5/11/2009
Dearest Family,
As you have probably figured out from the subject line, Zr. Wieland and I were shocked this morning to learn that we are both staying in Rotterdam and we're getting a third companion, Zr. Higham, who is in her last transfer. It is so awesome! Not only do I get to stay in my beloved Rotterdam, but I get to work with a very, very good missionary at the end of her mission. What a blessing! Zr. Wieland and Zr. Higham will be co-seniors, and I still get to kick around as a little junior companion :) At least for this transfer.
Well, the most exciting thing that happened this week was that Albertina, one of our baptismal dates that didn't go through last month, has re-committed to being baptized by the end of May!!! We are so excited for her, and now I get to be here for her baptism. So exciting!
We have decided as a companionship that we are going to eat super healthy this transfer. Both of my comps want to lose mission weight and I just don't want to get sick, or start approaching weight-gain problems, so we're committed to doing it. Yammer, I guess that means no more superwafels for me :( Maybe if we split it three ways that could count as a "healthy snack".) We'll have to see. Then again, grocery shopping here in Europe is way too much fun, which makes it hard to not eat too much. The grocery stores are a lot smaller than in America, and they just have a different feel. It is normal in Europe to shop like every three days, so everything is in small quantities (like you can't buy more than 2 liters of milk in one container). It makes for a very cute, "trendy" looking store. I just have WAY too much fun. Plus, the nutrition fact labels here are crazy. I just love it! On Saturday, I went and taught one of our English-speaking members how to lose weight and better control her diet and she invited her non-member friend to join. It was so fun. I got to use my "special skills", talk about food, and find new investigators all at once!
There is just so much sunshine in our souls... even if it’s not always in the skies here in the Netherlands. We are truly experiencing the joy and happiness promised to those who work hard to share the gospel. One of the greatest things I've learned on my mission is that Heavenly Father gives us weaknesses to help us see areas in our life for potential strengths. For example, I have a study journal that I use to record all of the awesome things I learn during studies. In the MTC, my study journal was just a notebook where I wrote things down and it was totally unorganized, and I realized that my method of recording things that I learned was really bad, and I prayed to know how I could find a system that would help me better record and use the things I learned on my mission. I now have an awesome system and am building up a huge stock-pile of spiritual insights I have gained that I can use after my mission. So cool! Whenever I use it I remember my old method and am so grateful I realized that weakness and chose to pray for help and work on it. The Lord is just waiting to help us improve ourselves if we are willing to humble ourselves to allow him to change us. I love you all! Take care!
Love, Zuster Cherie Gulliver
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
May 4, 2009
Dearest Family, 5/4/2009
My heart is so sad to hear of the passing of Dorothy Crosby. I loved that woman, and feel so sad for Grandpa. Give him my love and tell him my prayers are with him. I know that our Heavenly Father is aware of him and also of Dorothy and that she is now experiencing more love than she has ever experienced. In Alma 40:11-14, we learn that we are all taken directly home to our Heavenly Father- I can only imagine what a loving, warm experience that must be. I am so grateful for the Gospel which gives us such an understanding of these things. We can feel sadness, of course, but also hope and understanding- and most importantly love and rest from our Heavenly Father. I am so grateful for my Savior who died for us so that we can overcome death. Our Savior Lives!
As for the work here in Rotterdam, on Tuesday, I received a strong impression that the forces of good and evil were mounting, and that opposition was coming our way- its so weird that you can sense those things on your mission- and sure enough, we saw more opposition this week than we have experienced on my mission so far. It was a tough week, but we are doing our best to stay happy and up-beat and just move forward. We are trying our best to be more obedient, more diligent, and to overlook the fact that we're both brand new at this :)
Of course, tomorrow marks my 6th month on my mission, which is crazy to think about- I can't believe its a third over. Time is flying by, and I can't imagine not being here serving the Lord in just one year. It really helps me to work that much harder- the time is short! I have had so many cool experiences with the members here in Rotterdam. They are so strong! Transfers are coming up next week, and I can't imagine leaving these people. I love them more than I ever thought I would. Of course, we never know what will happen, but that doesn't stop me from crying after the last Sunday before every transfer thinking about the possibility of leaving. I just love it here!
I love you all and hope you are all enjoying the springtime. I miss you!
Ik hou van jullie!
Love,
Zuster Cherie Gulliver
My heart is so sad to hear of the passing of Dorothy Crosby. I loved that woman, and feel so sad for Grandpa. Give him my love and tell him my prayers are with him. I know that our Heavenly Father is aware of him and also of Dorothy and that she is now experiencing more love than she has ever experienced. In Alma 40:11-14, we learn that we are all taken directly home to our Heavenly Father- I can only imagine what a loving, warm experience that must be. I am so grateful for the Gospel which gives us such an understanding of these things. We can feel sadness, of course, but also hope and understanding- and most importantly love and rest from our Heavenly Father. I am so grateful for my Savior who died for us so that we can overcome death. Our Savior Lives!
As for the work here in Rotterdam, on Tuesday, I received a strong impression that the forces of good and evil were mounting, and that opposition was coming our way- its so weird that you can sense those things on your mission- and sure enough, we saw more opposition this week than we have experienced on my mission so far. It was a tough week, but we are doing our best to stay happy and up-beat and just move forward. We are trying our best to be more obedient, more diligent, and to overlook the fact that we're both brand new at this :)
Of course, tomorrow marks my 6th month on my mission, which is crazy to think about- I can't believe its a third over. Time is flying by, and I can't imagine not being here serving the Lord in just one year. It really helps me to work that much harder- the time is short! I have had so many cool experiences with the members here in Rotterdam. They are so strong! Transfers are coming up next week, and I can't imagine leaving these people. I love them more than I ever thought I would. Of course, we never know what will happen, but that doesn't stop me from crying after the last Sunday before every transfer thinking about the possibility of leaving. I just love it here!
I love you all and hope you are all enjoying the springtime. I miss you!
Ik hou van jullie!
Love,
Zuster Cherie Gulliver
Monday, April 27, 2009
From the Lady Patrolling the Streets of Rotterdam
Hello Family! 4/27/2009
I sure do love you all. I hope you know what an amazing family you are! I consider myself very blessed to be able to come from such a wonderful, faithful family.
The Subject line in this e-mail this week comes from one of our referrals we received from an investigator in Zoetremeer. We called up this man, who lives in our area, and he turned out to be from Nigeria. We have lots of "African Brothas" who live here in the Netherlands, and they love to hear the "word of God" whenever we come by. Their English speech pattern is really quite comical at times and they just say some of the funniest things. Anyways, we talked to our African Brother on the phone and he explained that he was really excited to meet with us and already had a Book of Mormon. He had received it from "the ladies patrolling the streets of Rotterdam". My companion and I couldn't help but laugh at that one. If any of you are ever concerned about the state of the city of Rotterdam, have no fear-- Zuster Gulliver and Wieland are on patrol!
This week was a rough one. I experienced for the first time life as a really sick missionary. Tuesday I started feeling really sick at district meeting, and by that evening, I went home an hour early because I had a really high temperature and couldn't really function. We had to take an hour out of each of the next two days so I could sleep, and I was pretty much miserable for like 4 days in a row. It really stunk. The worst part was that I really, really wanted to be out working and doing the work I was called to do here, but I had to stay in bed. It was NOT fun. I'm pretty much recovered, I still have cold-like symptoms, but I don't feel nearly as weak as I did earlier this week. It really makes me grateful for my health, and also for senior missionaries who mother us like crazy when we're sick!
Another blow this week was that, while I was sick with the flu, we went and visited Albertina, our baptismal candidate for this week, and in talking to her, she admitted to us that she was actually not fully living the word of wisdom yet, making her not quite worthy for baptism. We had to get busy real fast to call off her baptism, which was not very much fun. She is a great woman and will be baptized soon, but it was still disappointing to have it not go through.
Despite the unique challenges this week, we are still doing great. We are definitely in a time of learning and growing, which is quite painful at times, but reminds me of who is really in charge of this work. I know the Lord makes us enough for our callings- he always has for me, and I know he always will. I love the Lord. Serving Him as a full-time missionary has already blessed me more than I could ever imagine.
Well, I have to go. I love you all!! Take care, and parents- you're amazing!
Love,
Zuster Cherie Gulliver
I sure do love you all. I hope you know what an amazing family you are! I consider myself very blessed to be able to come from such a wonderful, faithful family.
The Subject line in this e-mail this week comes from one of our referrals we received from an investigator in Zoetremeer. We called up this man, who lives in our area, and he turned out to be from Nigeria. We have lots of "African Brothas" who live here in the Netherlands, and they love to hear the "word of God" whenever we come by. Their English speech pattern is really quite comical at times and they just say some of the funniest things. Anyways, we talked to our African Brother on the phone and he explained that he was really excited to meet with us and already had a Book of Mormon. He had received it from "the ladies patrolling the streets of Rotterdam". My companion and I couldn't help but laugh at that one. If any of you are ever concerned about the state of the city of Rotterdam, have no fear-- Zuster Gulliver and Wieland are on patrol!
This week was a rough one. I experienced for the first time life as a really sick missionary. Tuesday I started feeling really sick at district meeting, and by that evening, I went home an hour early because I had a really high temperature and couldn't really function. We had to take an hour out of each of the next two days so I could sleep, and I was pretty much miserable for like 4 days in a row. It really stunk. The worst part was that I really, really wanted to be out working and doing the work I was called to do here, but I had to stay in bed. It was NOT fun. I'm pretty much recovered, I still have cold-like symptoms, but I don't feel nearly as weak as I did earlier this week. It really makes me grateful for my health, and also for senior missionaries who mother us like crazy when we're sick!
Another blow this week was that, while I was sick with the flu, we went and visited Albertina, our baptismal candidate for this week, and in talking to her, she admitted to us that she was actually not fully living the word of wisdom yet, making her not quite worthy for baptism. We had to get busy real fast to call off her baptism, which was not very much fun. She is a great woman and will be baptized soon, but it was still disappointing to have it not go through.
Despite the unique challenges this week, we are still doing great. We are definitely in a time of learning and growing, which is quite painful at times, but reminds me of who is really in charge of this work. I know the Lord makes us enough for our callings- he always has for me, and I know he always will. I love the Lord. Serving Him as a full-time missionary has already blessed me more than I could ever imagine.
Well, I have to go. I love you all!! Take care, and parents- you're amazing!
Love,
Zuster Cherie Gulliver
Monday, April 20, 2009
Keukenhof and Allergies
Hello Family!
It is always so good to hear from you all! It sounds like Jamie is loving BYU-I apartment-style. Hearing about how busy the play keeps you all reminds me of junior high. Ahh, those were the days of craziness!
Thanks for the member missionary info, it is really helpful. We are working really hard right now to involve the members in our missionary work, which is really having a huge impact on our success in our areas.
As for the mother's day call, they still haven't told us anything about when we will coordinate that. I do know that you will have to call me from there. I hear most families use skype because it is so expensive otherwise.
Today was a super special p-day. We went to Keukenhof, which is a huge tulip garden/fields here in NL. It is one of the main tourist attractions, and it is absolutely gorgeous! You'll have to look up some pictures online. We drove up as a district and spent a few hours walking around. It was so peaceful and beautiful. I am turning into such a flower person. Tulips have always been my favorites, and now I am just obsessed with them! They really are one of the wonderously beautiful creations of our Heavenly Father. We'll have to plant some next year so I don't get too lonesome when I have to come home. Which reminds me-- My mission is like a third over! The year countdown begins in just a few weeks. It is hard to believe, the time just flies!
With the miraculously beautiful spring comes some interesting challenges. We stop wearing 2 pairs of leggings under our skirts, which is quite liberating, but also very tricky on the bike if you can imagine :) Also, I have suddenly developed very mild allergies to something that grows around our apartment-- my eyes itched like crazy for like a week straight! Luckily, its not too bad, and now I just sneeze a little more than usual.
We will have a baptism this week for Albertina, one of my very favorite investigators. She is a great woman and is ready to make this covenant with the Lord. I'll have to let you know how it goes.
Oh, before I forget, I finally ran into that second cousin of mine Elder Rindlsbach (that is definitely not spelled right... wooops!). We were at Keukenhof, and another district was there and suddenly an elder came up to me and was like "hey, we're second cousins!" I was so excited. I've been looking for him at every zone conference and all that stuff, and we have just somehow never connected, but today we finally did, and it was a lot of fun. He seems like a good man and from what I've heard, he's a great missionary. He's serving in Delft right now with an elder from my district in the MTC.
Life as a missionary is great! We are facing some really hard challenges being new missionaries, but we have lots of support from the ward and our district, which makes it all just fabulous. We are seeing miracles every day and we are having a great time. Missionary life is tiring though! After going non-stop for 6 months, you start noticing how much it wears on your body. I have lost like all of my flexibility because our muscles are always really tight, which makes stretching in the mornings a really funny experience.
Well family, I love you all! Seeing so many families here in and out of the church just helps me to better appreciate how awesome our family is and how grateful I am for covenant keeping parents and righteous siblings. There is nothing in this world that can compare with the blessings that come from a righteous family. Thank you for being the kind of parents and sisters you are. It helps me so much!
Ik hou van jullie!
Zuster Gulliver
It is always so good to hear from you all! It sounds like Jamie is loving BYU-I apartment-style. Hearing about how busy the play keeps you all reminds me of junior high. Ahh, those were the days of craziness!
Thanks for the member missionary info, it is really helpful. We are working really hard right now to involve the members in our missionary work, which is really having a huge impact on our success in our areas.
As for the mother's day call, they still haven't told us anything about when we will coordinate that. I do know that you will have to call me from there. I hear most families use skype because it is so expensive otherwise.
Today was a super special p-day. We went to Keukenhof, which is a huge tulip garden/fields here in NL. It is one of the main tourist attractions, and it is absolutely gorgeous! You'll have to look up some pictures online. We drove up as a district and spent a few hours walking around. It was so peaceful and beautiful. I am turning into such a flower person. Tulips have always been my favorites, and now I am just obsessed with them! They really are one of the wonderously beautiful creations of our Heavenly Father. We'll have to plant some next year so I don't get too lonesome when I have to come home. Which reminds me-- My mission is like a third over! The year countdown begins in just a few weeks. It is hard to believe, the time just flies!
With the miraculously beautiful spring comes some interesting challenges. We stop wearing 2 pairs of leggings under our skirts, which is quite liberating, but also very tricky on the bike if you can imagine :) Also, I have suddenly developed very mild allergies to something that grows around our apartment-- my eyes itched like crazy for like a week straight! Luckily, its not too bad, and now I just sneeze a little more than usual.
We will have a baptism this week for Albertina, one of my very favorite investigators. She is a great woman and is ready to make this covenant with the Lord. I'll have to let you know how it goes.
Oh, before I forget, I finally ran into that second cousin of mine Elder Rindlsbach (that is definitely not spelled right... wooops!). We were at Keukenhof, and another district was there and suddenly an elder came up to me and was like "hey, we're second cousins!" I was so excited. I've been looking for him at every zone conference and all that stuff, and we have just somehow never connected, but today we finally did, and it was a lot of fun. He seems like a good man and from what I've heard, he's a great missionary. He's serving in Delft right now with an elder from my district in the MTC.
Life as a missionary is great! We are facing some really hard challenges being new missionaries, but we have lots of support from the ward and our district, which makes it all just fabulous. We are seeing miracles every day and we are having a great time. Missionary life is tiring though! After going non-stop for 6 months, you start noticing how much it wears on your body. I have lost like all of my flexibility because our muscles are always really tight, which makes stretching in the mornings a really funny experience.
Well family, I love you all! Seeing so many families here in and out of the church just helps me to better appreciate how awesome our family is and how grateful I am for covenant keeping parents and righteous siblings. There is nothing in this world that can compare with the blessings that come from a righteous family. Thank you for being the kind of parents and sisters you are. It helps me so much!
Ik hou van jullie!
Zuster Gulliver
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Pictures Finally!
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