Laugh or Cry

Dear Family and Friends,

Sister Hinkley once said: "You can laugh, or you can cry....but crying gives you a headache." We have done a lot of laughing this week, trying not to cry. We did finally find some turkeys, but, are you sitting down.......we had to pay 50 euro for a 20 lb turkey. That would be about $65.00 in American dollars =( We went to several stores and were told that turkeys are sold here in December, NOT November. One store manager said he might need to start ordering a few turkeys in November for all the Americans asking for them. At least we have them for the dinner. The number we have so far is about 65, give or take 5 or 10. We need an exact count by Monday so we can start the cooking. Another thing that had Oma almost in tears....we started the Dutch class on Tuesday. The man teaching is NOT a teacher, he said so himself, and he was teaching us how to speak Dutch in Dutch. I looked at Opa with the 'help' look on my face.......don't know if this man is the best to help with this difficult language. We cannot attend this Tuesday, as we will be at the Mission home, so we will have a week to see if we want to return to the class. We learn more from the computer programs. But we will keep learning!

President Robinson called Opa and I into the Mission Office last Monday for an interview. No, we are not being sent home for bad behavior.....with Elder and Sister Everton leaving next month, Sister Everton being the Mission nurse, President Robinson wanted to know IF Sister Robinson needed me to help her with some Medical issues would I be willing to do so. Elder Everton has also been the 'handy man' of the Mission, so Opa was asked if he could step in and help that way as well. With Elder and Sister Lyons here to help us with the YSA's, IF we are needed elsewhere, they can step in and help. We are here to serve in any way we are asked. Lots of apartments to be found and fixed for 80 new Missionaries.

We need a new parking permit. Here in the Netherlands you have to pay for parking everywhere in some form or another. Here in our apartment complex we pay for a years parking permit to park in front of our own apartment. The cost is 62 euros a year. When we arrived in the Netherlands we were signed into Leiden, where the Mission Office is. Well, now we need the parking permit we need to sign out of Leiden and into Diemen. Dad and I got all the forms from the Mission Office, all of OUR legal forms, and took off to the Diemen City Building. Dad sailed through just fine......had all the papers that were needed, pink card showing he was a residence of the Netherlands. Then my turn. I have the pink card, papers....but I am NOT on the computer as signed into the Netherlands. I have even been offered Social Security from the Dutch Government! After several tries, the lady behind the desk said I had to bring in 'other numbers and papers' to show I WAS legal here. No, I did not cry, but I had to poke dad so he would not say a 'not nice word.' Bless dad for his good record keeping. He found the papers with my 'Dutch SS Numbers', so off the next day we go again to the City Building. On our passports my name has a space between the DE Leeuw, and that is why my name could not be brought up on the system. FINALLY, after another hour, I am signed into Diemen, we got our parking permit and hopefully we will be OK until we have to sign out of Diemen before we leave to come home. We made the comment that we wonder what people from other Countries have to do when they come to the United States. While we were waiting in the lobby, a man sitting next to us asked why we were here. I was able to say IN DUTCH. We are Missionaries for De Kerk van Jezus Christus Van de Heiligen der Laatste Dagen. He looked puzzled, so I asked if he had heard of the 'Mormon' Kerk. We laughed because he asked if we were a Protestant Church. His number was called as I told him NO, we are a Christian Kerk. Hey, at least he was told the name of who we are serving this Mission for.

We told you last week about the young man from Brazil being baptized. This we DID cry about. He has been living with his step father here in Amsterdam. His step father does not believe there is a God, and is really upset that Junior was Baptized. Junior has been asked to leave. He, Junior will be confirmed tomorrow and receive the Aaronic Priesthood, then on Monday will fly to Portugal where he will live for at least a year. His dream is to come to the United States, and attend BYU. He is already talking about serving a mission. We so hate to say good bye to this young man. HE was in tears on Wednesday as he was telling us he had to leave. We hope to keep in close touch with him, and IF he can come to Utah, we told him we would be his family there =) You will be getting lots of new cousins if everyone that wants to come for a stay comes. He hopes to be in Utah next year for Christmas, if all goes as he hopes it does.

Did we tell you about our car? A couple of months ago there were no parking spaces in front of our apartment, so we had to park out on the street. Next morning we noticed that someone had run into the drivers side car door leaving a big dent. SO, something else that needed to be done....find a dealership here in Amsterdam who can fix the dent. Thank Heavens people here speak English. Dad found a place where the car can be repaired, and they were nice enough to even offer a 'loaner car' for the few days ours will be worked on. We just hope it is not a two seater bicycle =) Always something to keep us busy.

I was asked yesterday if I would teach the lesson in RS tomorrow. Oh my. I am more that happy to do so....but now someone has to translate what I say into Dutch, then if I ask a question, someone has to translate for me what was said. This will be a VERY interesting hour. Missionary work is amazing as we do so many different things. And on that note........the sandwiches that need to be made for next Saturday for Ring Conference. 240!!!!!!!! plus 120 raisin buns. 120 cheese and 120 meat....just with butter. Milk, apple juice and bottled water. The budget is 120 euro. Did we mention how interesting Missionary work is.......but we are loving what we are doing. Dad just keeps reminding me to 'take one day at a time.'

We experienced something amazing this morning! Sinta Klass has officially arrived in Holland. Sinta Klass comes on a boat from Spain. With him he brings Zwarte Piet, a black elf, that kidnaps all the naughty children. This morning Sinta Klass arrived on his boat, right on the Canal in front of our apartment. It made Opa and I laugh as we saw so many children dressed as Zwarte Piet, faces painted black and everything. We took pictures of some of the children. When we asked if we could take their pictures, their parents were thrilled as we told them we were sending the pictures to our Klein Kinderen in America. Anyway.....Sinta Klass arrived, accompanied by a marching band, he got onto a horse drawn carriage, and taken into the the Diemen Centrum. This was so fun so see how another Culture celebrates Christmas. Zwarte Piet did not kidnap any children, but gave out bags full of Kruid Noten spice cookies and candy. December 5th is Sinta Klass day, and that is the day families get together and gifts are exchanged. The Dutch children put carrots and hay in their wooden shoes for Sinta Klass Horse, while Sinta Klass is leaving gifts. He rides around that night on his white horse....much like Santa's sleigh and the Reign deer. December 25th is a day for church, and the 26th of December is a holiday celebrated as the 2nd day of Christmas. This morning was another time we wished you were all here!

This week has been very foggy and cold. With us living so close to the North Sea, we get the cold air from the water and the fog goes right through to our bones. Dad finally had to buy me a coat, something we did not want to do, but it is just tooooo cold going out with my K-Mart plastic short coat. Last night as we were going for our walk, I was warm for the first time, and could have kept on walking for a few more streets. We put the hoods up on the coats, wear scarves around our necks, gloves.........I wear my wool leggings. Don't know how these Dutch women wear skirts and ride bikes in the winter here. Guess they are just used to these temperatures.

You are receiving this on Saturday as tomorrow is Gouda again. We do get some 'down time' but not much......we can have that when we come home =) We Wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. We will miss being with our family, but will be having Thanksgiving with our 'Nethersland Family.' We have been so blessed  to have good health, meet the wonderful people we have. Been able to share our Testimonies with those who the Missionaries are teaching. We are SO thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who restored his church here again upon this earth, through the Prophet Joseph Smith. We are thankful for a LIVING prophet, Thomas S. Monson, who guides and directs us today. WE ARE ALL SO BLESSED. Thursday, please let your Thanksgiving prayer be one of THANKS for ALL WE DO HAVE!!!!!

We love you all.

Opa and Oma

Vader and Moeder

Elder and Zuster deLeeuw

More Pictures

Traditional Dutch meal Stomput with worst

Beautiful Holland

Chocolate cell phones

And computer

Look at those stripes

What Oma does best

 

 

 

Pictures

Oma making pasta at the Ward dinner
Junior, the young man from Brazil, that was Baptized last Sunday
ollie bolen stands, that are all over now for the Christmas Holidays
Some of the Lekker ollie bolens
Bloemmarkt where we bought the Christmas ornaments. Downtown Amsterdam =(
Young Adults playing games at the Halloween party
'Traditional Halloween' eten
Christmas decorations in the shopping center

Running shoes needed

Dear Family and Friends,

What a week.......Next week should be a bit slower, but we will see. This week we said 'goodbye' to Elder and Zuster Van Komen, and today we meet Elder and Zuster Spek, who will be serving in Groningen. The Spek's are the last of the new Senior Couples that we know of, that will be coming here to the Belgium/Netherlands Mission. While we were at the Mission Home, President Robinson told us that he had requested 80 additional Missionaries for this Mission, hopefully to come in the next 9 months. We have heard that the number of young men and women sending in Mission papers has more than doubled........so 80 should not be much of a problem. There are SO many little Dutch Villages that have never had Missionaries......there is still so much Missionary work here in Holland to be done. Elder and Sister Anjewierdan, dare you to pronounce that name correctly, just heard that their grand daughter has been called to serve in this mission. They are so excited. There are no Zuster Missionaries in the Apeldoorn Zone, where they serve, But they will see her at Zone Conference and at the Temple. Neat!

Dad and I are taking a "Dutch class", taught by a member of the Amsterdam Ward. I was not able to go last week, which was the first class, but we hope to attend each Tuesday for the 1 1/2 hour instruction. Dad was asked to give the prayer at the dinner for the Van Komens. He gave a beautiful prayer IN DUTCH!!!! He is getting more comfortable with this language, and I am so proud of him. I hope to say a few more words before coming home, but to pronounce the words is VERY difficult. When I was at the store the other day, where the pretty Hindu lady works. I told her I was trying to learn some Dutch words so I could talk to her.....her reply: "Why? I love to talk in English to you." 

The Mormon Church has really been in the spotlight here in this Country, because of Mitt Romney running for President. One of the JoVo's had posted a TV show segment, where two LDS couples were being interviewed. They told about their conversion to the church and how that had changed their lives. The TV 'show' took a tour of an LDS Church, showing the class rooms, chapel, and Baptismal Font. Best publicity the church could ever get. I think we told you last week, that one of the Elders was asked if he worked for Mitt Romney. The person asking, noticing the name of the church on his Missionary Badge. That is ONE good thing that came from this election.......

Stake Conference is being held the 24th and 25th of this month. Saturday the meetings will be held at the Amsterdam Chapel. Because the Brethren have to travel so far, and can't go home between meetings, the Stake furnishes sandwiches for them. Guess who has been asked to make 100 sandwiches =) Because we live so close to the Chapel, we are asked to open the building, unlock the parking lot gate, check on things at the church, quite often. Another 'take for granted.' The Sunday Session of Stake Conference is being held in a large rented building in Noordwijkerhout...where ever that is. Because so few members have cars, the Amsterdam Ward has rented a bus that will seat 55, to take members to the Sunday meeting. It costs 5 euro per person, or 10 euro per family. And we drive our cars 1 block to attend Conference. It will be interesting to see how Conference is translated into several different languages. We are getting more and more Spanish speaking families here in the Amsterdam Ward. I will take notes.

We are still trying to find Turkeys for our JoVo thanksgiving dinner. The markets here have them for Christmas NOT November. The word is out about the dinner, and we have been told that JoVo's from other Stakes are asking if they can attend the dinner. We have had to be quite firm in saying NO, as we could easily feed "the 5 thousand' that night. We hope our church has enough chairs, tables, and dishes to feed the JoVo's from our Stake. I sent out invitations to the Stake Presidency and their wives, the Institute Teachers, and the High Councilmen over the Centers. Everyone seems really excited about this event.......we told the JoVo's last week at Institute that if we could not purchase Turkeys, we would give each one of them a slingshot, and they could start shooting Pigeons and Seagulls for the dinner. Wish someone could overnight 'Fed Ex' several Turkeys =) 7 to 10 euro per Kilo......that is $3.50 to $5.00 per lb =(

Dad went on splits with the Elders this week. With the Stake wanting the members to be more involved in teaching, we are not asked to go as often as we used to. We love going with the Elders and Sisters, and miss the Missionary teaching=( We have been given a list of 'inactivies' in the Amsterdam ward, and will go and see if we can look up several of them. This will not be an easy task...but that is what Missionaries do. The Bishop made a comment,"let me know if and how many doors were slammed in your face"........encouragement???????

Friday evening the Amsterdam Ward held an Italian Night dinner. Fresh dough for 'make your own pizza', spaghetti, salads, ingredients so we could MAKE our own pasta, what an event. The cultural hall was so crowded we could hardy move about. Mary Kate, our JoVo Opera singer, even sang a few Italian songs. The Dutch Saints love a good party. Last night, Saturday, we went to Den Haag, where the Stake Building is, to a High Priest Social. The dinner was Indonesian, and was so spicy it made our eyes water. We laughed at the meal begin served to "old" High Priests, saying we would all go home with indigestion =) After the dinner, the film 17 Miracles was shown. Many of the people were in tears watching the movie, and made comment they knew that the Pioneers had struggles and hardships, but this film made them really realize how much they did struggle. The film was in English, and for a change, the Dutch people had to have translation!!!!=)

Today in Sacrament meeting it was a 'celebration' of 150 years since the first Baptism in the Netherlands. The Bishop gave some History of the church in Holland which was so interesting. The Amsterdam church Building was built in 1960, and took 3 years to complete. There are 16 different Nationalities that attend church in Amsterdam! A Sister bore her Testimony in Spanish, being translated into Dutch, then English. Then another Sister bore her Testimony in some African Language, that no one could translate. It was so funny cause this sister was almost dancing as she bore her Testimony.......the choir sang "Love One another" in 3 languages, one verse, a couple of the choir members did 'Dutch Sign Language'. Next week the Primary will present the program.

The Elders have been teaching a young man, 21 years old, from Brazil. Jose Wilson Santos Marinho Almeida Junior. He has been attending FHE and Institute for a couple of months. Today he was baptized. He speaks Dutch, English, Spanish, and Portuguese. His mother came from Brazil to see Junior, that is so much easier than that long name, be baptized. She speaks only Portuguese, so everything had to be translated for her. After the Baptism we had an 'eten', and when we gave Junior a hug, he was just beaming and said, "I and SO happy." He is already talking about serving a Mission. THIS is the joy of Missionary work.

Well, you are probably getting really tired of reading about all of our happenings. This is part of our journal, so you just have to endure. We have heard, and thanks to Cameron and Darren, have seen pictures of all your snow.......we hope Utah gets LOTS of snow this winter to make up for the lack of it last year. Feast or Famine. Cameron told us about the tree next door, in the Morgans back yard, being split by the snow. Good for us....less leaves to rake next fall.

We love you all. Please keep the Missionaries in your prayers, as we know you already do. It was one year ago on the 15th of November that we received our Mission call.....look what has happened in that year. 8 months from now we will be home. We can't believe how quickly the time is going. We give thanks each day for the opportunity of being able to serve this Mission. So little for all the Savior has done for us!

HUGS FROM HOLLAND

Opa and Oma

Vader and Moeder

Elder and Zuster deLeeuw

Hugs from Holland

Dear family and Friends,

We were looking at our Mission Call this morning and realized how quickly time DOES fly by 'when you are having a good time':) We received the call on November 15th 2011, and here we are, more than half way through the call we received. Wow!

We have had a fun week. It started with our Halloween party at FHE. I made HOME MADE Chili:) No Nalley's on the shelves here...the JoVo's LOVED it. I had also made some red jello, and put gummy worms in that. Jello is a real treat here, and Sister Westra, the Sister from Alkmaar, that helps us with the JoVo's there, was just drooling over the 'jelli'. I won't say that we take jello for granted, but I guess we do. Of course we had applesap, and Donuts. The Jovo's called it a 'traditional American Halloween meal'. After we ate, Kim, our FHE coordinator, had some fun Halloween games planned, that all enjoyed. Even if Holland kids do not Trick and Treat, they have fun with the American holiday.

On Wednesday, we fixed Bami noodles and fruit salad. We had two LARGE pans fixed and could have had yet another one. We fed 26!!!! That is the largest group we have had yet:) When we went into the Jovo room there was 'standing room only'. We have a Casio that we use to sing our Hymns, and we had to remove that to move in more chairs. We are SOOOO thrilled to see our numbers increase. This is why we are here!

We have mentioned the new Senior Couple, Elder and Sister Lyons, that live in Bussum, which is in our Zone. When they received their Mission Call, it was to serve in a Young Adult Center in the Belgium/Netherlands Mission. When they arrived here in the Mission Field there were NO YSA Centers that needed a Senior Couple. The Mission President was not sure what their assignment should be, and our Stake President has been working with them to find the 'right place' for them to serve. After a few very frustrating weeks for Elder and Sister Lyons, they have  been asked to help us in the Amsterdam Center......we are thrilled to have them working with us. We have been traveling to the different Wards and Branches that have JoVo's coming to attend the Center, and now we can share that load with them. We also go to Lelystad twice a month, which is an hours drive for us, so with them living closer to Lelystad, we will ask them to go there. We have been asked by the Amsterdam Ward leadership, to help visit some inactive members, and see if they still even live in the Ward. The Amsterdam Ward takes in such a large area, with so many people, it is hard to keep tract of those who become inactive, not knowing if they have moved, or have just become inactive. We were visiting with the RS President this morning, and she mentioned how frustrating it is to keep track of all 'her sisters'. You should see the list of 'inactive's'. We have noticed already, that a couple of the African men that were recently baptized. are not attending Church any longer. The Ward has several teachers that are from America, that teach the English speaking classes.........they finish with their jobs and they are gone. Pray for the Leadership here. We have really gained a greater appreciation for them, and the trials they have to deal with. In one of the branches we visit, the Branch President has gone for over 3 months without any Counselors. It will be sweet having another Couple to help love these YSA's. Dad and I said that it will be nice to have the Lyons here, so when we come home, the Center is not left alone until another Missionary Couple comes. The Center will have some stability.

We have taken on another American Tradition....this one is going to be HUGH! The JoVo's asked if we would cook a Thanksgiving Dinner for them.....OK....then we were asked if the Den Haag Center could be invited......OK.....then the Stake Presidency and their wives.......then the Mission President and Sister Robinson........then the Institute Instructors........It will be held Thursday November 22nd, THANKSGIVING DAY:) We will have a dinner with ALL the trimmings, with a program to follow. We as Senior Couples, will do the cooking, and have asked the JoVo's to provide the program. We might feed 60 or more. Turkeys here in the Netherlands, cost 7 euro per Kilo.......that is $3.50 per lb:( We are trying to get some Turkeys from Germany, as they, we are told, cheaper. This will be interesting to say the least. Fixing for 24 in the deLeeuw family, piece of cake:) Next year, Chuck-A-Rama, sounds GREAT!!!!!

Dad and I tried something on our own Friday. We took a big deep breath, and took a 'leap of Faith' into Amsterdam. The Tram that goes into Amsterdam is right across the canal from us. We wanted to find the 'Blomenmarkt' in downtown. We asked Kim to help us with the correct Tram stop once we got into downtown. Yea, we did it!!!! We really hate the feeling of downtown Amsterdam......not a place we like to stay in for long. We found what we went looking for, even had lunch at a 'sidewalk cafe', got back on the Tram, and made it home. Not bad for a couple of 'Utah'ites'. We are so blessed to be living where we live .Outside of the big City. We know now, how to act somewhat intelligent, if and when we get any visitors, that want to go into Amsterdam;) Now, if I could only speak the language. Dad is speaking more Dutch, and feeling a bit more comfortable. I answered the phone this morning, saying "good morning" in Dutch, and the Elder calling, ask if I was Zuster deLeeuw. Go me!!!!!!

Something to make you smile. While we were coming home from Amsterdam on the tram, our cell phone rang. It was the Assistance's to the President. "Hey, what are you doing?" they asked...."WHY, what do you need?" No call is ever a social call......."Well, we were wondering if we could come over to your apartment in a few minutes and help you make cookies. We are visiting a family, and we think they would like to have some American Cookies." "When do you need these cookies." "In a couple of hours would be great." Got to love these Elders. "We are on the Tram coming home, so it will be awhile." "That's Ok, just let us know when you get home and we will come over." Cookies WERE made, Elders and the family happy........Missionary work........the thrill of it all.

This week is 'out of control' busy. That is why our Missionary time is going so quickly. Saying 'goodbye dinner' for the Van Komens, FHE, Institute, Lelystad, Zone training, Amsterdam Ward Celebration, Stake High Priest Social, and to end the week a Baptism, for a Young man who is JoVo age, and is SO excited to be Baptized. Already talking about a Mission. We heard today that on Tuesdays, a Dutch language class is being taught at the Church, so, if we can fit that in as well, maybe Oma can learn a few more words, and how to pronounce them.

It is COLD. Rains most everyday, gets dark by 5:00 pm, but we are happy and love doing what we are doing. This morning we made a list of all that needs to be done, and wonder if we will have the time and especially the energy to do it all. Each day in our prayers we DO ask for health and strength to do 'his work'. So far so good.

We thank you for all the Halloween pictures, and when Opa saw all the leaves Cameron and Alexis were raking, he is glad it is them, NOT him, this year;) Some things are not missed. We KNOW prayers were heard in behalf of Shelby. We give thanks each day for the blessing of her life. This makes us want to work harder and be better Missionaries.

We love you all more than you will ever know. Thank you for your support so we can serve. Have a great week.....keep smiling,and say your prayers.

Love, Moeder and Vader

Opa and Oma

Elder and Zuster deLeeuw

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