Goodbye to our beloved AP

During this upcoming transfer on July 23, 2013, we will say goodbye to Elder Li as an Assistant to the President.  Elder Li and Elder Burton have served together so well.  They both have totally different approaches, President has been served by having that diversity, especially at this time in the mission. With so much change, they have been a solid support to President Robinson.

Thank you Elder Li, for your love, support and friendship.  You have 'eeuwige verenderd onze leven'. 

 Elder Li--you are one of a kind, unique and loved beyond measure.  Thank you for everything you have done for us and for the Mission. You won't be forgotten. President may quote a 'great man' once in a while.

Two minds that think alike--

"Hey! It's the way it is!"

President's comic relief!

We will miss your 'squinty eyes' !

 Elder Li, you're welcome in the Mission Home kitchen 

any time you would like to come back!

Thank you Elder Burton, for putting up with him! :)  And, for staying for another round of fun!

July Mission Leadership Council

The Mission has fundamentally changed.  The record number of missionaries coming into the mission has created new leadership calling on our Mission Leadership Council.  Due to the huge transfer coming on July 23, 2013, we called our new leadership early so they could attend our July Mission Leadership Council in preparation for Zone Training on August 1 and 2, 2013.

New Zone Leaders called, not yet assigned, are Elder Armstrong, Elder Douglas, Elder Sumter and Elder Van Komen.  New Sister Leader Trainers are Sister Juchau and Sister Hudson.  Because the outgoing leadership is not released until transfers, we have a record number of missionaries on our Mission Leadership Council this month.  Nineteen missionaries were at our council held in the Mission Home on July 19, 2013.

It was a unbelievable feeling of the Spirit as we were taught, trained and council was held over concerns of the mission.  This is truly the Lord's work as we watch these amazing young missionaries step up to their responsibilities.

L to R:  Elder Li, Elder Mathis, Elder Andrews, Elder Lewis, Elder Armstrong, Elder Douglas, Elder Romer, Elder Moscon, Elder Van Komen, Elder Taylor, Elder Wright, Elder Burton, Elder Sumter, Elder McKee, Sister Julchau, Sister Rigdon, President Robinson, Sister Nielson, Sister Hudson, Sister Omozokpia

Random photos of our training and council.

Random Happenings in July

There are a few moments of fun and some relaxing evenings  Here are a few random events from July.

Amsterdam Ward Church parking lot after interviews.

 Brother Guy Goethals' 'pride and joy' car.  President remembers VW's like this from his first mission.  Couldn't resist the temptation to hop inside and reminisce.

Brother Goethals, President Robinson, Elder Burgess

Football

 On the evening of July 9, 2013, after a meeting with President Oddens, the missionaries, President Robinson and President Oddens decided to go throw the football for a quick break.  WELL....in the canal it went.  

 Elder Wright can't get it!!

 Go for it Elder Burton!

 Aaagh!

 Elder Burton fails at football retrieval.  Maybe because he's Canadian?!?

 We are not sure if it is wise to let Elder Lewis try getting the ball out of the canal.  We may be retrieving a missionary!

 President, in the meantime, has gone for tools and wire.  Something a rancher would do.

 President Robinson and President Oddens solve the problem.  Yes, victory is in sight.

 Priesthood in action!

Elder Li supervises from afar!

The cost of a little wire, the ingenuity of two Presidents, and the video of Elder Wright being held by the belt as he retrieves the football---PRICELESS!

Renewed Friendship

On July 17, 2013 were had a dinner invitation with 

Brother and Sister Wilfrie Decoo from the Antwerpen Ward.  Brother Decoo has taught part of the year at BYU in Provo and part of the year at University of Antwerpen.  President Robinson served in Antwerpen in 1970 as a Zone Leader, at that time, Brother Decoo served as Branch President.  It was an unforgettable pleasure for President to renew their acquaintance and for me to meet and make the acquaintance of Brother and Sister Decoo.  The hours slipped quickly past as we visited and 

share memories, thoughts and testimonies

 of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are remarkable people.

 Sister Robinson, Sister Decoo, Brother Decoo


Visitors

On July 20, 2013 Sister Jones--now known as Jen Jones-- came with her family to visit with us at the Mission Home.  It was so delightful to met and get to know her family.  It is always great to meet parents.  Jen's family is just as great as she it herself.  It was hard to say goodbye this time, we have now idea when were will see each other again.  Thank you for taking time to spend with President and me.  

The Jones Family 

Thank you for the gift of your daughter as a missionary.  She was outstanding! She left such a great impact on this mission--we love and miss her.  

We lose Three Sister Missionaries

We are happy with the many sister missionaries we are receiving in the mission, but we wish we could keep all the sisters and not send any home--however, we are sure their families feel differently.  So, we sent home three of our best Sister Missionaries. On July 9, 2013 we had our dinner and testimony Fireside in the Mission Home.  Goodbye dear friends.  You all have grown into remarkable missionaries and equally remarkable women.  

 Sister Davies, Sister Hinchcliff, Sister Townsend, Sister Robinson

Sister Davies, Sister Hinchcliff, Sister Townsend, Sister Robinson, 

and President Robinson

They teach with power, testify convincingly and preach boldly!

President Robinson, Sister Hinchcliff, Sister Townsend, 

Sister Davies, Sister Robinson

 Schipole Airport--we say goodbye to Sister Townsend and Sister Davies.  They are headed back to Salt Lake City together. Our gratitude is deep and abiding for the service these three missionaries have given to the Lord.

 President Robinson, Sister Hinchcliff, Sister Robinson

We say goodbye to Sister Hinchcliff as she heads off to North Carolina, and then on to South Korea with her family where she will stay for the next 6 months.  We love you.  Thank you for your dedicated service to the Lord.