Post-Christmas

Hallo Lievers. :)

Long time, no talk. Haha it was SO good to talk to everyone on Christmas. Really, it was the best present ever (though I did love everything you sent). I was so happy that we were able to talk with everyone. I wish that we would've had more time so that I could hear more about how you all are doing.

I was thinking about my birthday and really, the only thing that I can think of that I would want would be a nice letter from each of you. I know that I don't always have time to write back personally but I want to get better at that and I would really like to hear how everyone is doing and to hear your testimonies and stuff. You all are a big strength to me and I love you a lot!

Julia, Happy almost birthday! I sent a card to you today but I had to send it to the Kentucky address because I couldn't find yours. Please give Rhett a kiss and hug for me and tell him to feel better! Lots of people here are sick too, it's just not a good time of the year.

As far as housing goes, I would love to live in Condo Row but I'm not sure who with. If you could get a hold of my friends -- I have no idea who is still going to be at BYU -- and ask them? I have also been talking with some girls here and need to kind of see how that is going to work. Sorry, I promise I'll get more info and get back to you next week.

Also, for my birthday, Zuster Fritz did this, but if you could put a notice on my Facebook that people could write something on my wall or send a message or something then you all can send it on to me. That would be nice.

And then the coat. So I've been looking and looking and just can't find anything warm enough here. I'm sure they have stuff but time on P-day just goes by so fast. So I actually think it might be a good idea for you to buy one and send it. I'm sorry, I know that's probably annoying! Because the mission dress code has changed I was actually thinking it would be nice to get a coat with color. People always think we're nuns because we wear so much black -- haha. I thought a nice lighter/sky blue color could be nice or a purple coat. Or a gray one if they don't have any nice colored ones. And then just nice looking. Professional, well fit. I would guess to get a size 8. Ok so done with all that stuff. Thank you for taking care of things all the time!

Yesterday was Tweede Kerstdag and it was a lot of fun. We went to church, and Vili, one of the investigators I told you about was able to come. No crazy disruptions this time too which was good. After church we went to the Bishop’s house for lunch. I love Bishop De Jonge! It was great to go and get to know his family a little better. They have 3 adorable children and Zuster Kremer and I really encouraged their daughters to go on missions. Too bad they are 5 and 8 years old -- haha. But hey it's never too early to start preparing. We played the Dutch version of Gestures which was a lot of fun and we all got to light candles and bear our testimonies of the Saviour. After that we went to Lucky's house and had dinner... mental note-never make more than one eating appointment on holidays... so so much food. Overall it was a wonderful Christmas.

We met some of the most amazing people the past few days and I'm excited to begin a new year. Because Amsterdam is so insane President has asked us to be in our apartments by 4:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. I hear from other missionaries that it gets pretty crazy around here. I'm sure there will be good stories to follow.

I feel like I actually don't have a lot to write about considering we just spoke. But know that I love you all. I appreciate so much everything that you all do for me. The letters, the emails, the prayers, they all make such a difference. I feel like such a blessed missionary to have such a wonderful family behind me. Please send my love to everyone! Oh and I got the Christmas card from the ward. Let them know that I love them and still pray for the Beaumont Ward. So many people there have touched my life in so many ways, I owe a lot to them. Also tell the extended family I love them and have been thinking of them this Christmas season.

Happy New Year everyone! Crazy, but the next email will be sent in 2011! What a blessed year it has been. :) Tot volgenda jaar!

Met liefde,
Zuster Holbein