Mission Life #38 work, work, work

Maandag 20 november 2017

Hi everyone!

This is gonna be a short email because nothing happened. Everyone kept cancelling. Our recent convert is doing crazy stuff, so it's been a really interesting week. I feel like I didn't do anything. 

We had a really good lesson with an investigator. We brought a member, our mission leader, told us about a member and that she spoke Dutch! He's an angel, because we had no idea she could speak Dutch 

People always speak Spanish here. And it turned out that she knew one of our investigators! We were planning on teaching the atonement, but we just talked about miracles and how God is a God of miracles. And it was so awesome to talk about that, that was really spiritual! And this sister shared an experience as well. It was perfect.

Oh and we did service! We helped a member who's burned out making guave jam. It was really fun! Let me explain actually. So we were done with weekly planning pretty early. So we didn't know what to do. We were about to call some people when zuster Noij called and asked us to help her. It was 4.30. She needed to leave at 5.15. So we asked president if we could use the car and we could. So we helped her out for like 30 minutes. She really appreciated the help. I love helping people out.

Oh before I forget. I will go back to Suriname next week! I'm excited, but also sad to leave this beautiful island of Bonaire. Well that was it. 

Love you all! Mi stima bo! Mi lobi yu!

Zuster Spijkerman

Mission Life # 37 Curacao

Maandag 13 november 2017.

Okay crazy week! 

Hi everyone!

So last monday we found out that we needed to take bikes from Bonaire to Curacao, but we needed to bring them to a firm Rocargo to get them packed. So we called them at like 11. They told us they closed at 12. We needed to be there before 12. We were grocery shopping, so we finished shopping we dropped off the other sisters. We got home at like 11.30. We looked for the bikes that were in the shed somewhere. It was hard to get out. We put them on the bike rack thing on the car. We left at like 11:45. We got ther at 11:55. Went to the front desk, but we needed to be somewhere else. Finally we found it. They took the bikes. We drove away at 12:03. Sweet! It was funny because sister Jordan wanted to drive faster, but I said 'Sister Jordan, we have God's promise if we keep his commandments.' And God really helped us out!

Tuesday

We were a little bit late, because we needed to pick up the bikes at 8. We were there at 8:15. We needed to be at the airport at 8.30. SNEL! The package was HUGE. It didn't fit in the car. So the firm had a truck and they brought the bike to the airport for us. We checked in, but we couldn't take the bikes. So we went t Swiss port (they can send packages) but it was too big for them too. So we didn't know what to do and we forgot the PHONE. We had the phone number of the senior couple in Curacao, so we called them. Eventually we could arrange that the Rocargo firm picked up the bikes again. So it was 9:10. We drove home to grab the phone (we needed to be at immigration at 9:25, yeah I know crazy). So we grabbed the phone drove back to the airport. We prayed that our flight would be delayed. So we tried to run to immigration. But we had no strength at all. So we just walked fast. We were at immigration at 9:30. I was ready to hear that we were too late. But no. Everything was fine. And actually the plane left earlier! So God hears our prayers, but He gives us what we need! The plane had no delay, but we made it anyway and we were even earlier. It was a big big miracle. And we arrived safely in Curacao where we spent the day with the sisters. We had interviews and we talked to sister Egbert and watched videos for Light the World  https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/light-the-world-25-days-of-service?lang=eng 

Wednesday

ZONE CONFERENCE: about the Book of Mormon. The Spirit was just soo soo strong! We had to do the roleplay (because sister Jordan is STL). And president said we did an excellent job. I messed up a lot I think, but the Spirit took over. The Spirit taught. We read 3 Nephi 11:5-15. While we were reading verse 15 elder Lindley (senior couple who pretended that they were investigators) teared up. The Spirit was so strong. It was amazing. 

Thursday

We had exchanges with the Curacao sisters. In the night we flew back to Bonaire. 

Friday 

During weekly planning we almost dropped someone who was just in the area book but we weren't teaching him. But we decided to call him and he said he was home that day. So we met him. He is awesome. He doesn't believe in religion, but if he finds the true church he will follow that. He is really cool! His name is Andrew.

weekend

Contacting in the morning was so good! We taught Andrew again! It was a really good day! Sunday was good too. We had a really good lesson about the Book of Mormon with one of our investigators. At the end we asked her to pray with us and ask God if this Book is true. So she did (in Papiamentu, but we were able to understand!). Afterwards we asked her how she felt. She said 'it is time for me to read this book'. It was really amazing. I felt the Spirit and I feel the Spirit now I'm writing this as well,  that was a really spiritual experience. After her lesson we had another lesson. The man from Trinidad, that was a really good lesson about the restoration. At the end he read something about the Book of Mormon but we didn't tell him about it becasue we teach that next time. He was like what is this book i want to know more of this. Really cool Then we biked home and a creeper followed us so we bike super fast. It was scary! But God protected us.

 

I feel like I have to testify of the Book of Mormon this week. We've been teaching the Book of Mormon a lot lately. Zone Conference helped me understand how precious the Book of Mormon is. It's truly a treasure, a gift! 

The Book of Mormon helps me understand who my Savior is. The Bible teaches me the stories of Jesus. But the Book of Mormon gives meaning to the stories. I understand why we need a Savior. The Book of Mormon makes me so happy. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, because it testifies of Christ. I learned to love the Book of Mormon, the Spirit I feel while reading it. It is amazing. It is a blessing. I am grateful for all the knowledge God can give me through the Book of Mormon. At the beginning of my mission I didn't really understand why the Book of Mormon was the keystone of our religion. I knew it was important. I knew it was supposed to be the keystone of my testimony. But it wasn't. But I'm on my mission for almost 9 months and I can say that the Book of Mormon is the keystone of my testimony. Without it I have none. I testify of the power of the Book of Mormon in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Zuster Spijkerman en zuster Jordan Bonaire november 2017

Mi stima bo! Mi lobi yu!

Zuster Spijkerman

Mission Life #36 Do you want to hear the gospel?

Maandag, 6 november 2017

Bon tardi! Or nochi depends on where you are! Alles goed?? Met mij wel. Ik zal vertellen waarom.

Last week was amazing. The first two weeks of this transfer were kinda rough, but this last week was amazing. Especially the last two days. So I will tell you all about the spiritualness of Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday

onkruid voor de hulp

We started the day with service! it was international day of service, so we cleaned the church. We weeded the weed. So good to help people! We do a lot of service lately! We also helped the branch president out by weeding his garden and we helped people, that are not interested at all, moving there stuff, because they just moved here from the Netherlands. But Saturday. sorry. We had a powerful lesson with two kids we are teaching. We talked about CPR: Church, Prayer, Read. At the end we invited them to come to church, to pray and to read. And they were so excited to read the Book of Mormon! So sweet. 

onkruid geheel verwijderd na onze hulp

After the lesson we had time to go contacting. So we were standing in front of a house, waiting for someone to come out, when a guy in the car stopped and asked us if we were selling something. Yes? The gospel? (we didn't say that) So we started talking to him. He is from Trinidad! So he said that he sees us biking all the time and he wondered who we were and what we were doing. I think he knew that we were from the church, because he also said that he never knew what our doctrine was. so we asked if he was interested in learning about our doctrine. He said yes, because knowledge is power. So we got his information and made a return appointment for the next day. Then we continued contacting and we were able to talk to a lot of people! It was really amazing.

Sunday

So we were fasting for the white Christmas (did I tell you about that? Baptisms in December). Fasting is so good! Especially because we have testimony meeting then. It was so powerful! I cried a lot. There was also a visitor from Colorado, who served his mission in Croatia. His testimony was really awesome. We wanted to thank him for sharing his testimony afterwards, but he was gone! He disappeared. So sister Jordan and I think it was one of the 3 Nephites. Then the third hour was really good to. We talked about gratitude. I was able to bear my testimony of hoe important it is and how it changed my way of thinking. Someone thanked me for that, because that was exactly what she needed to hear. 

That night we saw the guy we met the day before. It's always hard to find houses haha. Especially when the street is not on the map. So we found his street, but not his house haha. The houses here don't always have the housenumber on it. SO ANNOYING. But oh well, we just ask people, contact people, which is good. So we asked this girl. Turns out she met with missionaries before and that she likes the Book of Mormon. So we got her information and we will schedule an appointment with her when we come back from Curacao, because we have zone conference! Anyway, she didn't really know. Eventually after biking around we called him and we were in front of his house. Perfect! It was an awesome lesson! The Spirit was so strong! When we mentioned the Holy Ghost, he asked if we believed in that too and then he asked what it is and how you and how you can feel it. So we told him that we could feel it at that very moment. We asked him how he felt and he said comfortable. And it is really comfortable to feel the Spirit. It was amazing! 

I know that God puts us there where He needs us. When we first started the new contacting area I was kind of negative, because people told us that other missionaries were already working in that area. So I wondered why God would put us in this specific place. BUT, I know it is His plan. It truly is divine design. I know that people will recognize us! And seriously biking around is so important, because people indeed see us, recognize us. So biking is inspired. Truly inspired. 

I know God lives! He has a body of flesh and bones. The whole purpose is to become like Him. With a perfected body. I know He is helping us in His work. This is His work and His glory. I thank God for giving me the chance to share His perfect plan with people. His plan is a plan of happiness. Jesus Christ is the center. Without Him, the plan would not be perfect. I know these things are true and I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Mi stima bo!

Zuster Spijkerman

pics

- vogel

- before and after weeding

- skulls in front of a house SCARY. Probably don't like missionaries or something...

Mission Life #35

Maandag 30 oktober 2017

Bon tardi! Kon bai?

I really don't know what happened this week. It's been rough scheduling appointments and contacting is a struggle too. But we had some appointments. One was with our recent convert Renzo. He is doing okay. He has a piercing now and he threw a chair at his girlfriend or something who is also a member in this branch. So we were really worried about him. But they are still fine. We are not sure what happened exactly, but we prayed a lot for him. We finally helped him understand why reading the Book of Mormon everyday is so important. We shared 1 Nephi 15:23-24, but 25 is really good too.

23 And they said unto me: What meaneth the rod of ironwhich our father saw, that led to the tree?

24 And I said unto them that it was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversaryoverpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction.

25 Wherefore, I, Nephi, did exhort them to give heed unto the word of the Lord; yea, I did exhort them with all the energies of my soul, and with all the faculty which I possessed, that they would give heed to the word of God and remember to keep his commandments always in all things.

You have God's promise that if you read the Book of Mormon, you will be able to resist temptation, through the Atonement of Christ. 

We also had a lesson with an investigator. She has a lot of questions and the gospel has literally all the answers. We had a lesson with her last Friday. She asked why she is here and how we know who has the priesthood and all these questions. It just makes me happy, because I know this gospel will help her so so much. 

Funny story. Wednesday we needed to take the car in, because the oil needed to get changed. But then we had no car to drive back. So we needed to walk for like 30 minutes haha. But it was good. Getting to know my companion. We talked about deep questions that one of our investigators has. A lot about why does it matter that God has a body? And how is it possible that we can be healed through the Atonement. So it was a really good talk. My companion is awesome. 

I'm on my mission for 8 months already it's crazy! Time is such a crazy thing don't you think?? 

Well I don't have a lot to say! I just want to say I love you all! I love hearing from you! It's almost Sinterklaas en Kerst. I'm excited. I hope I will be here in Bonaire still. I love it here. It rains a lot lately! Which is nice, because then it's not that hot. 

Oh we saw flamingo's last week!! It's crazy how pink they are. It looks weird when they fly haha. Oh well, all creatures of God. I love the gospel so so much! I know it is true. It can and it will help you a lot when you live it. HAve a great week! Pasa bon tardi!

Mi stima bo! Te amo! Doei doei! Ayo!

Zuster Spijkerman

a kid put this in our shoes and a really green lizzard!

Mission Life #34 Patience. Good things come to those who wait

Maandag 23 oktober 2017

What a week. Anyway. Hello from the other side! Oh sorry apostate.

This week was awesome, but kinda hard. Let me tell you why. We had to prepare a fireside, so we stayed in A LOT. I don't know if it's because I'm a perfectionist and I want it to be nice and perfect or because it actually is a lot of work. The topic was Charity. 

We used the talk of Thomas S. Monson 'Charity that never faileth'. https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/charity-never-faileth?lang=eng  

There are some quotes we used from that.  

"I have in mind the charity that manifests itself when we are tolerant of others and lenient toward their actions, the kind of charity that forgives, the kind of charity that is patient." 

So we talked about the charity that doesn't judge, forgives and the kind of charity that is patient. I feel like Heavenly Father tested us a lot, because we were studying and preparing for these things. Our patience was definitely tested. I won't go into detail, because complaining isn't good. Let's just say that we lost our key to the house, got the spare key from the landlord, then we lost it again. BUT WE FOUND IT. 

But I just want to tell you that praying for patience is really hard. Because things will happen that will test your patience, but it is soo good! I want to invite you to pray for patience, because if you are patient, you have more charity, because you are patient with the weaknesses of others, afflictions of others, so you have more understanding and more love. 

Last Friday we went to the airport to pickup the new sister (well she was in Curacao), but she wasn't there. So we drove back and sister Montenegro said that we could stop by one of her investigators. So we did. She wasn't home, but her daughter was. We started talking to her. It was one of the most powerful and spiritual contacts I've had on my mission so far. She told us that her brother got killed. And she almost started crying. She told us that she talked to missionaries before, and that they really helped her. So we testified to her that our message can really help her. We testified that she will see her brother again. We said a prayer with her too. 

I know that God wanted us to meet her, so that's why sister Woodbury wasn't there. God's plan is perfect. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Mi ta stima bo!

Zuster Spijkerman

ps: I will send pictures, because we finally took some of ourselves, because we were matching, because we had the fireside, because I don't know. Just Because. #becauseofHim

Mission Life #33 Hola como esta?

Maandag, 16 oktober 2017.

Bon tardi mi amigonan!
This week was a little bit rough. Appointments fell through, not a lot of people wanted to talk to us. But our investigators are doing well!

President Egbert came on Thursday! We went out for lunch and then he came to one appointment with our investigator Mr. E. It was a really good lesson. We went through the first vision with the question in mind 'what can we learn about God'. He said the closing prayer and he said 'Hello God, it's me, E..' So precious.

After that we had a lesson with R. It was a good lesson about the Atonement. At the end we invited him to say the closing prayer. He agreed, but was silent for a while. Then he said 'even denken'. And I don't know why, but that was so spiritual. He took time to talk to God. It was really precious. 

Another spiritual experience was later that day. President called us to ask if we could pick him or the bike he was gonna take from here to Curacao (I was a little bit confused haha sorry). Of course we wanted to do that, but then we realized that we had no key of the car, because after our appointment with Mr. E., president drove our car back (no worries we had our bikes still haha). We called the hermanas a couple times, but they didn't answer. We called the branch president, but he didn't answer either. So we didn't know what to do, because we really wanted to help him out. We decided to say a prayer. And then we called the hermanas again... but they still didn't answer. Then we came up with the idea to call sistter M. (wife of the mission leader).  Then broeder M. said that he could pick him up. We were so relieved! That was truly an answer to our prayer!

Saturday night we had a lesson planned with Mr. R.! But he wasn't there 😑. But his dad was, so we both felt promted to talk to him (his name is also R.). It was amazing! And the recent convert Mr.R. came later and we shared a lesson with him too. It was awesome, because that day was kind of rough.

Today I want to share my testimony about the church, about its organization and programs. We are able to go to the Young Women class every week. Last week there was a mutual activity and sister A. asked us to come, because she wanted to explain the personal progress program. She has never done it before, but we have. We were able to share our testimony of this program. I never realized how much that program prepared me for my mission. I know it is truly inspired. I know that we are here to help the young women too. I'm grateful for their examples. They are amazing! They are an example! 

The gospel is sooo true! The church is super organized. It is perfectly organized! I invite you all to fulfill your calling, because if everyone does that, we can build up the church and help each other become stronger members. 

I love you all!!!!!

Zuster Spijkerman

Mission Life #32 Mi papia Papiamentu (of zo)

Maandag 9 oktober 2017

Hi everyone!
I have 10 minutes I got this. This week was super awesome, full of miracles!

the sun is so bright that it is hard to keep

your eyes open when taken a picture

I spent 3 days with the Spanish speaking sisters, because my companion was in Trinidad for 3 days,  so we worked in their area for the most time. So a lot of lessons were in Spanish and Papiamentu, and that's really hard for me. But I definitely saw God's hand with that last week. I was able to understand quite a bit and I was able to say things (in English) at the right time. We had a lesson with M. , a Youn Woman in the branch, and some relatives who only spoke Spanish. But I bore my  testimony at the end and the sisters told me that it was perfect. So God really helped me to understand enough so I could help them to come closer to Christ, although I don't speak the language. 

And Saturday night, we had an appointment, but the lady didn't show up. It was 7 pm and it was dark and people don't like us when it's dark. So we had no idea what to do. We decided to pray. After the prayer we were quiet and we still didn't know. I saw someone sitting outside of his house, so I was like 'maybe we can talk to him'. So we did. He was awesome! He drove by in his car while we waited in front of the lady's house and he wanted us to contact him, so he sat outside. And he really wanted us to come back so he willingly gave us all his information and he really wanted us to teach him and his mother. It was amazing to see that God truly lead us to those that are prepared. I didn't recognize that it was the Spirit telling me to go and talk to that man, but I truly did afterwards.

Yesterday, we went to the branch counsil. It was 7.30 pm and we had to be at the other sister's appartment for about 8 pm. So we had 30 minutes. We had no idea what to do. I came up with the idea to go to a lady we met during exercising on the soccerfield. We contacted her and we stopped by a couple times and we called her a couple times. But she was never there or she didn't pick up the phone. So we went there and she was home! We talked to her and she told us more about herself. She told us that she has 6 kids! And we've been praying for finding a family a lot! So that was so awesome!!

I'm glad I followed that idea! And it really wasn't my idea. It was God putting that idea inside of my head through the Holy Ghost. Sometimes it's hard to recognize the Spirit, but if it's a good thing, just do it! That's what we did and it turned out pretty great!

I love everyone of you! Keep working hard in school, on your mission or at work! God will help you! Maybe it's a hard thing to do, but read the story about Mormon in the Book of Mormon . Mormon was 16 and he lead an army, he was the only one who turned to God. I learned a lot about Mormon lately, because that's where I am in the Book of Mormon. Pretty great

I know God hears and answers all of my and your prayers. I am so grateful that He uses me as an instrument to accomplish His work and glory. I know that He love His children. And I am so thankful for that knowledge. I am a child of God and that makes me so happy! The gospel is so so so true! I am so blessed. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Love,

Zuster Spijkerman

I will sent pictures next week!!!

Mission life #31 Divine Design

Maandag 2 Oktober 2017

Wingapo!

Since leaders of the church quote Disney movies in Conferences I can quote them in my letters. I loved to the talk about 'look beyond what you see'. Am I the only one who hears Rafiki's voice in my head? Probably... Anyway. We should really look beyond what we see, because that's what the Savior did. 

So this week was amazing. Too many good things but I don't have time to write a lot about it. But I don't feel so tired anymore because we go to bed like 10 minutes earlier and I pray for help and it's like God sees my effort. So He answered my prayer. So I feel so good. Especially after GC. 

But I want to share my spiritual highlights really quick.

We have this investigator and we planned to drop him after we taught him the restoration (we have 1 lesson before that #keylessons #trinidadportofspainmission). So we taught him the first part of the restoration but stopped before Joseph Smith's story. It was a great lessons! And we invited him to General Conference. And he came Saturday!!! It was awesome! He was even wearing really fancy nice clothes. 

And president Uchtdorf talked a lot about God, our Heavenly Father. And that was perfect for him, because he doesn't have a clear idea of who God is. He took notes, so I know that General Conference is for EVERYONE. Not only members! For the whole wide world. So watch it everyone. It's good. Good advises. 

Another really spiritual experience was with a family. We went there Monday night. And after dinner we talked about the First Vision and spiritual experiences they had and we had sharing that on our missions. And the Spirit was so strong. I had a warm feeling. I know Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His Son. I feel the Spirit again now I share my experience. I know the gospel is true! Yesterday morning we went contacting and we talked to a lady. Her heart was hardened and she said she was busy. Then we asked her if we could help her, but she said no. Then she asked how long we were here. So we said 3 weeks. And we just started talking to her about her family and stuff. We got to know her a little bit. And while we were talking her heart got softened, because she told us that we could stop by if we were in the neighborhood. I don't even remember what we talked about, but eventually I asked her if we could give her a card of Jesus and she said 'of course!'. so we wrote our phonenumber down so she can call us if she needs help. And then I just wanted to have a contact and I asked for her phonenumber. At first something told me she would not be willing to give her number, but that was not God's voice. Because then I had a strong desire and feeling that I should just ask her. And so she gave us her number and told us to call her. That change in like 5 minutes comes because of the message of the restored gospel. It must be true. I know it is! I love the gospel! It's our way to Heavenly Father. 

Also our hour of power is just awesome. Thursday night we biked to our contacting area. And I knew that most of the time there was a man on our way there, but we never talked to him. So we biked and I prayed that he would be there. And he was! But there was someone with him. I started to hesitate and I wanted to keep biking. But God just answered my prayer, how could I not talk to him?! So we talked to them both. And it was really interesting. We got their information. We'll see where it goes. 

Then we got into our contacting area and we were at this resort and a guy yelled at us. So we went their and we talked about God and how we can believe in Him if we can't see Him. we talked about His plan for us. We got their information too! It was amazing!

So miracles are happening, because according to Donald L. Hallstrom a miracle is a beneficial event brought about by divine power that is not understood by men. I don't always understand, but I know that He is my Father. I trust Him. And I know He trusts me to help His children here understand who He is. How great is my calling?? I love it people. It is pretty here! The weather is uhm hot. Well it was almost cold here last week (29 celcius?). 

Mi stima bo!

Love,
Zuster Spijkerman

my bike fell AUW 

The puppies ate the resto pamphlets, that's why we took the picture but you can't see it haha. 

Mission LIfe #30 Doopdienst & Hour of Power!!!!

Maandag 25 september 2017

Bon tardi! Kon ta bai? Bon?

I hope you are doing good! I'm doing good!

 

We had a baptism on the beach this week. It was awesome. Our investigator is kinda like chill and doesn't really show emotion haha. I prayed a lot that his attitude would change, because I wanted him to feel a change when he was baptized. Usually when we ask how he is doing he says he's fine. But when we asked him yesterday he said he was doing good! I think that's a huge change. And also his testimony was amazing. It was really short. He said that he felt really happy after he was baptized and he was smiling a lot. The change in him is truly amazing. 

Another spiritual highlight was this last Thursdaynight from 6-7 pm. We have our weekly hour of power. In Utah all the Apostles and the prophet go to the temple and they pray for all  the missionaries there. So our mission wants to be an answer to their prayers. We decided to start biking towards our contacting area and talk to literally everyone we saw. We didn't skip anyone for 45 minutes. Wow it was amazing! There are so many people haha. So much potential. People were willing to listen and we got a lot of their contact information. It was so exciting! We also met a lot of people that could only speak Spanish. I don't know how we did it (okay I know it was God), but we were able to get their phonenumber and we were able to talk a little bit. God helped us a lot. It was truly amazing. AND SO FUN! WE FEARED NO MAN! 

I know that God works with the people and He works with, in and through us.

 

I'm here for a reason. I know that this gospel is true. It really does change peoples lives. It changes my life! I love the gospel and I know the gospel is true. Although it's hot here and I'm not gonna lie the biking is killing me sometimes, we are able to do His work, because that is what He wants from me, from us, and also from you! I'm reading in 3 Nephi and I love the chapters where Jesus Christ is coming to the Americas. I love the moment where He weeps. It shows to me that He really cares. I know He cares about me, but I also know that He cares about you! He loves you you know! Never ever forget that! 

21: And when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their l 
ittle children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.

In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Mi stima bo!

Zuster Spijkerman

Mission Life #29 Donkeys, Curacao en Zone conference

Maandag, 18 september 2017

Hi everyone!

Wow there are so many donkeys here!! It is crazy. It's awesome. 

We have a new designated contacting area. Contacting is different here. Not everyone is as nice as in Suriname, so I have to get used to that. But I trust God! We are praying to find those that are prepared.

 

It's hard to find them, but I know that they are out there! So we keep looking and working hard! The members in this area are great! I think we are also here to help them. So I'm excited to help the people here in Bonaire! We know the area a little bit now, so that is really helpful too! 

 

Thursday we got a call from a man. He said that we had an appointment, but we had no idea who he was. We looked in the area book. No name of this man. But he told us that he wasn't available that day, so we scheduled another appointment for Saturday. And wow he is prepared!


We had zoneconference last week and president told us how our first key lesson should go. It is more like asking questions so you can get to know their believes and stuff. And wow he has such a strong testimony of God the Father! It was awesome! It was a really spiritual lesson. It was a miracle. He just came out of nowhere! If he hadn't call us we had no idea he even existed haha. Oh ... before we got to his house we stopped and a lady asked us if we needed help.  So we told her that we needed to go to Kaya Haarlem. So she said we went too far, we needed to go back. But we had a feeling we were on the right street. We decided to walk a little bit. Then a man came out the house and it was this man! Can you imagine what would have happened if we went the other way!? Wow God knows best. Sorry, not mother knows best, sorry mother Gothel.

It is really God who knows best. 

I mentioned that we had zone conference! We went to Curacao. We got there, and they didn't let hermane Montenegro in the country/island. So she needed to go back to Bonaire. President sended someone with her so she wouldn't be alone. They went back to Bonaire and we went to the hotel with president and sister Egbert. IT WAS GLORIOUS.

 

The food was awesome. It was amazing. Zone conference was amazing too. We waited in church all day, till 8 o'clock. Then we went back to the hotel and sister Egbert, sister Jordan and I went to a Dutch cheesery. There was a saxophonist, Benji. He was amazing! we talked to him and he is really spiritual! You should look him up on youtube! (Okay not missionaries, cause you are not allowed). He will be a member one day, hopefully this year, so we can listen to his music haha. 

Anyway, I know God prepares his people to receive the restored gospel. I know this gospel is true. I know that being a missionary is truly a blessing. A blessing for me and for my family. And it all started with that elder that baptized my dad (and also the elder that baptized my mom). They blessed the lifes of my parents and my family.

 

I know that I can do the same here. I know God has a plan for each and everyone of us. We are all part of God's plan. I know He loves all of his children. I know with all of my heart that God is my Father. "Wij zijn dochters van een hemelse Vader, die van ons houdt en wij houden van Hem." (Young women theme). I know these things are true. In the name of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Love,

Zuster Spijkerman

ps I read something awesome in the Book of Mormon this morning. It's in 3 Nephi 13:32

 

"For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things." I want to testify that God knows what we need. He will provide! I know He will.

 

Mission Life # 28 Bonaire

Maandag 11 september 2017

Wow crazy.

Anyway HI! Or I should say Ola! como estan?

 

I'm in Paradise!

 

It is amazing here! We are right by the ocean, blue blue ocean. I don't have a lot of time, but this week was crazy getting to know everything, help cleaning the other sisters apartment because it was nasty. Our apartment is so nice! We live next to members and they are amazing! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I want to bear my testimony that I know God is real. Last Friday we went to Gio's to eat ice cream with the Young Women. We shared a short lesson and because not everyone speaks the same language (some speak Papaimentu, some Dutch, some English, some not, some Spanish). So we spoke all of them.. well I could not speak more than English and Dutch. But when the other sisters bore there testimony in Spanish or Papaimentu (one of them) I felt the Spirit soo strong. I don't have to understand the language. Understanding the language of the Spirit is more important.

 

I know God helped me feeling the Spirit. God is there to help us, comfort us and work with us. Yesterday we had to bike really far and we couldn't find it so we biked for 75 minutes! I was about to give up, but then this man pulled over and asked us if we could find it. I said no. He helped us out. And we found it! God is really there! He is a good God! 

 

Well, I'm save here in Bonaire! Tuesday I will fly to CuraÇao for zone conference. I'm excited! This mission is crazy but I love it! I know I'm here for a reason and I'm excited to meet the people I'm here for. 

Lots of love,

Zuster Spijkerman

Mission Life #27 using a plant as an umbrella omdat het kan

Maandag 4 september 2017

Joëlle's district met zuster Barker en elder Dubbeld uit Utrecht

Hi everyone!

So what happened this week?

How is everybody? Has school started already? How is life?

Life here is really good! This week we decided to work really hard. It was hard, trust me. The sun is a huge obstacle. BUT we can do all things through Christ right? So we did it. I yelled a lot, because we have to yell “klop klop” all the time (knock knock), but people can’t hear us so we have to yell really loud haha. It’s fun. I sound angry sometimes, whoops. Oh well. It’s their salvation!

Funny things first:

Because I want to end and leave you with the Spirit. Hahahah this is too funny. There was a guy haha. He was biking, holding a plant or something and he said “Ik heb geen paraplu, ik ben zo alenig.” So he had no umbrella (to protect him from the sun) so he is feeling lonely. So he used the plant as an umbrella hahahahahah. Wow we laughed so hard. People her in Suriname are crazy haha.

There was a creepy huge big iew bug in my drawer. We killed it with bugspray. I screamed a lot haha.

Anyway, this week was amazing! So I want to tell you all about it.

So we are working in one specific area at the time, but we finished ours, so we had to pick a new one. Of course we prayed. No answer. We just looked up some potentials. But we had to pick a new designated contacting area. So we prayed again. Then I thought I received an answer, but zuster Barker got another answer. I was so confused. So I prayed again by myself and we decided to just go. So we went to this street and we had some really good and spiritual contacts! It is actually so fun to talk to people! Just random people you meet every day. With their stories and their faiths and believes. It’s amazing! That we had so many spiritual contacts was a confirmation to me that this was good. We were doing the work in the area where God wanted us to do His work.

So I want to tell you about two investigators this week. One is guy that knows where Zwolle is because he used to live there! But he is really really poor. Like he has no food (people here are really poor, it is really sad…). So before we left our apartment I thought “maybe I should bring a snack, because we won’t get home in like 5 hours.” Then after the lesson with him, he was telling us that he hasn’t eaten all day. And I remembered that I put the crackers in my bike bag, so I could give it to him. He was so happy!

 

I didn’t realize it was the Spirit telling me to bring those crackers, but now I do. God works in mysterious ways sometimes. It is awesome! Sometimes we don’t recognize that He is talking to us, but if you recognize it eventually, that is good. It’s a process. And we have the rest of our lives to learn how to recognize spiritual promptings.

The second is a motherl. I LOVE HER. She has having a hard time with her son with autism.  But we can see that the gospel helps her a lot. And she sees that too! We took different members to her and it was amazing! They all could relate somehow. Members are so important! We gave her a General Conference Liahona so she could read President Thomas S. Monson’s talk. She just reads the Book of Mormon every day AND a talk. We don’t even ask her to read a talk, but she always picks the perfect ones. One of the talks was about the priesthood, that day we wanted to talk about the priesthood.

The other one was about certain women and we wanted to talk about enduring to the end and how she can do that. She definitely is a certain woman! I’m gonna miss her so much! But God needs me somewhere else.

zo groeit ananas

I’m leaving tomorrow and I will be flying all day pretty much #fun. I’m a little bit scared, but I believe in God, and just like Alma and Amulek, I have work to do here so I won’t die. I know God lives. Hij is een levendige God. I love sharing the gospel. Sometimes it’s hard! But just do it! It will get easier. So I invite you all to pray for an opportunity to share the gospel this week. I will pray to :p I know you can do it!

Mi lobi yu!

Zuster Spijkerman

 

Mission Life #26 Transfers

Maandag 28 augustus 2017.

Hallo allemaal!!

Crazy news!

So last Saturday we were out contacting and we were talking to this man for what felt like eternity. The assistants called, but we rejected it. Afterwards we called them. No one answered. But they called back. And they were like "yeah due to changes and flights coming in, president asked us to call a week earlier, so are you ready for your transfer call?"

"Uuuhm,  I'm not sure", I answered. Then they told me that I will go to BONAIRE DUTCH SPEAKING. Wow crazy. My bike fell, I was so surprised. I prayed for going there though, so it's okay. So I'm flying there next week on Tuesday. I'm scared, nervous, excited, happy. ALLES IN 1. (all in one)

Anyway we had a lesson this week with a 9-year-old. She is amazing. Wow. she reminds me of the queen, Lamoni's wife. In Alma 19:10. "And Ammon said unto her: Blessed art thou because of thy exceeding faith; I say unto thee, woman, there has not been such great faith among all the people of the Nephites." She has so much faith. She goes to a church every week, without her parents. At the end of the lesson we wanted to make a return appointment and she told us that her friends would sit with us next time. And that lesson was so spiritual! We shared the first vision. The sun was shining behind me. It was perfect. I know they felt the Spirit. And they all committed to read the pamphlet and pray and ask God if this is true. It was amazing. God is Groot.

One of our investigators came to church for the first time! He said it was a big step for him, so he didn't stay the full 3 hours, but he came! And I think he read the whole book of Mormon already, but he didn't really understand, because we only taught him the first key lesson, about God is our loving Heavenly Father. He cut is hair en alles. AMAZING. 

We have a progressing investigator. She has not come to church, but for the rest, she understands EVERYTHING. Wow. I'm gonna miss her a lot. 

We took our new convert to a lesson! It's amazing to take recent converts, because their testimony is burning within them. It was awesome to have her there! 

Well time is up. But I am doing so good. I feel good. I am happy to do God's work. Pray  for me, because it is sooooo hot here! Dry season started. I love you all! Have an amazing week! Good luck with school, on your mission, alles. 

Lobi,

Zuster Spijkerman

Mission Life #25 Baptism and monkeys

Maandag, 21 augustus 2017

Okay let met tell ya. This last couple days were AMAZING. So.... 

Friday

I'm in the war chapters (of the Book of Mormon red.) right now. I never thought that I could learn so much from that. But I read Alma 48:16. The first sentence said: "And also, that God would make it known unto them whither they should go (...)." And I thought of that scripture all day. Someone canceled an appointment and we were on exchanges so I had to decide what we should do. So I thought of that scripture, that God would make it known unto me wither I would go. And I called a guy and asked if he was available that night. And he said yes! And we had a really spiritual lesson with him! I also thought of that scripture on Friday when our investegator didn't show up for her baptismal interview. I wanted to stay and wait for her. But I knew we had to leave. So we went contacting and found this really nice, cute girl! I know that because I read the Book of Mormon I knew what to do. That scripture helped me learn more about God, because if I rely on Him He will tell me what to do!

I want to know God better, so I'm praying in my prayers before personal study that I can learn something about Him. And I learned more about God. It's amazing. The Book is true!

Saturday
Yeah, our investigator she still needed an interview before her baptism, but she didn't show up and we couldn't reach her. I was so mad, frustrated and disappointed. I just prayed a lot. she didn't answer her phone. So the next day (Saturday) in the morning I called her and I prayed that she would answer. She answered and we were able to schedule the baptismal interview (3 hours before her baptism!) and everything was good. It was amazing to see her in white. Finally! When she was back in the room I asked her "how do you feel?" She said: "indescribable".

The next day in church she wasn't there. During sacrament I was just asking God why this happened and if I did something wrong. I was crying and then zuster Barker whispers "she is here". Wow I was so happy. The whole day I was so happy. I know I felt the Spirit because I was so happy. Mijn dag kon niet meer stuk!!!

Today

WOW. we went to a nature park. AND WE SAW MONKEYS. It was amazing. 

Funny things that happened:

On Sunday we called someone and he fell asleep during the call haha. 

A dog bit my bike and my tire was flat. We were at a members house so a member (president Verwey) helped us fix it. He was a miracle, because withouth my bike wow I'm nothing. Okay I can't do anything. Without Christ and God I'm nothing.

A member told me that I will become a brownie, because I'm getting dark. 

I know that this gospel is true. I am sooo grateful that I am called to share the gospel! Wow its's amazing. I'm so happy today wow.

I'm gonna send a lot of pictures! I love you all!!!!!!! (red. sorry ik ga ze niet allemaal plaatsen)

 Lobi,
Zuster Spijkerman