Life in Dordrecht!

Dearest of families,

Well, it’s good to know that you are all safely at home in America now. I'm sorry to hear that the jet-lag is hitting hard. As I told my greenie- the only true cure for jet lag is to work it off... or at least it seems to work for the missionaries :) She's adjusting rather well to the time change, and doesn't complain at all about being tired. She's a hard worker, which is great. She does, however, have a hard time keeping up with me on the bike- a feeling that was all too familiar to me in my first transfer. It’s funny to remember what things were so unfamiliar and frustrating to me in my first transfer, and how I have adjusted to the point where they don't even phase me. It makes me grateful for the progress I have made.

As for the work, it’s going great! Somehow, despite a companionship with less than a year of cumulative experience in the field, the Lord has been using us to help his children, and it is so amazing to watch Him work here in Dordrecht! It is humbling that we are able to see such miracles. I am just so happy for my little greenie- she's seeing some awesome miracles that will inspire her for the rest of her mission. We had 4 investigators in church on Sunday (a record for the area) and we challenged Kamara, a man from Sierra Leone, to be baptized, and he accepted!! It was great, and he speaks English, which is great for Zr. Driggs. There is also a brand new senior couple that has joined us in the branch. They’re great to have around. They're name is Langeveld, and he is actually Dutch, but grew up in the US. He speaks Dutch, and she is learning fast, they are awesome. The senior couples here are such good examples of selfless service. It is a blessing to have them and their new enthusiasm is great to have in the area. As Zr. Langeveld puts it, I'm a trainer stuck with 3 greenies. Luckily the senior couple has a car, which makes them a REALLY valuable asset to the Dordrecht team, and we can always use more greenie Spirit and faith.

Two of the investigators we had in Church this Sunday were Laurie and Den. They are an awesome Dutch couple who have been investigating since about a week before I got here, and they love the church! They're not sure about the Book of Mormon or restored authority, but they love coming to church and associating with the members. As they put it, they feel like there is something special with this church, and they are anxious to find out what it is... they're awesome :) They are coming to the potluck on Friday and are even bringing a salad. It is so great to see how that Lord prepares people and places them in situations to meet the missionaries and investigate the church. On Sunday, Laurie gave me the best compliment ever. She said that she was amazed at how quickly the missionaries make her feel at home. She said that she feels instantly at home with us and just thinks that that is such a special, rare thing. It is so fun to watch people discover the spirit and describe their experiences with them. It makes you realize just how valuable those "special" moments are when the Spirit is with you- something that we as members can often take for granted.

As for me, I'm loving life. Zr. Driggs is a great companion. We get along just great. Now that our english fast is over, I've learned that she LOVES to talk... in large amounts :) I really do love her. We have a blast together, and I am learning so much from her and from my experiences as a trainer. I know the Lord loves me, but more importantly, I know that He loves His children that he allows us to work with, and is willing to give us all of the direction we need to succeed in this work.Well, my time is up. I love you all!

Ik hou van jullie!
Love,Zuster Gulliver
P.S. We cleaned up our host-mom's garden today- gardening is my newest passion! Just so you know :)