as 8 Missionaries leave to go home:( Next week is transfer week and we get 6 new Elders and one new Sister. Just more to get to know and love.

We are SO thankful for the speedy release of Shelby from the hospital. We know prayers were heard in her behalf......and today is Ethan's birthday;) Everyone is growing older except Opa and I. We hope the Balls had fun in Wayne County. It has been raining most of the day, and dad made the comment after church, that he is amazed anyone attends church here when they have to ride their bikes or walk when it is raining so hard. These good Saints are just used to it. Just received a call that we won't need to go with the Sisters tonight after all....hey, you just get the letter early:)

We sign off with lots of hugs from Holland. We continue to read and study from the Four Gospels of the Bible. We give thanks each day to a loving Heavenly Father who sent his son to earth, that his son died on the cross for each of us, and that in this, the Latter Day, his church was Restored once again upon the earth. We are SO blessed to be members of "De Kerk Van JEZUS CHRISTUS van DE Heiligen der laatste Dagen."

Love,

Opa and Oma

Elder and Zuster deLeeuw

Pictures

Candy store with all the 'goodies' you would ever want. Hope you can see the detail on some of the candy.
Christmas boxes of candy......so wish we could afford to send some home to you!
Brown colored 'Fall leaves" of Holland
When you are driving on the Freeways there are funny objects everywhere. These Elephants are on the side of the road as we drive to Lelystad. You would think we were in Africa:)
These are the bundles of grass that are rolled up alongside of the road to be hauled off. I took this picture while the car was moving......thus the blurr
This is the apartment in Bussum we have been working on for two weeks. Maybe you can see #32 in the background.
Just a few blocks away from the Bussum apartment we found a beautiful park. Deer and Peacocks in the enclosure.
This is just ONE load of junk we hauled off to the recycle dump.

More pictures

        The 'boys' playing chess at the Lelystad Branch we attend every other Thursday.

                                                More cupcake decorating at FHE

 When we attended the Missionary Farewell for the Young man in Antwerpen, this was the group of JoVo's eating on the lawn.....the Dutch people eat at EVERY occasion:)

                                    The Cultural Hall decorated for the Ward dinner.

                                         William cooking the meat for the Ward dinner.

 One of the beautiful old buildings in Antwerpen.....I took the picture while stopped for a red light.

                                         Just some of the beautiful county side of Holland

 Our two Elders that serve in Lelystad...Elder Shoemaker, the short one, and Elder Burgess

Surprise.......pictures!

                                            Kim and Jurjan frosting cupcakes at FHE

           Dad with the Elders after the Saturday Am Session of Conference (8:00 pm here)
              Elder van de Graff AP, Elder Hansen, Elder Ellis, Elder van Overbeek AP, dad

               Dad standing at the apartment he lived in 50 years ago in Antwerpen

     Dad standing where the apartment he lived in USED to be 50 years ago in Ziest

                                             Cleaning out the storage shed in Almere

This is what our car looks like when we take food to the church for Institute. deLeeuw catering????

The Hindu lady that we have become friends with. Gave her a book of Mormon....she told us she was not interested,but each time we go into her store she asked us how Missionary work is going:)

 A swan that had walked onto the road.....look at the draw bridge open, so all the cars were stopped. When I took the picture the Swan turned it's head, so it looks 'headless'. When the bridge went down again, the swan would not move, so the man in the 'tower' had to come and chase it with a broom.

This is a new housing development going up in Diemen.  Notice the walls are just thin cement......no insulation. They put in windows and doors, brick the front of the buildings and they are ready.

Missionary Work 'Rocks'

Dear Family and Friends, goede morgen

Wow, how do you begin a Missionary letter after the announcement made at the opening session of Conference yesterday. We were watching the Saturday Morning session at 6:00 pm.......we had all 6 Missionaries in the room with us, (we have a computer and large screen TV in the JoVo room at the church, which was set up for the English speaking people to watch,) and we were all just beaming when all the Missionary messages were given. And those in the room, several who are investigators, were beaming with us. It was amazing this morning, as we checked the Facebook site, as to how many of you grandchildren ,  and the Young Adults here in the Netherlands had posted: "I'm a Mormon. I know it. I live it. I love it! And, to read the excitement as Corey had posted that he is ready to start filling out his papers.....Missionary work will just keep rolling along in the family. Elisha had even posted a 'Missionary' statement. "The field is white already to harvest", and there is SO much work to be done. Can't you just see the hand of the Lord guiding the affairs of the world. He has a plan, and we are so blessed to be part of that plan. Speaking of Missionaries.....there is a new Senior couple coming in today, and two next Saturday. One of the couples that are coming have the last name of Lyons. They will be in our Zone, so we will have deLeeuw, which means Lion in the Dutch language, and Lyons.......we had told the Elders and Sisters to watch out for the four Lion (Lyons):) Priesthood Meeting is being watched at 11:00 am this morning, then we watch the Saturday afternoon session at 2:00 pm today, and the Sunday morning session at 6:00 pm. We can watch the Sunday afternoon session live tonight at 10:00. We just marvel at  modern technology....and are SO glad we have the 'youngin's' to take care of the 'technology' for us. Dad made a comment, that 50 years ago, while he was serving here, the Missionaries were lucky to hear a couple of Conference sessions on the radio...and they were even delayed. Last night after the Conference Session, dad, Opa, mentioned the tradition of the 'boys' going out for a treat after Priesthood Meeting on Saturday night, to the Elders. They jumped right on that and said they were available to be 'the boys'. There is a Mc Donalds here in Diemen, so dad took the 'boys', and me, for a treat. What a statement to walk into Mc Donalds, with 4 young men dressed in white shirts and ties, on a Saturday night.......wearing with happiness, black badges that say: Elder......DE KERK VAN JEZUS CHRISTUS VAN DE HEILIGEN DER LAATSTE DAGEN. After treats were eaten, the Elders, before we left, saw a family enjoying treats as well, and went over for a visit. These young people serving are amazing....that is why the Lord wants and needs MORE of them!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I missed being with 'the girls'!

This has been a different Missionary week for us, as we have been helping ready the apartments for the couples coming in. We spent three days in Bussum working on that apartment. It is one of the oldest in the Mission and really needed some work done. The Salden's, who just left, were loved by all the neighbors in that apartment building, so when we were cleaning, we had several ask if we were going to be the 'new Mormon neighbors'. The lady in the next apartment, and I became friends, and she told us to trade our apartment here in Diemen, with the 'new Mormon' couple and we could go shopping, to Museums, and to Concerts. Senior couples really make a difference just by being friendly........we have taken cookies to several of our neighbors.  We may not knock on doors, but we are preparing the way for the 'Young' Missionaries:) We also spent a day in Eindhoven helping Elder and Sister Pankrtaz furnish that apartment. This apartment is only 3 years old, and what a contrast from Bussum. All modern and even some colored paint on one of the walls. The apartment was furnished so we just had to make the bed, get dishes, bathroom and kitchen supplies.....BUT, being a Dutch apartment, it has 3 levels with narrow stairs. Poor dad and Elder Pankratz's had to haul a washer and dryer up THOSE 3 levels of stairs. For now, all apartments are ready and waiting for new occupants.....and we are THRILLED to have new couples.

Speaking of Elder and Sister Pankratz. Sister Pankratz's father passed away this past week. He was just 3 days from his 93rd birthday. When she received the news of his passing she said she would not go home, Provo, to the funeral, because there was nothing she could do. But, her family said they really needed her,and the family would pay the expenses for the trip. They have 11 children.  Elder Pankratz told her she needed to go. After some thought and prayer, Elder Pankratz said he felt he needed to be with Sister Pankratz, so phone calls were made, reservations made, and yesterday morning we took them to the airport. It will be a quick trip as they return next Thursday, but Sister Pankratz said, "her heart felt at peace when they decided to go." The Pankratz's are the office couple, and the whole Mission really depends on them, so we all feel a void with their short absence. When we left them at the airport I made her 'pinky promise' they would return.

We have had to deal with a couple of problems this past week as well. We have a young man? age 44, that has been attending FHE and Institute. The age for the YSA's is 18 to 31, but we welcome anyone who does want to attend. BUT, we are encouraged to keep the attendance within that age group. This man has some life struggles, so that is why we have not said anything about his attending. The last few weeks he has really changed, we think because of some medication changes, to the point he was making the JoVo's feel very uncomfortable with his actions and comments. We became concerned when several of the joVo's came to us asking that we please do something about the situation. We called our Stake Priesthood advisor asking what we should do......our Bishop was contacted, as he was the one to talk to Lieuwe. We were afraid Lieuwe would be angry and maybe do something in retaliation, but we were assured that he is harmless. We so hated to have something like this happen, but as our Stake Leader told us, "It was time for him to move on." Another young man who was SO excited about serving a Mission, received his Mission call to the Belgium/Netherlands Mission, which a lot of young men and woman here are called to serve within their own country....his parents, especially his mother, was so mad he was called to stay in the Netherlands, has turned him against his serving, and does not want him to have any contact with any church leaders. Dad and I are keeping in contact with him on Facebook, and hope in some small way we can encourage him to still serve.......even Senior Couples have to deal with problems we don't enjoy. ( Dad just came home from Priesthood meeting and said this young man IS going to serve. The Bishop and Stake Leaders have helped him along:) We are SO THRILLED at this news.

Because it rains so much here......and this week it has POURED....there is grass growing everywhere. Along the freeways now large mowers are mowing the grass, then it is rolled into Hugh rolls and hauled away. The canals and ditches are being cleaned of moss and grass as well, all getting ready for winter. We have really noticed a difference in the daylight hours, and we go off daylight saving time on the 28th of this month......then we will really notice a difference. Not looking forward to all the darkness:(

Friday was the wedding of a the young couple we told you about last week. They are both returned Missionaries and were the leaders of the JoVo camp this summer. They were married in the town hall at 11:00 am, then sealed in the Temple at 3:00 pm. We attended their wedding reception in Utrecht Friday night, and there were so many in attendance we could hardly move. JoVo's from all over the nation came, plus we think, almost every member of the church. What a joy to have a young couple's here in the Netherlands marry in the Temple. It was interesting at the reception, people took their gifts, or cards, and personally presented them to the couple as they congratulated them. Slowed things down as they had to put the gifts on the floor, or cards in a box.....oh well, it was a beautiful occasion and we told all the YSA's, especially the Young men, to take notes as we wanted to attend several more of these before we left to come home. Several of the YSA's asked if we would come back to the Netherlands to be with them when they marry. We WILL have to come home and get full time jobs for sure. Coming back for weddings would be a joy :)

We heard a cute quote the other day: "If you are caught sleeping at work, just raise your head and say: 'In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.'

We love you. We make a declaration: "We are Mormon, are you?" "We are Mormon, we know it, we (try) to live it, and we love it!" In Matthew 5:16 it says. "Let you light so shine before men, that they may see your goods works, and glorify your father which is in Heaven." Let YOUR lights shine, that ALL may see your GREAT works, and Glorify OUR Father in Heaven.

Shelby, you are, and will be in our prayers this week. Be tough.......don't smell the Tulips:) Just look at them and know they are full of love. Corey, more Missionaries are needed here in the Netherlands, and it rains more here than in the Northwest. Travin, less than two years, and grand daughters.......19 years now! WE ARE A MISSIONARY FAMILY FOR SURE!

Loves and Hugs.......Opa and Oma

Vader and Moeder

Elder and Zuster deLeeuw

Did you get the candy we sent? Lekker