Week 16: Just a Great Week

So this week was a great week. FHE last Monday was good.  For some reason we had lost track of what time it was and actually arrived an hour early to FHE...Oopps but Zus ter Van Wauwe was super nice and let us eat dinner with her...GUESS WHAT WE ATE?? Muscles!!  You would have been proud of me if you saw how much I ate. They were actually pretty good.  My companion ate slow so she wouldn't get another serving. It was really fun.

 

Tuesday we did exchanges so I went to Turnhout (like an hour bus ride) with Zuster Clement who is from our stake! You guys know her and her family. She is really great. I love her tons. We taught an English lesson to this really cute and crazy couple. It was really fun. Then we had a Word of Wisdom lesson with their investigator named Isaac. He is so cool and has a baptismal date for the 13th of October. So excited for him.

 

Wednesday we had Zone Conference. So that means that the missionaries in two zones come together and President, his assistants and Sister Robinson talk to us. Zuster Robinson and told us that there are crazy things going on in the world...Christians being murdered? That is nuts. When she told us, my heart sunk. This world is getting crazy but I am so grateful that we have the truth. We have Zion and the stakes of Zion which will be the only place of safety and joy in the future. That is why missionary work is so important. We want everyone to be safe when this world starts getting worse. I learned a lot. I have got to step up my game...I have so many things to fix about myself that I feel overwhelmed. I will work on them(: I love being out here.

 

Thurday was a really good day. We met with four members/less actives that day. A little crazy but fun. I love getting to know the people here and how much they sacrifice for the church. It is really great. There is this cute older guy in our ward who has family that are inactive and we meet with him almost every week. Last week he set up for us to come and meet his family. He really wants them to return to church and we are going to help them do that. It's great stuff, LOVE IT. I wish you guys could meet the people I have the priviledge to meet. Maybe one day eh? 

 

Friday I was in Turnhout again! Woot. It's really complicated what happened but I ended up there. Zuster Israelsen and I did some contacting and then helped this older family fix their computer. They were sooo nice and got us fries. I don't think I have eaten so many fries in my whole entire life. I was going to die. We then had an appointment with Isaac that night so we left to catch the bus..guess what? We missed it..So we had to wait for it. We were for sure going to be late to our appointment. We RAN AS HARD AS WE COULD to get there. We ended up only being 15ish minutes late...not bad, I'd say. Our lesson with Isaac went sooo well. We taught him the Law of Chastity and we had this Joint Teach couple who had just gotten married there. They were perfect. The spirit was so strong. I just want to thank you guys (mom and dad) for being such amazing parents. You are truly such a great example. I am blessed to have parents who are faithful to each other and who love the Lord and love each other. Thank you for being awesome.

 

Saturday morning, Zuster Israelsen and I had a first lesson with this cute lady from Brazil. The spirit was soo strong there and I knew she had felt it. She had this 6-year old daughter who looked JUST like Stephie when she was little. It was hard for me not to just hug the crap out of her. She was adorable!! Then we had lunch with the other sisters before we exchanged back...LEKKER HUGE DONERS!!  These were the biggest doners ever. I didn't finish mine..I thought I was going to barf.

Biggest Doner Ever

Sunday was really good. We got to talk with a lot of members and set up appointments. It was great. There was also a baby blessing. The whole family (extended and all) wore the wedding color of the couple when they got married. Did that make sense? Everyone who was related to the baby was wearing this pretty bright pink color because that was the color that the couple wore for their wedding. I thought it was hilarious. Then we met with a potential investigator named Sena. She is from Ghana. SOOO CUTE AND AWESOME. GOLDEN. We have a really good feeling about her. Our talk and lesson with her really ended this week PERFECTLY. I love the work we are doing here. It is seriously so much fun and so fulfilling.

 

I love you guys soo much. Please be safe!!!!!!

 

LOVE, Z Kohlert

 

Week 15: Blessed and a Little Nuts

Hello family,

I feel like weeks are just flying by. And I don't really like it. I just love it here so much. Everything is just dandy.

I would like the birthdays to everyone in the family and extended family (gpa's and gma's) I don't really need cousin birthdays...sorry guys, love you. haha 

Random side note- I HAVE THE BEST COMPANION EVER. THE END. 

This week was pretty crazy. Tuesday, District meeting, contacting and an awesome dinner appointment. Wednesday I was in Brussels all day (good news, they have my stuff so I can become legal) and then dinner with my favorite family, the Schiltz family. 

Sister Schlitz

Then Thursday we had lunch with this guy in our ward, Bwatu. Haha nuts. We waited for him for like an hour. We talked to this lady who was really cool for a while, which was nice. When he finally showed up he was like "I was in Amsterdam, sorry" haha He traveled all the way from Amsterdam to have lunch with us. So nice of him. He then took us through these weird back ways and shops to get to this Indian food place. Turned out to be really good and fun. We then took a train to the Netherlands to do an exchange because Zuster Rigdon had a meeting in Leiden on Friday. We traveled through Eindhoven. One of the previous Elders in Antwerpen is there now so we did something really funny....Hehe He loves steak so we bought the cheapest steak (4 euros) that we could find. Put it in a bag and hid it in the station. Then we texted the elders and just said "Spoor 1, vak i. You have 3 hours and 45 min until it goes bad. Time is ticking." Haha they found it later that night. It was really funny. You guys probably think we are so weird but hey, we have to do stuff to keep us sane. 

So I went back to Heerlen. Really fun and cool. They are doing good work there and actually had a baptism Saturday! Friday we switched back and got back home right at 9 o'clock. We were tired. 

Saturday we had sooo many things to do because we were out of our city for a day. You know how we put letter in peoples mailboxes as an intro and then go back letter in the week and knock on their doors? Well we when back to visit and talked to a lot of people. A lot of them are not interested but they are still really nice. One guy, Gert, was soo cool. He was talking to us a lot about the church and actually seemed really interested. When we showed him the pamphlet for the Restoration, he goes " Wow, this is old. Something my Grandparents would probably use in their time." Haha so funny. We told him to go look at our websites and everything. He said he'd call us but we will probably end up stopping by again. He had a really cute family and would totally be an adorable Mormon family. 

Do you remember Ann, the lady we contacted last Sunday 5 minutes before we were supposed to go inside? Well, we went to her house and she was about to go to the store so we walked with her. She told us that she has Dimentia (do not know how to spell that) and that her mom died from it. Sorry it was hard to understand since it was in Dutch but I am pretty sure this is the story. She had to make the decision to pull the plug for her mom and that has been haunting her her whole life. She feels like God is punishing her. When we got to the corner of the store and a cafe she looks at us and says, "Do you want to get some coffee because I want to talk with you." So we talked with her while drinking some Fanta and she wants to change her life. She is poor so she would always ask how much it would pay for us to teach her lessons and how much it is to be a member of the church. it was really cute actually. She asked so many questions that we pretty much gave an unplanned Plan of Salvation lesson to her. It was good. We will be meeting with her on Tuesday. I feel like she is my friend. It's cool. When we were leaving she said "I will get you some Fanta for you to drink and I will have some champagne." Then she paused for a second and said "Grapje" (Which means Joke). 

I love this work and this gospel. I know that it changes lives and has made me the happiest person in this world. She was soo surprised that we would give up a year and a half of our lives to serve other people. She said that she is just amazed that we do that. For me, it is not something that is hard. It is something that is totally worth it and I wouldn't change where I am today for any other place. I miss you guys like crazy but this is where I am supposed to be. Thank you so much for all of your support and your love. I really pray so hard for you alllll day evveerryyy day.

Love you guys, Be safe PLEASEEEEEEE. Pretty please. 

Z. Kohlert

Week 14: Happy to be in Antwerpen

Well the first week of the transfer has flown by. Crazy and sad because I will probably be transferred in 5 weeks: (unless my companion gets transferred, which wouldn't be good). Anyway, we won't think about that right now.  

We have had some really cool dinner appointments with members this week. Some really good food and everything. I hope the ward here keeps working on being better missionaries! Imagine having 150 "missionaries" in Antwerpen verses 6. It would ROCK...Ha ha...We have had a couple of wonders/miracles.

We haven't heard anything from Adeline this week...which is sad because I was really excited about her. I don't get why she doesn't answer her phone...Or contact us back. Pretty much all of our appointments this week fell through except for one, which I missed because I was in Turnhout. It went well though. Ben is cool. Too bad we have been trying to get a hold of him the past couple of days and have gotten no reply. Yet another Bummer. Oh well.. We shall keep trying.

We had a really good lesson with one of the less active members this week. I don't remember if I told you about her, but she was struggling with knowing God is there and is a loving God. We decided to show her Pres. Uchtdorf's talk on the Hope of Gods Light (or something like that) and it was a strong message. She is so nice and fed us Ben and Jerry's ice cream WE ARE SPOILED! And guess what flavor it was?? Cookie dough (MY FAVORITE!!!) So glad. Then we had an awesome dinner with the Schiltz family, one of my favorite couples in the ward. He is the best member missionary. 

I got pooped on by a bird while riding my bike...hahahahaha Soooo nasty and pretty big. Hahah my comp got a picture of it.. Haha I think that poop and pee will be reoccurring themes in my letters..hha....just can't get enough of them.

On Saturday we celebrated Saint Niklaas's 40th anniversary of their building being made. It was a big deal. We went to the church and helped talk to people during the open house and then we took a dinner break and got some fries. What was really funny was that Zuster Rigdon and I had to ride the bikes while the elders drove (we aren't allowed to ride with them while they drive) And I used a man bike..I wish I got a picture because I looked ridiculous. haha I was so tired. Then we had to meet them there and we road pass the turn..so we were riding for 15 min not knowing where we were. Zuster Rigdon was way far ahead of me (because I couldn't ride fast on the tall man bike) when I got a call from the elders saying we missed the turn so I tried to yell at her to get her to turn around..We ended up riding really far until I could get her attention. It was really funny!  Haha...We did get some fries though. 

After fries we went back and had this fancyish meeting with the Mayor and a lot of the members. It was good. Haha There was a member who was taking pictures during it and he was sooo funny. Just like walking around and taking close ups of everyone. The ward also made an awesome film. I wish I could show it to you, A little cheesy. We were trying hard not to laugh. haha Then after that the missionaries served snack food to people. One time I was going back to get more food and I saw the area of the 70 who was there. I got soo distracted that I ran into this manikin(?) dressed like a scout......Hahah soooo awkward and hilarious..Lets just say I got out of there quickly haha. 

So I have found out that I am really awkward. Maybe I am here to get over my awkwardness or something...I just do weird things...Haha 

Ps We walk out to a Ferrari every morning because we live above the Italian Mafia. Lets just say we feel pretty save some nights. haha 

Oh yeah! So we have been putting introductory letters in peoples mailboxes a couple of days before we come by and so far it has been pretty good. We dont get totally shut down..Which helps haha We also got a couple potentials! Woot Woot. 

Last Night I ate a whole apple. It was exciting.

My favorite miracle of this week happened last night. After doing doors, we were going to go visit some people but they live like an hour away (and we only had like 35 min before we needed to go in) and we would have been late home so we decided to do some contacting on the streets..Of course it is POURING. So no one is out. We stopped the people we did see and they were not interested. We had 5 minutes before we needed to be inside and we were just going to give up and go in. BUT then we saw this lady walking two dogs. We stopped her and it turns out she is really nice and volunteers to take care of animals. Super cool. So then we ask her if we could stopped by and talk to her bout our religion and how it could help her life. She Was like Yay! Here is my info, come over any time! I feel so blessed and grateful that we were obedient. The Lord really does bless us when we do what he says. So Yay. We will let you know how that goes.

This next week will be crazy because I have to go to Brussels for legality again and Z Rigdon has another meeting in Leiden..Yay for more traveling. Haha 

Also this crazy guy is in love with z rigdon. Haha so funny. 

Okay I am done now. Heehhaaa

LOVE YOUUUUU, Z. Kohlert

Week 13: Two New Elders and An Answer to Our Prayers

Thank you for all the emails this week. Sorry that it is so hard for me to reply to them on a personal level. Just know I read them and know what is going on, it is just hard to reply. You guys are the best ever.

 

So this week....I don't even know where to begin! Such good stuff. I just can't remember what happened this week..

 

Tuesday...Hahaha, we missed the train to our last district meeting on the transfer so we took the next one. We were going to be there only 15 minutes late, but the bus that took us from the station in Leuven to the church didn't come until the meeting was almost over. We went to the church and had lunch with them. It was good...

 

This week was transfers, so we have a totally new zone! One of our zone leaders (E. Andrews) left which was really sad because we was awesome. BUT we got 2 more elders in Antwerpen so that means we have a total of 6 missionaries! Crazy huh? we are excited to get things going here and working a ton with the ward and alles. It is great! There was such an awesome change on Sunday. Everyone was sooo enthusiastic and the spirit was great! And we have dinner with members almost every week!!

Family Home Evening

GUESS WHAT?? I can understand pretty much everything people say!! But then I can't reply. I am doing better though. haha I am just loving it out here. This transfer is going to be bomb.

 

The last 2 weeks we were not able to get food shopping done so this morning we went shopping and spent almost 50 euros on food....whoops haha But we are excited to eat!!

 

We got a call from the Gent sisters giving us a referral! Sooo awesome but we were a little scared because sometimes the ppl that call are crazy. But it turns out he is awesome. His name is Ben and he is a total answer to our prayers! We have a Joint Teach set up for Tuesday which I am sooo excited about. It should be great.

Me, Zuster Rigdon, Elder Andrews, Elder Armstrong, and Brother Nuyens

 

I can't remember what else happened. Oh Julie Van Wauwe (added me on facebook) is going to America and you guys should meet her or something. I think her name is a little different on facebook but you should talk to her! ...I hope that is allowed? haha Idk haha

 

Well it sounds like you guys did a lot of  things this week which is great! I love hearing your stories.. Haha. I love you guys sooo much and I can't believe time is flying this fast. On the 12th I will be out for 3 months...I can't imagine how fast the rest of my mission will fly.. Really sad actually. But I do miss you guys a lot! I will try to send pictures.

 

LOVE YOUUUUUU MISSS YOOOUU!!!

Zuster Kohlert

Week 12: More Exchanges and Lots of Traveling

Well hello again! How are things going with everyone? 

This week was a crazy week with lots of traveling...surprise! haha But it was great. I got to go on exchanges with some really awesome girls and teach great lessons. It kinda sucks because we have 3 investigators that speak english and one that speaks french. Lets just say I don't get to use my dutch as much as I want. But I need to do better at SYLing. 

Huge miracle this week. We had fasted last week to find someone to get baptized this month and guess what? We got a new investigator! She was a referral from our favorite person EVER. Julie Van Wauwe. (ps she wants to go to Utah so I told her she can stay with you guys if she wants. she is 50ish? and totally awesome. Speaks decent english. I will give you more details later.) Our new investigator's name is Adeline, from Africa and is 27. Super cute. We had our lesson with her on Wednesday night and she then came to church and loved it. Hopefully she will come to FHE tonight and also have a lesson or two with her this week. She is cute and tooks notes during our lesson. 

Haha We played Nerf gun wars today with our WHOLE Zone. It was great. THANK YOU FOR THE PACKAGE!!! Haha You guys know me sooo well. haha Not sure why the Hello Kitty thing but okay. We used it to have a dance party the other night.

Our Stake had a family dinner thing in the woods and it made me want to go camping. We better camp when I get back. So much fun! 

I don't think there is anything else that really happened. I just love it here and can't believe the time is flying by. I love it in Antwerpen.

Oh yea, Will you guys send me cool ideas for FHE everyweek so that way we can have a fun activity..we have ran out of ideas. haha 

We had a Jovo (Single adult) fireside last night which was awesome. Loved it. Haha The people here are sooo cool. 

Oh yeah we were knocking doors and a guy said that I had a German accent when I spoke dutch, mom you should be proud. Haha Ahh Okay Love you guys sooo much. I will try to send pics asap!! (:

LOVE YOU!!!!

Z. Kohlert