On May 7-11, 2012 we spent another exciting week at the MTC. I have to admit, even though it is intense and long hours, it is wonderful. The people, the learning, the Spirit, and the purpose for being there--it is a marvelous experience and opportunity. The Church has and is investing so much time and effort in our behalf to insure our success as Mission President and companion. Everyone is anxiously engaged in making sure we arrive in Belgium and Netherlands as prepared as possible.
Sister Alice and Brother Rudy Hoole
We have made deep and lasting friendships with many of our tutors, teachers and volunteers that come to assist us in speaking Dutch.
Brother and Sister Hoole are a wonderful couple whose friendship have changed our lives. They were both born and raised in the Netherlands. They have been invaluable in helping both Alden and I in practicing and learning the language. They are kind, helpful, very patient with us, and are valiant members of the church. To each and every one of you at the MTC--Wij zijn voor u dunkbaar!
We sat down in the cafeteria in the mist of hundreds of Elders and Sisters during a meal on Monday. Four Sister missionaries sat down by us and one, after seeing our name badge, asked about which language we were tutoring. We replied that we weren't tutoring, but were being tutored. With a surprised reply another Sister asked if we were a new Mission President and companion. When we replied to the affirmative, she asked which language we were learning. With our reply of Dutch, the six Elders sitting on the other side of the Sister immediately looked our way and one asked, "Are you our new Mission President?" Three of those Elders are called to serve in the Belgium Netherlands Mission and are currently at the MTC learning Dutch, the other three Elders were in their District and are learning Danish. We had the opportunity to meet three wonderful Elders who will proceed us to the mission field by 10 days. They will arrive in Netherlands on June 19, 2012, and we will arrive on June 29, 2012. With Elders of that caliber, wow, we are in for a wonderful three years. We had the opportunity to visit with them every day for the rest of the week. On Friday we were eating dinner before heading home when one of 'our' Elders came over and pulled up a chair to talk with us for a few minutes. I leaned back in the chair and watched the Elder talk with President Robinson. My thought..."It has begun!" It was heartwarming to watch a new relationship blossom right in front of me with all the love and caring the Savior expects from His disciples---I can hardly wait for the experiences and opportunities of the next three years! I wish there were words to express the love, the Spirit, and the joy that we felt as we sat there with that one missionary. How great will be the joy with over a hundred!
Wij zijn gezegend!
No comments:
Post a Comment