Oranje!

Happy Koningsdag! 

Well, of course one of the greatest miracles about this week was Koningsdag [which is the King's birthday; he was the Prince of Orange]. We were in market in Dordrecht with the Sliedrecht Elders and the Gouda Sisters having a booth to give stuff away and it was a lot of fun. We were able to give away probably at least 30 Books of Mormon, probably more, and we gave away tons of cards. Also plenty of pamphlets and DVDs. We also had a lot of really good conversations with people and several of them were genuinely interested in learning more. Also, one of our investigators that Sister A and I found who was really positive but then got busy/sort of disappeared showed up too and we got to talk to him! We'd already made an appointment with him on the phone, but it was cool to see him and get to talk to him a little bit. And he had another friend with him that might be interested too, so that was a great miracle. And one of the greatest miracles of all that day: it didn't rain a drop the whole day, even though we were supposed to get at least a bit of a storm.

Best part of Koningsdag? Lots of orange.

Sometimes it's difficult to watch members or investigators really struggling with certain trials--either those they caused for themselves or those that just happened in their lives. But it's important to remember that first of all those trials exist for all of us. It's all part of the plan! We accepted it when we chose to come here. And second, great trials make great people. There has never been a great man or woman without a great effort against a great problem. The one thing ALL successful people have in common is that they endured a difficult situation. We can't wish away our difficulties. They are what refine us.

Also, I love Alma 26:2-3, 11-12. (And now, I ask, what great blessings has he bestowed upon us? Can ye tell? Behold, I answer for you; for our brethren, the Lamanites, were in darkness, yea, even in the darkest abyss, but behold, how many of them are brought to behold the marvelous light of God! And this is the blessing which hath been bestowed upon us, that we have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work. ... I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God. Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.) One of the greatest gifts of a mission is the privilege to be an instrument in the hands of God.

Hope you all have a great week!

Love,

Zuster Stevens