Side Trip to Amsterdam

Dearest of families,

Hello Everyone! 2/16/2009

What an awesome week we have had! I almost can't believe its already p-day again, it went by so fast. Well, we got transfer news today, and Sis. Wieland and I were correct in our assumptions that we would both be staying, but surprisingly, they decided to close down one of the sister apartments in Amsterdam and make 2 threesomes again, and we are getting Sis. Krisser here in Rotterdam! I am really excited. She was actually my trainer's MTC companion, but is leaving one transfer after her, so she is by far the most experienced sister in the mission, which I am totally excited about! It will be fun to spend another transfer learning from a super- experienced companion. From what I hear she is the sweetest, most Christ-like person ever, so we should have a fun time.

We went on exchanges this week, and I went up to Amsterdam and worked with Sis. Higham for a day. She is a mission president's daughter so she actually came out when she was 20 and is younger than me even though she's been out a full year. It was so fun to work with her and to see another part of Holland. I was completely inspired by her approaches to missionary work, and my confidence in the language was totally transformed in our day together. My companions couldn't believe how much I was saying when I got back from my exchange. I think working with her was just what I needed to help me get all geared up for this next transfer when I will no longer be "the greenie" of Rotterdam. Its funny- the more I say, the more mistakes I make, but I am also way happier and more inspired when I just open my mouth and talk. I have truly seen miracles this week in my language abilities. I even made my first 2 Dutch phone calls, which was really scary and a bit confusing for everyone involved, but successful!

Yesterday we fasted as a mission to be spiritually prepared for Elder Oaks coming in March- Did I tell you all about that already? Hmm, well, in short, Elder Oaks is coming to the Appeldorn stake conference at the beginning of march, and the area presidency approved every missionary in our mission to go and see him. A few weeks later, President Oaks will be coming to do a mission tour. No one is quite sure what is going on, but the entire mission is anticipating some big things happening in the mission very soon. Our mission president has asked us to be EXACTLY obedient and work like we have never worked before to prepare ourselves to receive direction in March, so that’s what we did! I am so excited!

Not much extremely new happened this week. We have a baptism on Saturday- 2 of our investigators will be baptized. They had their interviews last night, and Andre- one of the investigators just couldn't stop smiling after his interview. He is sooo excited to be baptized and is so prepared to "serve God for eternity" as he expresses it. Well, actually he says "dient God voor eeuwig" but it means the same thing :) I am so excited to be here to experience their baptisms. From what I've heard, they were the most prepared people ever for the gospel, and they are already totally active in the ward. It will be fun to watch them progress as new members.

I got another flat tire last night- that seems to be my curse here. We'll try to fix is ourselves this time, but I think it might be beyond repair, in which case we'll have to pay to have it repaired again- not much fun, and expensive, but hey- the work must go on!

Oh, I almost forgot- thank you so much for the sweet valentine! I just love hearing from you all!Oh, and Sis. Bennett is being transferred from Amsterdam to Gouda, which is in our zone, so we'll have TONS of fun at zone conference together. We're really excited. I saw her during our exchange. She is struggling, but perked up a bit after we talked and laughed A LOT together! These sisters in the mission are amazing!

Well, its time to head out, but I love you all so much! Be sure to keep me updated on big happenings, or small ones too- I love it! I'm sorry to hear about Ms. Cheeky- she's in a better place now. And Niki- let me know when you find out what you're doing on your trip!

Love you all!

Love,
Zuster Cherie Gulliver