Goede dag nog een keer iedereen!!!

We had a wonderful week here in Groningen, and the work is really picking up. It seems like every week since we've been here has been a double in everything from the week before. We saw some really cool miracles, and I can say that i've learned A TON of new things this week, both things that have to do with the gospel, and things that don't have as much to do with the gospel. I guess i'll start there, since it's not as important, but i'm very proud of it. So last Tuesday, we switched cars with a senior couple here. This car is a stick-shift. I haven't really ever driven a stick before, but within a day of practicing, I picked it up pretty quick. One step closer to my dream car. . . Ok, enough on that subject. On to the miracles, cause that's why you guys read these emails anyways right? So, Thursday, we are doing a finding hour in a really rich neighborhood. The houses were really big (for Dutch standards) and there was nobody out on the streets, which means we got to go door to door, not really my favorite. But we did it anyways. For the first half hour. . . no one was home!!! It was a little discouraging to not see one door open after we knocked on it. But then, a miracle. . . A door opened!!! And she closed it right after saying she had no interest. Don't worry, it's not like it's the first time that has happened. But then next door was the real miracle. We started talking to this Dutch woman who introduced herself as Ruth. She was very friendly, and when we asked her if she had ever heard of the Book of Mormon, she stated that she had received one a few years back from a colleague at work. Then hadn't explained what it was or anything, but had only said that she had it. Se we told her we'd love to come back and explain it better than what we did on the door, and she agreed, and said her husband would be there as well. It just goes to show that the Lord truly prepares people. Who would have known besides Heavenly Father himself that she had a book of Mormon and was just waiting for us to come and tell her what it is exactly. I am thoroughly convinced that she was the reason that we were there in that area. We have great hopes for her and for her family. Keep them in your prayers ok. Thanks for all your prayers and everything you do in behalf of Heavenly Father. I love you all and I wish you all a very great and blessed week.

veel liefs,

Elder Bair

Als Rob dit kan lezen, dan betekent dat dat hij een beetje Nederlands aan het studeren is, en dat hij echt een verlangen heeft om het te leren. Wij zullen zien in ongeveer seven maanden wanneer ik terug kom. Je moet een beetje oefenen Rob. Mijn moeder heeft nu een book voor het studeren in 't Nederlands. Leen het maar even!!! Tot ziens.

Leadership Council Meeting in Leiden

By a big stretch of the imagination, we thought it might be possible to hold our Leadership Council Meeting in the new mission office. There were boxes and furniture up to the ceiling two days ago. Even our fearless Tibbitts suggested we meet in the Leiden Chapel for our meeting. But they were responsible for a miracle!!! The office elders and Elder and Sister Tibbitts made it happen!

We are the creative force of our life, and through our own decistions rather than our conditions, if we carefully learn to do certain things, we can accomplish those goals. Stephen Covey

"There are few things in life that bring as much joy that comes from assisting another improve his or her life." Richard G. Scott - Ensign, Nov. 1997, 35.

Missionaries gave thier insight and ideas and a list was made of the things that they felt have brought success in our mission.

We were all pleased and excited to finally be HERE!

The Rotterdam and Hague Zones Enjoy a Moment Close to Heaven

Donny Osmond Shares His Testimony With Many People in the Netherlands

Firesides were held in Haarlem.

There was a beautiful feeling at each fireside as Donny shared his strong testimony of the Book of Mormon and his personal experiences how the Gospel had moulded and shaped his life and has been the most treasured gift in his life.

Members showered the Osmonds with gifts of appreciation for their visit. They were overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, and how so many people in the Netherlands have been influenced by Donny's life.

President Brubaker gave the future missionary his missionary tag.