My Dearest Family,
Well, this is it- my last letter home. I will be leaving my beautiful Belgium in three short days, and when I think about it, my heart breaks. Thank you for your loving words- they meant a lot to me today. It is really the first day that the reality of the time has sunk in and I have realized that this really is it. I have been in a bit of an oblivion- one which I sought for- for the last few weeks, which has blessed me with a focus that has made the last few weeks some of the best of my mission. All unrealities, however, must come to an end, and as I started packing this morning, I began to realize that this really is it. Luckily, the pain is accompanied with a whole lot of joy that I feel at the idea of seeing you all again. I have missed you all so much, and it will be fun to get to know you all again and hear about all of the exciting things you all are up to. That is so cute that Cozy can't understand when I'm actually coming home- I'm sure it'll still take some time for her to get to know me, but it'll be fun. Thinking of her being so excited reminds me that there is a life back home where I have responsiblities and people to love!
It was a great week- truly wonderful. The word for miracle in dutch is wonder- very fitting. Yesterday was a very special day at church. Heidi and Marie Therese were confirmed as members of the church, and the Spirit was so strong. They were just glowing as they told me of the warm, calm feelings that came over them as they received the Holy Ghost. Marie said that the warmth came from the hands of the men who confirmed her and went all the way to her heart- a beautiful description from a woman so prepared to truly RECEIVE the Holy Ghost into her heart. I was privileged to translate the sacrament meeting into English for all of the English speakers present, which I love to do, and the bishopric asked me to say a few words during the meeting- an emotional, but very special experience. I love these people. We then went and found the sweetest new investigator- her name is Adella, and se is so prepared to hear the gospel. The sisters will mean a whole lot to her as they continue to help her make the necessary changes in her life to come unto Christ. My goal for this next 2 days is to invite everyone possible to come unto Christ. It truly is the best work we can do.
Thank you so much for your love and support as I have been here on my mission. Your love, letters, and support have meant so much to me. I will miss giving weekly written updates, but talking will be great, I'm sure!
I know that my Savior lives. That is a testimony that has come to burn inside me and will hopefully grow every day as I continue to be enlisted in this great cause. This time next week, I won't have a nametag, but I will do everything in my power to ensure that Christ's name stays etched on my soul forever. I love this work. I don't know how I'll leave it behind, but I pray that the Lord will help me through it just like He has helped me through every trial, every joy, and every moment of this wonderful journey of my mission. May God guide me through these last few days of my mission is my prayer and desire.
Ik hou van jullie!
Tot Donderdag!
Liefs,
Zuster Cherie Gulliver
Monday, May 24, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
2nd to Last Letter
5/16/2010
It has been a great week. One of those weeks that I will never forget- ever. It began with a wonderful zone conference. We learned some great things that will help me a lot in the work; especially here in Antwerpen. There was also a very special moment for me when I was able to give my departing testimony. As I prayed for guidance of what I should share,
I was clearly guided to bear the testimony I have developed of our Savior as a Redeemer. I talked about how I have learned and seen that because the Savior overcame physical Death, the biggest weakness we as humans possess, He overcame the biggest fault we inherited with the fall. If he overcame that fault, then His atoning, redeeming sacrifice is surely great enough to help us overcome the other faults and weaknesses that we inherited when we began our journey here on earth with our natural man, and also those we have gained along the way. There is nothing that stands between us and perfection now that Christ overcame the weaknesses of the flesh. It is one of the biggest lessons I have learned and learned to understand on my mission, and I felt so good sharing it. It was a bit difficult to give the testimony, but I didn't even cry really. It just felt right.
The highlight of the week; however; was the baptism of Heidi and Marie Therese yesterday. IT was the best baptismal service I have ever seen! The ward had organized everything so wonderfully and cared for the refreshments and lots of them stayed after the block for the service. Heidi and Marie Therese were beaming, and I was too! After missing the baptisms of the last 3 investigators that I set baptismal dates with, I was adjusted to the idea of missing this one, but I am so grateful that I was able to be here to witness it. I felt so much joy, seeing the fruits of the labor we perform here on the mission. Heidi and Marie Therese are two of my eternal friends, and I love them so much. Heidi even said that she'll come visit me in America! It was a neat experience. One I will definitely never forget. There are two new amazing members now in the Antwerpen, Belgie ward, and I am honored to be able to witness the beginning of their journey on the Gospel path. It made me want to do a little better and be a bit more proactive in honoring my own baptismal covenants. There will be another baptism next week of a young man who is prepared for baptism, and Heidi and Marie Therese will be confirmed. What a wonderful way to end my mission.
Well, its crunch time, and we've got a great week planned! I have just enough time to tackle a few more of those weaknesses and consecrate myself a little more to the work. I had a special experience yesterday where I prayed and told the Lord that I just couldn't end my mission without his help and comfort; and He blessed me with such a wonderful feeling of peace and helped me forget about the changes coming while I was working. Heavenly Father is so powerful! He really can do ANYTHING necessary to help us out. My comp is doing great. I have full confidence in her ability to take over the city and take the work even further here. While I was on exchanges this week, she even set a baptismal date with one of our investigators. She's doing great, and growing in confidence daily. I love her!
Mission life is great. I laugh, cry, feel overwhelming joy, and mostly just rejoice in this great opportunity! Everyone should go on a mission!
I love you all! Give each other hugs for me. Ik hou van jullie!
Liefs,
Zuster Cherie Gulliver
It has been a great week. One of those weeks that I will never forget- ever. It began with a wonderful zone conference. We learned some great things that will help me a lot in the work; especially here in Antwerpen. There was also a very special moment for me when I was able to give my departing testimony. As I prayed for guidance of what I should share,
I was clearly guided to bear the testimony I have developed of our Savior as a Redeemer. I talked about how I have learned and seen that because the Savior overcame physical Death, the biggest weakness we as humans possess, He overcame the biggest fault we inherited with the fall. If he overcame that fault, then His atoning, redeeming sacrifice is surely great enough to help us overcome the other faults and weaknesses that we inherited when we began our journey here on earth with our natural man, and also those we have gained along the way. There is nothing that stands between us and perfection now that Christ overcame the weaknesses of the flesh. It is one of the biggest lessons I have learned and learned to understand on my mission, and I felt so good sharing it. It was a bit difficult to give the testimony, but I didn't even cry really. It just felt right.
The highlight of the week; however; was the baptism of Heidi and Marie Therese yesterday. IT was the best baptismal service I have ever seen! The ward had organized everything so wonderfully and cared for the refreshments and lots of them stayed after the block for the service. Heidi and Marie Therese were beaming, and I was too! After missing the baptisms of the last 3 investigators that I set baptismal dates with, I was adjusted to the idea of missing this one, but I am so grateful that I was able to be here to witness it. I felt so much joy, seeing the fruits of the labor we perform here on the mission. Heidi and Marie Therese are two of my eternal friends, and I love them so much. Heidi even said that she'll come visit me in America! It was a neat experience. One I will definitely never forget. There are two new amazing members now in the Antwerpen, Belgie ward, and I am honored to be able to witness the beginning of their journey on the Gospel path. It made me want to do a little better and be a bit more proactive in honoring my own baptismal covenants. There will be another baptism next week of a young man who is prepared for baptism, and Heidi and Marie Therese will be confirmed. What a wonderful way to end my mission.
Well, its crunch time, and we've got a great week planned! I have just enough time to tackle a few more of those weaknesses and consecrate myself a little more to the work. I had a special experience yesterday where I prayed and told the Lord that I just couldn't end my mission without his help and comfort; and He blessed me with such a wonderful feeling of peace and helped me forget about the changes coming while I was working. Heavenly Father is so powerful! He really can do ANYTHING necessary to help us out. My comp is doing great. I have full confidence in her ability to take over the city and take the work even further here. While I was on exchanges this week, she even set a baptismal date with one of our investigators. She's doing great, and growing in confidence daily. I love her!
Mission life is great. I laugh, cry, feel overwhelming joy, and mostly just rejoice in this great opportunity! Everyone should go on a mission!
I love you all! Give each other hugs for me. Ik hou van jullie!
Liefs,
Zuster Cherie Gulliver
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
A Busy Week to Come!
Hello Family!
It was fun to talk to you all Sunday. It reminded me that there are some fun things at home to look forward to- so now I'm excited to see you all soon! The work continues to be awesome here, and we are really excited about this next week. We will have zone conference, and then I will be heading to Rotterdam for a day to go on exchanges there. Then we will have interviews with the President on Friday- so it'll be a busy, fun week. The weeks have just been speeding along lately! It really is odd to think that tomorrow I will have to give my "departing testimony" at zone conference. I really hate "lasts"- last conferences; last p-days, last transfers- bleck! I just try to imagine that everything will stay the same- then it’s not so bad.
A cruise to Alaska sounds good- why not; you know? I don't really mind what goes on- who knows what I'll be doing with my life anyway. I just take comfort in the fact that I will be blessed by the Lord with the ability to figure out my life after my mission. In most situations, I would call that irresponsible, but I feel that everything will work itself out when I get home. I just want to focus and enjoy the work to its fullest, and let the future take care of itself. It is so wonderful to have the opportunity of losing myself in the work of the Lord. It is truly a unique time in my life when I can dedicate everything I have to the Lord and trust that He will care for everything else for me. I don't know what I will do when I have to think about worldly things again- what a burden! Of course I know that God will help me figure all of that out anyways, but I am so excited to make sure that my service to the Lord, in and out of the church, stays the focus of my life forever! It brings soo much joy to feel that you are truly accomplishing something that the Lord desires for you. I hope that I never lose sight of where that true joy and happiness comes from.
I appreciate your words of encouragement and motivation for the last few weeks of my mission. I have been praying to be able to focus and not think too much about the coming changes. Most of the time I am pretty successful. When I e-mail you it all seems to come above again and I seem to write a lot about it, but I don't struggle with it too much. There's just too much to do here!
We had another appointment last night with Heidi and Marie Therese. They are doing so well and are truly demonstrating the faith necessary to make and keep covenants with the Lord. They are both nervous and excited, but I know that they are ready, and they feel ready as well. They have asked me to speak at their baptism, which I am honored to do. They are just such bright lights! They truly shine out the light of Christ, and just keep getting shinier as they learn more and more and make sacrifices to follow the Savior! I love the Gospel!
I love you all so much and can't imagine having a better family to support me! Stay safe and know that i love you!!
Liefs,
Zuster Cherie Gulliver
It was fun to talk to you all Sunday. It reminded me that there are some fun things at home to look forward to- so now I'm excited to see you all soon! The work continues to be awesome here, and we are really excited about this next week. We will have zone conference, and then I will be heading to Rotterdam for a day to go on exchanges there. Then we will have interviews with the President on Friday- so it'll be a busy, fun week. The weeks have just been speeding along lately! It really is odd to think that tomorrow I will have to give my "departing testimony" at zone conference. I really hate "lasts"- last conferences; last p-days, last transfers- bleck! I just try to imagine that everything will stay the same- then it’s not so bad.
A cruise to Alaska sounds good- why not; you know? I don't really mind what goes on- who knows what I'll be doing with my life anyway. I just take comfort in the fact that I will be blessed by the Lord with the ability to figure out my life after my mission. In most situations, I would call that irresponsible, but I feel that everything will work itself out when I get home. I just want to focus and enjoy the work to its fullest, and let the future take care of itself. It is so wonderful to have the opportunity of losing myself in the work of the Lord. It is truly a unique time in my life when I can dedicate everything I have to the Lord and trust that He will care for everything else for me. I don't know what I will do when I have to think about worldly things again- what a burden! Of course I know that God will help me figure all of that out anyways, but I am so excited to make sure that my service to the Lord, in and out of the church, stays the focus of my life forever! It brings soo much joy to feel that you are truly accomplishing something that the Lord desires for you. I hope that I never lose sight of where that true joy and happiness comes from.
I appreciate your words of encouragement and motivation for the last few weeks of my mission. I have been praying to be able to focus and not think too much about the coming changes. Most of the time I am pretty successful. When I e-mail you it all seems to come above again and I seem to write a lot about it, but I don't struggle with it too much. There's just too much to do here!
We had another appointment last night with Heidi and Marie Therese. They are doing so well and are truly demonstrating the faith necessary to make and keep covenants with the Lord. They are both nervous and excited, but I know that they are ready, and they feel ready as well. They have asked me to speak at their baptism, which I am honored to do. They are just such bright lights! They truly shine out the light of Christ, and just keep getting shinier as they learn more and more and make sacrifices to follow the Savior! I love the Gospel!
I love you all so much and can't imagine having a better family to support me! Stay safe and know that i love you!!
Liefs,
Zuster Cherie Gulliver
Monday, May 3, 2010
Time Rolls On!
Hello family!
It was a treat as always to hear from you. Thank you so much for keeping me updated on the happenings of the family! It makes me feel somewhat a part. Jamie, the dress looks great! It looks like the perfect one for you.
I don't have much time today- I had to look up the phone number, but I am just loving the work right now. I found out yesterday that we have a mini-missionary from the ward in Den Bosch (the Netherlands) who is going to be working with us this week. She is a great girl who is a convert of one year, and she will be here to get a little bit of a mission experience. It'll be quite an adventure trying to show my greenie and a member at the same time how to do missionary work! My greenie however, is doing so good- she barely needs any training anyways! She reminds me so much of me when I was her "age" in the mission. She underestimates so much her ability to speak the language and has a hard time not being perfect- all too familiar. I read a lot of my journal to her from the beginning of my mission and she says that it could be her own journal- it’s so similar. It’s amazing how Heavenly Father uses our times of trial to bless us, and later the lives of others with wisdom and blessings. I love the Gospel!!!
Sorry to cut it short, but my times up. I love you all!
Love;
Zuster Cherie Gulliver
It was a treat as always to hear from you. Thank you so much for keeping me updated on the happenings of the family! It makes me feel somewhat a part. Jamie, the dress looks great! It looks like the perfect one for you.
I don't have much time today- I had to look up the phone number, but I am just loving the work right now. I found out yesterday that we have a mini-missionary from the ward in Den Bosch (the Netherlands) who is going to be working with us this week. She is a great girl who is a convert of one year, and she will be here to get a little bit of a mission experience. It'll be quite an adventure trying to show my greenie and a member at the same time how to do missionary work! My greenie however, is doing so good- she barely needs any training anyways! She reminds me so much of me when I was her "age" in the mission. She underestimates so much her ability to speak the language and has a hard time not being perfect- all too familiar. I read a lot of my journal to her from the beginning of my mission and she says that it could be her own journal- it’s so similar. It’s amazing how Heavenly Father uses our times of trial to bless us, and later the lives of others with wisdom and blessings. I love the Gospel!!!
Sorry to cut it short, but my times up. I love you all!
Love;
Zuster Cherie Gulliver
Monday, April 26, 2010
Cherie's Letter
Hello Family! It is getting harder and harder to enjoy p-days these days. It seems the ability to relax a little brings lots of thoughts about the inevitable end of my mission, which makes me grumpy, tired, and most of all sad. Don't get me wrong, I am excited to come and see you all, it’s just I really don't like thinking about it when I don't absolutely have to. I have been praying to just forget about it during the week, and as a result, my weeks are blissfully ignorant until p-day comes around. Oh well, I guess at the end of your mission, p-day just has to be endured. We'll go get some frites and ice cream, and I'll be fine ;)
Anyways, it’s so great to hear from you all. I have been enjoying getting to be a part of all the excitement and fun stuff surrounding the wedding plans and all. I am excited to help a little when I get back! As for dress shopping, if Jamie still hasn't found a dress when I get home, I'd be happy to drive up and help her :) Can I borrow the car?? HeHe! Oh, and I'm so sorry I didn't thank you for the Easter package! It was great! We even used the eggs you sent to do a fun little Easter egg lesson on Easter- kind of a mini version of what we do every year with the eggs. It was a huge success!
This week has been great! We are seeing so many rewards from our efforts to find new people to teach. We are finding so many people who are truly prepared to investigate and gain testimonies of the Gospel, and as we begin working with them, it is such a testimony builder to see them grasp these wonderful truths and find the joy that is contained in the pure doctrines of the Gospel. Or rather, the application of the pure doctrines of the Gospel. My companion and I are doing great! Zr. Holbein is SUCH a great missionary. She is doing so great jumping into missionary work and doing her best to talk with these Flemish speakers. I read aloud the journal entries I had written at the beginning of my mission, and we realized that she and I are very similar, and the things I struggled with and felt inadequate in are the exact things that she struggles with and feels inadequate in. It has been so wonderful to work with her and know that even if I am a super old missionary, I can still teach her a lot. She still needs me to work my hardest to show her by my example how to be an effective missionary- which means that I still need to keep improving and becoming that kind of missionary :) If I were ever struggling with working my hardest, that thought is enough to keep me energized and working hard!
Our investigators Heidi and her mother Marie are doing great! They are set to be baptized on May 30th, even though their lessons will be done by the end of the week. They are so wonderful and committed to living all of the principles that they have learned. Heidi is a very special friend of mine now. She got stuck in Madrid, Spain this last week with the problems with flying, and she wasn't there for one of our lessons. We arrived, and her mom said "Heidi isn't here, but she wanted to talk to you for a minute;" we called, and I chatted with her for about 30 minutes while my comp did a great job carrying on a conversation in Flemish with Marie. It was so fun, and reminded me of what a miracle it is that we can get to know such wonderful people and communicate with them in their own languages. It is so great! I love my mission more and more each day and love the people we get to work with.
Oh, before I forget, I was thinking about mistakes I've made in my life the other day, and I need to confess something- Mom, one time in like 11th grade, I took one of Gramsie's broaches to use for the renaissance thing at school (with permission, of course) and I was not really very responsible with it, and someone stole it! I don't think I ever told you because I was scared you'd be mad at me. I'm sorry. Ok, I feel much better8
Love you all! I hou van jullie!
Zr: Beebs
Anyways, it’s so great to hear from you all. I have been enjoying getting to be a part of all the excitement and fun stuff surrounding the wedding plans and all. I am excited to help a little when I get back! As for dress shopping, if Jamie still hasn't found a dress when I get home, I'd be happy to drive up and help her :) Can I borrow the car?? HeHe! Oh, and I'm so sorry I didn't thank you for the Easter package! It was great! We even used the eggs you sent to do a fun little Easter egg lesson on Easter- kind of a mini version of what we do every year with the eggs. It was a huge success!
This week has been great! We are seeing so many rewards from our efforts to find new people to teach. We are finding so many people who are truly prepared to investigate and gain testimonies of the Gospel, and as we begin working with them, it is such a testimony builder to see them grasp these wonderful truths and find the joy that is contained in the pure doctrines of the Gospel. Or rather, the application of the pure doctrines of the Gospel. My companion and I are doing great! Zr. Holbein is SUCH a great missionary. She is doing so great jumping into missionary work and doing her best to talk with these Flemish speakers. I read aloud the journal entries I had written at the beginning of my mission, and we realized that she and I are very similar, and the things I struggled with and felt inadequate in are the exact things that she struggles with and feels inadequate in. It has been so wonderful to work with her and know that even if I am a super old missionary, I can still teach her a lot. She still needs me to work my hardest to show her by my example how to be an effective missionary- which means that I still need to keep improving and becoming that kind of missionary :) If I were ever struggling with working my hardest, that thought is enough to keep me energized and working hard!
Our investigators Heidi and her mother Marie are doing great! They are set to be baptized on May 30th, even though their lessons will be done by the end of the week. They are so wonderful and committed to living all of the principles that they have learned. Heidi is a very special friend of mine now. She got stuck in Madrid, Spain this last week with the problems with flying, and she wasn't there for one of our lessons. We arrived, and her mom said "Heidi isn't here, but she wanted to talk to you for a minute;" we called, and I chatted with her for about 30 minutes while my comp did a great job carrying on a conversation in Flemish with Marie. It was so fun, and reminded me of what a miracle it is that we can get to know such wonderful people and communicate with them in their own languages. It is so great! I love my mission more and more each day and love the people we get to work with.
Oh, before I forget, I was thinking about mistakes I've made in my life the other day, and I need to confess something- Mom, one time in like 11th grade, I took one of Gramsie's broaches to use for the renaissance thing at school (with permission, of course) and I was not really very responsible with it, and someone stole it! I don't think I ever told you because I was scared you'd be mad at me. I'm sorry. Ok, I feel much better8
Love you all! I hou van jullie!
Zr: Beebs
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