Dear Family!
I have so much to say! But at the same time... I don't know what to say. I feel like I should say all this really profound stuff... but it really hasn't hit me yet that this is the last email. I don't like to think about things like that. Haha. Well... ahhhhhhhh. How the heck did time go by so quickly?! Can I please just say that I love my life?
This past week has been absolutely amazing. Life in het algemeen is gewoon -- a miracle! So many things have happened. A quick rundown... WE SET A BAPTISMAL DATE WITH MEVROUW IDEMA!!!!! She's getting baptized August 23rd! She's learned everything, and been to church 7 times now; it's just some Word of Wisdom problems that we're still working on overcoming. But oh she is so wonderful. The ward has really taken her in. This past Sunday was it exactly one year since her husband died. And it turned out that in Relief Society the lesson was on eternal marriage. We weren't in the room because we had been asked to give a lesson in Primary on the temple, but after when we came to meet her we saw her sitting crying and Zuster Dullart, one of the amazing members, had her arm around her. It was so touching. It made me feel really good inside to know that even though I'm leaving, there are still people here to take care of her.
Gouda is one of the biggest miracles of my mission. I started in Antwerpen, BIG city, then went to Amsterdam, also super big; and I have to admit I kind of had this, "Small cities are boring I don't ever want to serve in a small city" attitude. Oh how wrong I was. Gouda may be small, we may have a super small ward, but the spirit here is INCREDIBLE. These people have so much faith. You want to talk modern day pioneers, this is it! I love these people with a love that I never knew was possible.
I look forward to the many conversations we can all have in the next few weeks, and I know that everyone always has those, "What did you learn; what was the best?” questions. Let me just name one thing, probably the biggest. President Brubaker always says, "Love is the key." He is 100% right. I have felt more love this past year and a half than I ever knew was possible. I came here to serve these people and to bring them closer to Christ. I knew it would be wonderful, but I never could have expected the love that I would feel. It goes deep into my heart and makes me warm van binnen. It makes me want to jump up and down and dance and cry and just live. That is what love is.
One of my favorite scriptures has been, "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass." I like to think that I am one of those small and simple things. And if I, small little Zuster Holbein, can love these people with so much love, just imagine how much Heavenly Father loves them. So much that He sent His Son Jesus Christ who in turn had so much love that he laid down his life for us. Amazing, huh? What a wonderful message. We really are all children of a Heavenly Father who loves us more than we can comprehend. And if we do our best, we can learn to feel His love for us and then in turn love Him. That love makes all the difference.
If I had any advice for anyone going on a mission I would say just love. Love the people, the language, your companion, the work, the Lord, and yourself. If you do that, everything will be ok. I feel like I have been allowed to feel just a heel klein beetje van what our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ feel for us. It's amazing.
This work is a work of miracles. I share a miracle every week, but really every second, every minute, is a miracle. The fact that I speak Dutch, that I wasn't hit a million times by a car on my bike, that I didn't freeze to death, or fall into a canal, that people even take the time to listen... MIRACLES.
Finding this past week has been great. We've been asking people, "Wat is het verschil tussen plezier en geluk?" You can't really translate it very well... "What is the difference between pleasure and happiness?" (Only in Dutch saying pleasure doesn't sound creepy like it does in English) It's great! EVERYONE has an answer. I have so many stories to tell, but those can wait. The biggest difference is that geluk lasts. It isn't just temporary. It comes, for me anyway, when I know of God's love for me and can share that with others. I might just be one of the happiest daughters of God. :)
Well... time is up! Am I nervous to come home? Ummm... maybe. But let's say not, because that's having faith. :) I'm nervous to not be able to speak Dutch, haha I think my English is a little messed up. So you all better start learning! Giving a talk in English seems really intimidating to me... weird. But actually no, I feel… I feel blessed. That's a good way to put it. I have learned and I know with all my heart that God is with us wherever we go. He doesn't leave us alone, and His plans for us go on. I feel safe knowing that I can always be in His service. This is the life.
People -- this church is true. This is it. All the truth, all the principles and ordinances, EVERYTHING we need to get back to our Heavenly Father is now here on the earth. Man can't create truth; that comes from God. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ did appear to the boy Joseph Smith and the Church has been restored. God is a God of miracles. The tender mercies of the Lord surround us. The healing power of the atonement is real. The Church is a big hospital. We're here to help each other; that's what our baptismal covenant is all about.
I've done my very best to love and serve, and I have felt the blessing of the Lord help me to make more of myself than I ever knew was possible. I love what the Lord can do with me. “Ïk vermag alle dingen in hem die mij kracht geeft." How is that in English... “Ï can do all things through Christ which strengthens me(?)" It's true. It really all is true. Not only true... IT WORKS. Let's spread the word.
I love you all, I love my Savior and Heavenly Father, and I love these people. Hurrah for Israel!!
Tot ziens (gasp) lievers.
Al mijn liefde,
Zuster Jane Margaret Holbein :)
Monday, July 18, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
Miracles Again and Again
Dear Family!!
It's been such an incredible week! I cannot even begin to describe the miracles we've seen and the happiness I feel. Really -- words never do things justice. I wish I could just put all of my feelings and love in a big box and then just open it whenever I wanted to tell people about it so they can feel it too.
Ok goodness, where do I begin? I hope you all are sitting down because it was a good week. :) I'll have to go quickly because I don't have much time. Story of my life.
So Monday night we met Neda at the church just to go over the baptismal interview questions. We met her at 8:00, and we didn't get home till almost 10:00! Haha -- and we live across the street from the church. She is such a doll though, and it was one of the most spiritual experiences ever. We talked about everything and she was so ready. She knew all the answers, and kept saying things that would make me think, “Wait... did we teach her that? Oh wait that's right Zuster Holbein, it's really not about you. The SPIRIT teaches.” I love it. At the end we sang “Lead Kindly Light” for her and she got all filled up and said that the gospel is the best thing she's ever found, and how happy she is. :) :)
Tuesday was great; she totally passed her interview and it ended up being a total miracle. President Brubaker had to come interview her. And President, while he does really well, doesn't speak Dutch. And as far as we knew Neda doesn't speak English besides, “Hello, How are you?” those sorts of things. Then the amazing happened. Neda was able to understand and say everything in English. What the heck? AMAZING. :) When she came out after she was like, “I have no idea how that happened! I don't speak that good English! It's a miracle.” It was, of course, the gift of tongues miracle. Love it. So that was awesome.
Friday we went out exchanges and I got to go with Zuster Reber -- so fun! She was in the MTC with me so we've never been able to work together. We had such a great day. We first went to have an appointment with Broer Sjef, the 62 year old recent convert. It was so funny; we biked over there and as soon as we got there it started pouring rain! I looked at Sjef and said, “Oh my gosh Sjef, it's because Noah's Ark left Gouda today.” His mouth dropped open and he said, “We didn't listen!!!” Haha. I found it hilarious.
Anyway, after that we went and did a consecrated hour of finding in the Centrum. I love finding. Love it. Zuster Reber and I were like -- this is it, let's go all out, we're going to boldly, fearlessly approach these people with our testimonies. And so we did. And... WE FOUND 4 NEW INVESTIGATORS. :) Please take a moment of silence for that miracle. For the record, that doesn't happen very often. In one hour anyway. It was such an amazing blessing. It was like everyone we were talking to was interested.
And now we come to Saturday -- Neda's baptism. Neda had told us that she wanted to bear her testimony at the service, and she wanted us to come over early to help her write it. Saturday morning we went over, and it was so beautiful. Neda really believes, more than anyone I think I've ever met, that God is a God of miracles. She wrote down how the biggest miracle in her life has been finding the true Church. She wrote that her whole life she has asked herself, “What's my purpose? Why am I here?” And then she got all filled up and said, “And now I know why I am here; I am a daughter of God.” It made me cry to hear that. I did a study awhile ago about the important things we need to know. One of the fundamental things I feel it is important to know is that we are children of God. Knowing that makes all the difference.
After being with her, we ran all over Rotterdam and Gouda getting things ready -- appointments, etc. Then the baptism was in the evening. Neda brought so many people! (about 8 I think). A lot of her family came too which is a big deal because they are Muslim. We also had great support from the ward and other missionaries and investigators. It was such a Spirit-filled evening. How do I describe it? Love. So much love. More than I knew was possible. Afterward everyone stayed and talked and we got to contact so many non-members. I was talking to Ieda, one of Neda's friends who came, and she said that during the whole service she felt like there was a big warm blanket wrapped around her. The Spirit! And now she wants to learn more! :) :) Sunday was also great; Neda was given the gift of Holy Ghost, and her Mom and another friend came too.
I feel so much love for these people. This week is going to be so hard saying goodbye! Everyone keeps saying... “But you're coming back... right?" Ahhh… I WOULD LOVE TO. Anyway, I really have been taking your advice Mom to just conquer each day. And thinking the future is as bright as my faith. I believe more than anything that God is aware of everyone, and I can't forget that means me too. So no fears, right? Oh I wish I had more time or more words to help you all understand, but just know that I am 100% in love with... everything. Haha, the gospel, my testimony, the people, my Savior, my Heavenly Father. Life is rich, chocked full of blessings.
I pray for you all and love you all!
Met liefde,
Zuster Holbein
Oh and p.s. Today was an awesome day! We went to Kinderdijk and got to go to a Delft factory and yeah... you all will see soon how that went.
If you've got a smile and share the gospel, things work out. :)
It's been such an incredible week! I cannot even begin to describe the miracles we've seen and the happiness I feel. Really -- words never do things justice. I wish I could just put all of my feelings and love in a big box and then just open it whenever I wanted to tell people about it so they can feel it too.
Ok goodness, where do I begin? I hope you all are sitting down because it was a good week. :) I'll have to go quickly because I don't have much time. Story of my life.
So Monday night we met Neda at the church just to go over the baptismal interview questions. We met her at 8:00, and we didn't get home till almost 10:00! Haha -- and we live across the street from the church. She is such a doll though, and it was one of the most spiritual experiences ever. We talked about everything and she was so ready. She knew all the answers, and kept saying things that would make me think, “Wait... did we teach her that? Oh wait that's right Zuster Holbein, it's really not about you. The SPIRIT teaches.” I love it. At the end we sang “Lead Kindly Light” for her and she got all filled up and said that the gospel is the best thing she's ever found, and how happy she is. :) :)
Tuesday was great; she totally passed her interview and it ended up being a total miracle. President Brubaker had to come interview her. And President, while he does really well, doesn't speak Dutch. And as far as we knew Neda doesn't speak English besides, “Hello, How are you?” those sorts of things. Then the amazing happened. Neda was able to understand and say everything in English. What the heck? AMAZING. :) When she came out after she was like, “I have no idea how that happened! I don't speak that good English! It's a miracle.” It was, of course, the gift of tongues miracle. Love it. So that was awesome.
Friday we went out exchanges and I got to go with Zuster Reber -- so fun! She was in the MTC with me so we've never been able to work together. We had such a great day. We first went to have an appointment with Broer Sjef, the 62 year old recent convert. It was so funny; we biked over there and as soon as we got there it started pouring rain! I looked at Sjef and said, “Oh my gosh Sjef, it's because Noah's Ark left Gouda today.” His mouth dropped open and he said, “We didn't listen!!!” Haha. I found it hilarious.
Anyway, after that we went and did a consecrated hour of finding in the Centrum. I love finding. Love it. Zuster Reber and I were like -- this is it, let's go all out, we're going to boldly, fearlessly approach these people with our testimonies. And so we did. And... WE FOUND 4 NEW INVESTIGATORS. :) Please take a moment of silence for that miracle. For the record, that doesn't happen very often. In one hour anyway. It was such an amazing blessing. It was like everyone we were talking to was interested.
And now we come to Saturday -- Neda's baptism. Neda had told us that she wanted to bear her testimony at the service, and she wanted us to come over early to help her write it. Saturday morning we went over, and it was so beautiful. Neda really believes, more than anyone I think I've ever met, that God is a God of miracles. She wrote down how the biggest miracle in her life has been finding the true Church. She wrote that her whole life she has asked herself, “What's my purpose? Why am I here?” And then she got all filled up and said, “And now I know why I am here; I am a daughter of God.” It made me cry to hear that. I did a study awhile ago about the important things we need to know. One of the fundamental things I feel it is important to know is that we are children of God. Knowing that makes all the difference.
After being with her, we ran all over Rotterdam and Gouda getting things ready -- appointments, etc. Then the baptism was in the evening. Neda brought so many people! (about 8 I think). A lot of her family came too which is a big deal because they are Muslim. We also had great support from the ward and other missionaries and investigators. It was such a Spirit-filled evening. How do I describe it? Love. So much love. More than I knew was possible. Afterward everyone stayed and talked and we got to contact so many non-members. I was talking to Ieda, one of Neda's friends who came, and she said that during the whole service she felt like there was a big warm blanket wrapped around her. The Spirit! And now she wants to learn more! :) :) Sunday was also great; Neda was given the gift of Holy Ghost, and her Mom and another friend came too.
I feel so much love for these people. This week is going to be so hard saying goodbye! Everyone keeps saying... “But you're coming back... right?" Ahhh… I WOULD LOVE TO. Anyway, I really have been taking your advice Mom to just conquer each day. And thinking the future is as bright as my faith. I believe more than anything that God is aware of everyone, and I can't forget that means me too. So no fears, right? Oh I wish I had more time or more words to help you all understand, but just know that I am 100% in love with... everything. Haha, the gospel, my testimony, the people, my Savior, my Heavenly Father. Life is rich, chocked full of blessings.
I pray for you all and love you all!
Met liefde,
Zuster Holbein
Oh and p.s. Today was an awesome day! We went to Kinderdijk and got to go to a Delft factory and yeah... you all will see soon how that went.
If you've got a smile and share the gospel, things work out. :)
Monday, July 4, 2011
Journeying Along
Dear Family,
Hey hey hey. :) HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! Zuster Perry and I are appropriately sporting red, white, and blue but it doesn't make any difference here because those are Holland's colors too.
Greetings from Zoetermeer! We came to spend the day with Zuster Kremer and her companion just because I wanted to see her before... well yeah. Anyway, it's a beautiful city and the temple is here!
Sounds like William is doing great! I'm so happy for him to be able to have that experience. I want to write him today. I am also putting something in the mail for you all so hopefully you will get it soon. I think the mail is weird here; sometimes things send, sometimes they don't.
So things here are great! Absolutely wonderful. It was quite the week full of ups and downs but the ups have been incredible. First things first -- Neda is getting baptized on Saturday! Wahoo!!! She is so wonderful! One of the most amazing people I have ever met, and she is already sharing the gospel with EVERYONE. Her baptism is going to be great; I swear she's invited half of Rotterdam. The ward is totally behind her too which is great. Yesterday in testimony meeting the Bishop announced her baptism, and after that everyone started bearing testimonies about when they joined the Church and how happy they were for her. And then right at the very end Neda jumped up and gave the most beautiful testimony. It was really touching to hear her talk about how she's looked all over and tried so many churches but never felt it until this one. I'm super happy for her. So that's this Saturday and it's going to be great. I'm so happy for her. :)
Mevrouw came to a baptismal service with us in Rotterdam on Friday. It was such a touching experience! Things have been really hard for her this past week, just because it was now almost a year ago that her husband died. But she came and was so touched by the Spirit. We got there early and we were sitting listening to Zuster Perry playing the piano, and we just started talking about how families can be together forever and she asked to see pictures of my family and I showed her and testified about how I know that even though it's been hard to be away from my family I've always known it's ok because we will be together forever, and I want other people to have that. She then asked me, "How long have you been here anyway?" (I tend to not tell people, just because... yeah... I don't want any decisions based on when I might leave). When I told her that I was leaving July 20th she was super surprised and then got really quiet. We didn't talk about it further. Then later we were showing her the baptismal font, and she got really filled up looking at the picture of Alma baptizing in the waters of Mormon. We were just standing there and then she grabbed my hand and said, “I know you really want to be here, but I just still need time. I'm going to do it, I just need time.” And then she hugged me. It was such an emotional moment. I told her it didn't matter; that's not what it's about, and that everything will work out. She said she knew that and she is going to get baptized. I love her. I love her with all my heart. It's amazing the relationships that you develop with people. Everyone I've met on my mission is so special to me. I really, honestly feel like I've been sent here for these people. I need them and they need me. I learn so much from them.
Other news -- this has been the week of biking! We may or may not have had much money this past week... just because reimbursements weren't in yet, so we've been biking everywhere! Oh. My. Goodness. On Wednesday evening we had an appointment in Woerden which takes like 30 minutes in total with the train and bus. So we think... no big deal, we could bike that in an hour. Yeah right. It took us 2 1/2 hours! Bahhhhh LONGEST BIKE RIDE OF MY LIFE. Haha the first hour was great, cool, lekker, but then after that it just got crazy. It shouldn't have taken so long but we ended up getting lost. Any why did we get lost? Haha -- because we were too proud to check the map! Wow that was really a lesson for me. As I was biking back I thought, ok there's got to be some gospel gelijkenis right? Here's what I came up with. Life is like a bike ride. It's crazy and long and tiring, but Heavenly Father has given us a map and things to help us on the way. How frustrating would it be to get to the end of our life and realize we had just been going toward a dead end? Speaking as someone who got to the end of a very long road to find nothing but a cow field and old train tracks -- VERY FRUSTRATING. So why would we do that? Pride, thinking we know better. All that natural man stuff. Here's what I have to say: people -- we just have to follow the map, bike at a good pace, and make sure we don't get caught up in the difficulty so that we miss all the beautiful windmills around us. If we do it, we'll end up exactly where Heavenly Father wants us to be and it'll be worth the effort.
I love you all so much! We're working hard here, keeping going; every day is another day. I love and pray for you all and appreciate your prayers.
Met liefde,
Zuster Holbein
Hey hey hey. :) HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! Zuster Perry and I are appropriately sporting red, white, and blue but it doesn't make any difference here because those are Holland's colors too.
Greetings from Zoetermeer! We came to spend the day with Zuster Kremer and her companion just because I wanted to see her before... well yeah. Anyway, it's a beautiful city and the temple is here!
Sounds like William is doing great! I'm so happy for him to be able to have that experience. I want to write him today. I am also putting something in the mail for you all so hopefully you will get it soon. I think the mail is weird here; sometimes things send, sometimes they don't.
So things here are great! Absolutely wonderful. It was quite the week full of ups and downs but the ups have been incredible. First things first -- Neda is getting baptized on Saturday! Wahoo!!! She is so wonderful! One of the most amazing people I have ever met, and she is already sharing the gospel with EVERYONE. Her baptism is going to be great; I swear she's invited half of Rotterdam. The ward is totally behind her too which is great. Yesterday in testimony meeting the Bishop announced her baptism, and after that everyone started bearing testimonies about when they joined the Church and how happy they were for her. And then right at the very end Neda jumped up and gave the most beautiful testimony. It was really touching to hear her talk about how she's looked all over and tried so many churches but never felt it until this one. I'm super happy for her. So that's this Saturday and it's going to be great. I'm so happy for her. :)
Mevrouw came to a baptismal service with us in Rotterdam on Friday. It was such a touching experience! Things have been really hard for her this past week, just because it was now almost a year ago that her husband died. But she came and was so touched by the Spirit. We got there early and we were sitting listening to Zuster Perry playing the piano, and we just started talking about how families can be together forever and she asked to see pictures of my family and I showed her and testified about how I know that even though it's been hard to be away from my family I've always known it's ok because we will be together forever, and I want other people to have that. She then asked me, "How long have you been here anyway?" (I tend to not tell people, just because... yeah... I don't want any decisions based on when I might leave). When I told her that I was leaving July 20th she was super surprised and then got really quiet. We didn't talk about it further. Then later we were showing her the baptismal font, and she got really filled up looking at the picture of Alma baptizing in the waters of Mormon. We were just standing there and then she grabbed my hand and said, “I know you really want to be here, but I just still need time. I'm going to do it, I just need time.” And then she hugged me. It was such an emotional moment. I told her it didn't matter; that's not what it's about, and that everything will work out. She said she knew that and she is going to get baptized. I love her. I love her with all my heart. It's amazing the relationships that you develop with people. Everyone I've met on my mission is so special to me. I really, honestly feel like I've been sent here for these people. I need them and they need me. I learn so much from them.
Other news -- this has been the week of biking! We may or may not have had much money this past week... just because reimbursements weren't in yet, so we've been biking everywhere! Oh. My. Goodness. On Wednesday evening we had an appointment in Woerden which takes like 30 minutes in total with the train and bus. So we think... no big deal, we could bike that in an hour. Yeah right. It took us 2 1/2 hours! Bahhhhh LONGEST BIKE RIDE OF MY LIFE. Haha the first hour was great, cool, lekker, but then after that it just got crazy. It shouldn't have taken so long but we ended up getting lost. Any why did we get lost? Haha -- because we were too proud to check the map! Wow that was really a lesson for me. As I was biking back I thought, ok there's got to be some gospel gelijkenis right? Here's what I came up with. Life is like a bike ride. It's crazy and long and tiring, but Heavenly Father has given us a map and things to help us on the way. How frustrating would it be to get to the end of our life and realize we had just been going toward a dead end? Speaking as someone who got to the end of a very long road to find nothing but a cow field and old train tracks -- VERY FRUSTRATING. So why would we do that? Pride, thinking we know better. All that natural man stuff. Here's what I have to say: people -- we just have to follow the map, bike at a good pace, and make sure we don't get caught up in the difficulty so that we miss all the beautiful windmills around us. If we do it, we'll end up exactly where Heavenly Father wants us to be and it'll be worth the effort.
I love you all so much! We're working hard here, keeping going; every day is another day. I love and pray for you all and appreciate your prayers.
Met liefde,
Zuster Holbein
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