The Library is closed today, so I'm chilling in a grungy Internet cafe downtown. It's filled with phone booths which in turn are filled with African people--who talk really, really loud on the phone. There aren't many people here today though. These computers are filled with viruses too, so if something slimy makes its way on this email, don't blame me!
Elder Mower and I have to get home by 4 today. New years eve gets insane here. Apparently, in the Netherlands it sounds like World War 3 on New Years. I've seen videos of more fireworks blasting over rooftops than you can believe. They're tamer in Belgium, but still. Home at 4 is a mission-wide rule.
Ever notice that those finagled ergonomic keyboards always destroy your wrists? Goshdang.
On Christmas day, we went and visited Family Verschuuren. We brought along Syria (or however his name is pronounced) and had a good old time. There were snacks, Russian and Nepolese accents and Uno to top it off afterwards. That was just as good a gift as I could ever ask. Later that selfsame evening, went went to Bishop Dixon's and there I skyped home. Hello home, good to see everything is going great.
Gee, I've matured? Psh, wait until you see me off Skype. Speaking of which, we got to get the life-sized coke cola cardboard phone booth set up in a strategic way for our Nerf-gun battle tonight. No further questions.
On Boxing day we went as a zone to an old folks home and sang to the people living there. We visited 3 floors of the place, stopping to see residents along the way. At one point, an old Dutch lady started talking, repeating at least a dozen times that she had children in America. 3 of them. Three children in America. She has them. I really, really don't like old folks home. I don't need to go into details why (Papa Joe). In any case, the staff and bewoners were very grateful that we came.
The same day, I went on exchanges to Antwerpen with the Zone leader ~ Elder Pitchforth. I now understand a bit more of ZL life and I don't really like it. Some other missionaries called us to say they forgot their keys, so we had to drive 50 minutes to go haul them back home in Antwerpen. In the morning, another 50 minute ride greeted us to bring them back to their city. Another 50 minutes saw us back in Antwerpen. Still, it was a cool experience.
We talked with Isac, who Elder Frahm (first companion in the field) always talked about. He was a miracle--really prepared for batpism. While we were there, he mentioned his friend had some interest in the church. Elder Pitchforth suggested we make an appointment some time to discuss with his friend. Isac nodded and snatched up the phone, dialed it, talked in Twi for a while and then hung up.
"Alright Elders, he wants to meet with us."
Cool, when?
"Right now."
Whoa. What a missionary. We swung by and taught a Restoration to Isac's friend and wham, before we knew it, he had a baptismal date set up. Oh, okay. Isac is awesome.
As far as our investigators went, we didn't have the most productive week. We couldn't meet with the Stroobonts, but they came to church. We couldn't get contact with William either--although we tried almost every day. Oops. Next week will be better.
We went to the Genk branch as well. I've travelled a lot this week. It took us an hour to get there but man, is it a cool branch. Really small, but very missionary focused. Also, I met Paul! You remember Paul? He's staying here for the month with a member. He's trying to get his Visa right now, but it's difficult. Paul is super awesome. A child had a magic kit at church, with one of those fake thumbs you stick sneaky stuff into. Paul tried it on but it wasn't the correct hue for him. Fun times.
We received an Internet referral as well and met Jean, who lives near the church in Genk. He's writing a couple books! One is about God and apparently, he wants to learn what we believe to help him write it. Hmm. We'll see what happens. Anyway, I've got a +1 with him because I write books too!
Well, I gotta split like...a...something that splits.
Thanks for the letters and Christmas Love!
Tot volgende jaar,
Elder Burgess
Elder Mower and I have to get home by 4 today. New years eve gets insane here. Apparently, in the Netherlands it sounds like World War 3 on New Years. I've seen videos of more fireworks blasting over rooftops than you can believe. They're tamer in Belgium, but still. Home at 4 is a mission-wide rule.
Ever notice that those finagled ergonomic keyboards always destroy your wrists? Goshdang.
On Christmas day, we went and visited Family Verschuuren. We brought along Syria (or however his name is pronounced) and had a good old time. There were snacks, Russian and Nepolese accents and Uno to top it off afterwards. That was just as good a gift as I could ever ask. Later that selfsame evening, went went to Bishop Dixon's and there I skyped home. Hello home, good to see everything is going great.
Gee, I've matured? Psh, wait until you see me off Skype. Speaking of which, we got to get the life-sized coke cola cardboard phone booth set up in a strategic way for our Nerf-gun battle tonight. No further questions.
On Boxing day we went as a zone to an old folks home and sang to the people living there. We visited 3 floors of the place, stopping to see residents along the way. At one point, an old Dutch lady started talking, repeating at least a dozen times that she had children in America. 3 of them. Three children in America. She has them. I really, really don't like old folks home. I don't need to go into details why (Papa Joe). In any case, the staff and bewoners were very grateful that we came.
The same day, I went on exchanges to Antwerpen with the Zone leader ~ Elder Pitchforth. I now understand a bit more of ZL life and I don't really like it. Some other missionaries called us to say they forgot their keys, so we had to drive 50 minutes to go haul them back home in Antwerpen. In the morning, another 50 minute ride greeted us to bring them back to their city. Another 50 minutes saw us back in Antwerpen. Still, it was a cool experience.
We talked with Isac, who Elder Frahm (first companion in the field) always talked about. He was a miracle--really prepared for batpism. While we were there, he mentioned his friend had some interest in the church. Elder Pitchforth suggested we make an appointment some time to discuss with his friend. Isac nodded and snatched up the phone, dialed it, talked in Twi for a while and then hung up.
"Alright Elders, he wants to meet with us."
Cool, when?
"Right now."
Whoa. What a missionary. We swung by and taught a Restoration to Isac's friend and wham, before we knew it, he had a baptismal date set up. Oh, okay. Isac is awesome.
As far as our investigators went, we didn't have the most productive week. We couldn't meet with the Stroobonts, but they came to church. We couldn't get contact with William either--although we tried almost every day. Oops. Next week will be better.
We went to the Genk branch as well. I've travelled a lot this week. It took us an hour to get there but man, is it a cool branch. Really small, but very missionary focused. Also, I met Paul! You remember Paul? He's staying here for the month with a member. He's trying to get his Visa right now, but it's difficult. Paul is super awesome. A child had a magic kit at church, with one of those fake thumbs you stick sneaky stuff into. Paul tried it on but it wasn't the correct hue for him. Fun times.
We received an Internet referral as well and met Jean, who lives near the church in Genk. He's writing a couple books! One is about God and apparently, he wants to learn what we believe to help him write it. Hmm. We'll see what happens. Anyway, I've got a +1 with him because I write books too!
Well, I gotta split like...a...something that splits.
Thanks for the letters and Christmas Love!
Tot volgende jaar,
Elder Burgess
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