Week 25: This is Pretty Different

December 2, 2013

Maastricht

 Geliefde Familie: 

In good and bad ways. Good ways: I basically live in Germany. It's BEAUTIFUL oh my gosh. We ride a lot of trains (yussss) and I love seeing the hills and cute little towns everywhere! Of course, it's also giving me a lot of time to brush up on my train contacting skills, which, for the last six weeks, have not been used that much. Another good thing is my companion. She and I were in the same MTC group, and we seemed pretty different, but before I got to Maastricht, I made up my mind that I was going to love her with my whole heart no matter what. We are indeed very different, but she is so easy to love. Her mom is Brazilian and her dad is American. She's the nicest person. I think our trainers were pretty different, too. Another cool thing: my first morning here, Zr Kohlert called me on the phone!!!!! I almost died. It was the second time I got to hear her beautiful voice since we'd been away from each other. I was so happy. She's still in Antwerpen. I have big plans that after this transfer, she'll come join me in Maastricht. That'd be so fun. My apartment is super close to the centrum, like a 10 minute bike ride, which is beautiful compared to Groningen. Here's the address:

If you would like Katie’s new address, please email me (Rosemary) at rheilner@gmail.com (Katie would love letters for Christmas!)

Bad ways: Idk what it is, but it's just a really different attitude here. Like...we do NOT have very many appointments. And that's, like, fine with my companion. Not really fine with me. President said if we're doing our best to have two appointments every day and talking to at least ten people every day about the restoration, we can be having one baptism a month. We were pretty much at that point in Groningen. We're going to get Maastricht like that too. The shower can't decide if it wants to be hot or cold, and we have to reset the water every time we shower haha. I really do like it here a lot though. Especially since I am already seeing improvements in our numbers. Phew. 

So I'm not claiming that my Dutch is great or anything. In fact, it should probably be a lot better. But I feel like I should thank German again for being so beautiful. I feel pretty confident about Dutch, and it's because of German.

So apparently you guys did something right with the Gouts. When I told them I was being transferred, Broeder Gout said, "WHAT?! We wanted to have you for Christmas!" and they said when you guys come to NL to visit, you can stay at their house. We will be taking them up on that offer. I love them. He gave me a hug that night too...hahaha. Missionary life. 

Spence, there's a member here from Portugal and he talks JUST LIKE YOU. It's so weird. He's got the nasally thing, and his humor is even kinda like yours. And his mannerisms and everything. It's so cool. 

I had 3 American Thanksgivings this year. And one Filipino. Beat that. 

Fambam, I know this is the most important work in the world. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be here. It's really hard and sometimes I don't like it, but it's so worth it. Chris sent me the greatest email of my life today bearing his testimony. IT'S WORTH IT. I know the Book of Mormon changes lives. I know it makes even the happiest people happier. I know it's true.

IK HOU VAN JULLIE,

Zr Heilner

Maastricht