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
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