Hoi!

Hello Family!

Thank you so much for all of the birthday cards, wishes, and my awesome package! It got there on my birthday exactly. You all are really good with the timing! For my birthday, our host father made me a cake and that night bought us Turkish pizzas, which were really tasty and reminded me of Rotterdam- we often bought them on cold days to warm up and have a little bit of dinner as we were out tracting. It was overall a really good birthday. We had to travel to Den Haag for legality for Zr. Driggs, so it was hectic, but a lot of fun.

Anne and Edgar are getting married? That’s awesome! Wish them the best if you remember. I'll try to send a card if you get me their address. Which reminds me, could you please send me Amber's address, I really need to send her a letter.

I am sad to hear that Coco died, but I said my goodbyes before my mission. We all figured she wouldn't be around when I got home. Man, what a good dog. Tommy's got some big shoes to fill.

We had a really rough week. We tracted- a lot- and had some really negative experiences. It seemed a little bit like we were just being pounded into the ground as far as opposition, but in the end, we worked through it and had a MIRACULOUS Sunday. We had 7 investigators in church!!! That’s totally a huge record, and was unexpected, which was great. The Lord just pours out His blessings on us when we do our best and don't give up. We also found a new investigator that evening, which just ended the week on a great note. The branch is starting to really trust us when they see that we have seen success as we tract, which can only lead to more member referrals, which will be awesome.

They just moved the young adult center (a sort of institute center) into our church building here in Dordrecht from Rotterdam, which means we will work a lot more with the young adults in the stake, and it also means that I get to see Lenneke (my very first baptism) all the time! She is doing great- and is the young adult rep for the ward. She is probably one of the most active young adults in the stake at this point, and it is so great to see her embrace the gospel so fully. She apparently runs every young adult meeting in the stake, and is really admired by everyone. It was a shock to the leaders here when I told them that she's a convert of 6 months. I just love that girl :) Our first meeting with the YSA council was on my birthday, and watching her serve in her position was probably the best birthday gift ever.

Its good to hear that everyone is back in the house and enjoying each other's company. It sounds super cozy :) Phil, good luck with the master's program- it'll be over before you know it. Niki, try not to let Cozy distract you too much from the homework- although it makes for a great excuse to play with her instead, I'm sure. Heather, when I get back I'm going to need some serious dance stretch therapy- I have lost ALL flexibility since coming on my mission- maybe its the permanent tense muscles that seem to have grown since becoming a trainer. Oh, and for the record, I think Auntie Beebs will be a fine name :)

Parents, thank you for being such a great example of service in the church, I have come to appreciate it so much more being on a mission. I love you!

IK hou van jullie!
Love,
Zuster Cherie Gulliver