tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87240418672595484272024-03-12T19:51:12.233-07:00Elder Austin ElkinsElder Austin ElkinsEmily Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750307871419537437noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724041867259548427.post-78031066366693205022015-05-28T16:27:00.001-07:002015-05-28T16:27:25.198-07:00May 18, 2015<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
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What a week.</div>
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This week was another witness to me that this work is in the Lords hands.</div>
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Coming into Zwolle a month ago, the work was doing ok. There were a lot of things that needed to be done, like looking up referrals, and increasing our teaching pool, so we made a goal to do that. For the first two weeks of the transfer, we spent a majority of our time finding and looking up referalls, hoping and praying that it would turn into something. This last week, we taught 8 new investigators, had 7 investigators in church, and baptized. Just on Saturday, we taught 6 lessons. That is unheard of in Europe haha. The joy that you feel after a day like that, then laying in bed knowing that you have a baptism the next day, is indescribable. We are being very blessed, and it is an incredible way to end my mission.</div>
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One of the coolest miracles of the week happened on Sunday during church. We have an eternal investigator of over a year here, who has had baptismal dates fall through, then she decides she wants to be baptized again, and it falls through again. Her name is Vena. What happened about 4 months ago, is the ward decided that the missionaries should stop teaching her, and they would fellowship her until she really is ready to take the lessons and be baptized. On Sunday, the ward mission leader comes up to me, pulls me aside and takes me into an office with Vena, and another brother in the ward. She told me that "it's time'', and we need to teach her all of the lessons this week, so she can be baptized next week on the 30th. Just imagine what is going through my head at this moment. My companioin isn't even here! haha. This is every missionaries dream. I talked to her, got to know her better, and we made a plan for her to be baptized next week. We will teach her tomorrow, and hopefully a couple more times this week to help her prepare. The Lord is good.</div>
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Just typing this, and thinking about all that happened this week (I could go on an on about other things that happened), it makes me think of one of my favorite scriptures. Alma 26:12.</div>
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<em style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;">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.</em></div>
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This ward is great. Zwolle became a ward 4 weeks ago, and they don't want to stop. They are ready to see success, and because of them and their faith, this is happening. The same thing happened when I was in Genk, Belgium, and I think we all remember that experience.</div>
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We had a great Zone Conference this week. We learned a lot, and I receieved a lot of personal insight from the Holy Ghost of how I need to finish, but also goals that I want to set for home life. I can't believe that we need to think about that, and start setting expectations for who we want to be. It isn't hard to focus when all we are doing is teaching.... haha. It's great.</div>
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I love you all. Thank you for your prayers. Because of your prayers, this is happening. This is the last week of the transfer, and Elder Kartodirjo is going home. I have learned a lot from him, and am going to miss him, but we are going to have a great week together.</div>
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Have a great week! AiA</div>
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Liefs,</div>
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Emily Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750307871419537437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724041867259548427.post-37270855382622854092015-05-28T16:26:00.001-07:002015-05-28T16:26:30.734-07:00May 11, 2015<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
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What a week!</div>
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With Mothers<span style="color: #1f497d; line-height: 22.7199993133545px;"> </span>day and Skype behind us yesterday, there isn't much for me to share with the family in this email, but we had an incredible week.</div>
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Sometimes I sit and wonder why my mission has been soo good. I have been spoiled, to be honest. I can't complain. The Lord continues to show His hand in this work. I love it. This past week, we wanted to work hard so that we can set up success for the next transfer. Knocking doors, riding bikes in-between look ups, street contacting, travel contacting, all in the rain. It's all part of this wonderful work. We honestly got hit hard with rain this week. I remember at one moment this week, I believe it was on Tuesday, we were having a hard day. We traveled to a beautiful city called Kampen, and wanted to look up a couple of former investigators. We got to the first one, and they weren't home. It started to pour... We knocked some doors, and were hoping that we would get let in because they feel bad for us, but nobody did that. We got on our way to our second look up, which was about a 30 minute walk, and he wasn't home. I remember thinking in my head, "Well, since it is raining, we can take shelter and plan until it passes, or we can go visit a cool member", but it hit me. We need to show the Lord that we have Faith, and that we will do His work no matter what. We got on the doors, and people still weren't letting us in. It was just one of those experiences that you dwell on, knowing that you made the right choice, but that you hope something will come of it. It sure did. On Sunday, we had 7 investigators in church. One of which is a former investigator who showed up, and said he wants to prepare to be baptized, and another was a random lady that walked in saying that she googled the church and wanted to see how it was. This is why we knock doors in the rain.</div>
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I am grateful for experiences like these, because they shape the course for the rest of your life. Sometimes we are faced with opportunities in life to make a choice. You can make the right choice, which is sometimes harder, or you can make the wrong choice, and might not have a consequence. If we wouldn't have knocked doors, I don't think we would have been punished, but by choosing to do so, and proving our Faith, I know that the Lord is blessing us with success. This taught me a good life lesson.</div>
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I love my mission. It is hard, but well worth it.</div>
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I love you Mom! I am grateful that we were able to Skype for a bit yesterday! You all look so happy and healthy, and I felt like I was at home for a minute! :) I thought last night, would I be here on my mission if I didn't have my Mom? Probably not. My mission has made the biggest impact of any choice I have made in my life, and that comes back to my Mom. I love you! Have a great week!</div>
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Love,</div>
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Elder Elkins</div>
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Emily Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750307871419537437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724041867259548427.post-26355944186759548202015-05-28T16:23:00.001-07:002015-05-28T16:23:39.877-07:00May 4, 2015<br />
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We had a great week, but it flew. It is funny how days can seem like eternity, but weeks are just a blur. I think that is how the rest of our lives will be.</div>
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I heard somebody make a comment this week about how the MTC trains you for the mission, and the mission is the MTC for you life. That is a great way to put it, I think. The emotions, experiences, and just different circumstances that you find yourself in on your mission are never-ending. I love it. I love that Heavenly Father answers our prayers, and helps us become His disciples. Why are missions amazing? Two years, one on one with the Lord. You are in his hands. Safe from physical and emotional danger. If you do what He asks. It is amazing what you can achieve and become if you do what He asks. I have a strong testimony of that.</div>
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We had a good week. Because of the Facebook project from last transfer, the missionaries in this city received 23 referalls, and when I got here, they had only looked up two of them. So what did we do last week? We looked up as many as we could. Most people just order the item from Facebook because it is free, but we had a couple of people who invited us back to teach them about Jesus Christ, so that was worth it. Our investigators are progressing. Gerson and Anderson headed down to Belgium unexpectadly because their little brother, who was recently baptized, is sick and in the hospital, so they weren't able to come to church. They are excited about the gospel, and I am excited to see how much they have progressed since out last meeting when we meet with them again this week.</div>
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On Sunday, Elder Kartodirjo got permission to attend church in another ward, because his cousin lives in that ward, and they blessed their new baby. It was really weird to be in another ward on a Sunday, but it was fun. Travel is always fun on Sundays, because that is when they do most of their construction on the train tracks. The train was shut down, so we found ourselves on another bus for 2 hours there, and 2 back. It reminded me of Belgium. Man, those were the days! :) We talked to our Ward Mission Leader last night to ask him how church went and who of our investigators came, and he told us that one of our investigators, Naylees, invited her friend, and another random woman walked in during Sacrament Meeting! Of course that would happen when we weren't there. The last and only time that happened to me on my mission was with Freddy, in Genk. We all know that story. I am sure this one will turn out similarly.</div>
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This past week was one that I really needed spiritually. I haven't been this close to the Lord in a while, actually. These reality checks in life are necessary, and they remind you why, who, and how you serve. Time is winding down. It feels so far, but yet so close, honestly. It is the weirdest feeling. I am grateful for all that I have learned, and continue to learn. It is a blessing that I am still able to help others come unto Christ, but the greatest blessing as a missionary, is the same happens to us. God hears our prayers, and answers them in ways that we may not clearly understand. He requires us to do our best. He is always there!</div>
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Mothers Day is on Sunday! Skype! I love my Mom. She is one of the biggest reasons I am where I am and who I am today. My appreciation and love for her grows everyday. I look forward to p-days not because of the break, or because of fun, but because I know that she will be online when I get online to email. I think she has only missed a <span style="color: #1f497d; line-height: 22.7199993133545px;">handful</span> of weeks on my enitre mission. I will always be grateful for that! I look forward to seeing her soon as we Skype, but also in person in a few short months. It will be great! I love you Mom!</div>
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Thanks for all that you do everybody. There are people to save! Read the Book of Mormon, and be somebody's hero this week. :)</div>
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Liefs,</div>
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Elder Elkins</div>
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Emily Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750307871419537437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724041867259548427.post-37503593114732333242015-05-28T16:21:00.003-07:002015-05-28T16:21:28.077-07:00April 28, 2015<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 22.7199993133545px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
Hey guys!</div>
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I thought that time would have started to slow down, but it seems that it is actually just the opposite. We had a crazy week last week, so maybe that is why. With the Netherlands celebrating Kingsday yesterday, the mission had our p-day last Saturday, so that we could all work in the free markets and have a booth. It was a little too much having two p-days in one week, not gonna lie. It was still great!</div>
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The weather here is soo funny. One day you will be sweating, the next day you find yourself back in your winter coat, wearing thermals. Spring is gorgeous in the Netherlands, but when it gets cold, it gets cold. The humidity here doesn't help one bit. It always keeps you one your toes though! I sometimes wish that there was a way that we could know the weather as missionaries haha. In this time of year, it rains 6 days a week, so we are pretty safe to make educated guesses. :)</div>
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We had a lot of fun last week. It seems like we were constantly doing something, which is how it should be. Gerson is progressing, and came to church again. We went to his house to teach him the Plan of Salvation, and his little brother was there. They both loved it, have testimonies of Jesus Christ, and want to live their life in such a way that they will be Disciples of Christ. That is perfect. We are focussing on bringing others unto Christ, not unto the missionaries, or even unto Joseph Smith. The purpose of the Book of Mormon is to bring others to Christ, and it is really working with those that we have been working with lately. </div>
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There are a lot of kids in the families that we teach, as well as just kids in the ward. It is soo much fun. You should see how good kids are here at soccer. Even the ones that you would never guess would be good soccer players, always suprise you. Last week, I learned how to play soccer, how to fight crime with Spiderman, and the best way to eat ice-cream. Kids teach you so much. </div>
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Last week during my Book of Mormon study, I started reading in Alma 24. What a powerful story this is. The Anti-Nephi-Lehies are such a great example to us of Repentence, and Faith. When we learn that they felt remorse for what they committed, which was murder, and that they wanted to repent. What they did is exactly what we need to do when we recognize a fault in ourselves. They took their weapons of war, and burried them deep in the ground. Never to be used again. They had such a desire to change, and so much faith, that they literally burried their sins. We also learn that when the Lamanites attacked them, they sat upon the ground, and were killed. They still didn't do it. We can compare this to when the adversary tempts us, we won't dig up our sins, and fall back into our old selves. After the Lamanites did this to the ANL's, they saw the example of their old brethren, and also repented of their mistakes and converted to the Lord. Man. You never know how God will perform His work here upon the earth. Others look to us as examples, and notice when we make the right choices. This story is soo applicable to us today, and their are soo many things that we can learn from it. I encourage you all to study it. </div>
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<i style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;"> 14 And the great God has had mercy on us, and made these things known unto us that we might not perish; yea, and he has made these things known unto us beforehand, because he loveth our souls as well as he loveth our children; therefore, in his mercy he doth visit us by his angels, that the plan of salvation might be made known unto us as well as unto future generations.<br style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;" /><br style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;" /> 15 Oh, how merciful is our God! And now behold, since it has been as much as we could do to get our stains taken away from us, and our swords are made bright, let us hidethem away that they may be kept bright, as a testimony to our God at the last day, or at the day that we shall be brought to stand before him to be judged, that we have not stained our swords in the blood of our brethren since he imparted his word unto us and has made us clean thereby.</i></div>
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I love you all. I hope that you all had an incredible week, and that you find time to read and study in the Book of Mormon. Keep it up! Till next week!</div>
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Elder Elkins</div>
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Emily Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750307871419537437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724041867259548427.post-85169641841265469712015-05-28T16:16:00.002-07:002015-05-28T16:16:47.374-07:00April 20, 2015<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
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Zwolle, Netherlands. My new home. I have only heard good things, and I am going to make my best to make this city live up to it. It will be good.</div>
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With transfers happening last Wednesday, and leaving what I felt like home, I am now in Zwolle. It is gorgeous! Such a cool little city, with students everywhere. This is a student city, so that is actually a big difference from any of my other cities. There are students everywhere! It is pretty fun. We had a pretty good week. The adjustment truly caught me off guard. I didn't realize how different my life has been the past year of my mission being a leader, but it truly is different. I have felt like a new missionary coming into the mission field. Getting used to the missionary lifestyle is hilarious! I catch myself worrying or stressing about things that I don't need to worry about anymore, which is actually a blessing!</div>
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My new companion is Elder Kartodirjo. This is his last transfer on his mission. He is from Surinam, which is a country right above Brazil. He has too much swag to handle, so maybe I can take some from him. We have a good time.</div>
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I came to this city, and of course, don't know my way around, or don't have much say in the planning, so I have just been doing my best, and following my companion around. On Thursday, we went and played soccer with a recently added investigator named Gerson. He is really cool. He is 25, and a huge soccer player. I had the weirdest feeling when I met him. I shook his hand, and instantly knew why I was called to Zwolle. I look forward to working with him.</div>
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The branch here is a lot of fun. About 35-40 active members. I got to know a few of them, but at church, they all wanted to make appointments with us, so now we have dinner provided all week, and lunch on some days. It was actually a big suprise on Sunday. They called an ''emergency unit conference''. The Stake President came, and stood at the podium, and read a letter from President Monson, saying that Branch Zwolle is becoming Ward Zwolle, so now it is a ward. That was really cool for everybody, and now there is a new Bishop. Not bad for a first week in a new ward. We had four investigators at church, and they all seem to have the same problem. They aren't married, but live with their boyfriend/girlfriend. That is a major hump that we need to get over. They all know it is true, and want to be baptized, but have to wait until they are married. We will work with Gerson to help him be baptized in the next few weeks though.</div>
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I am glad that I can be here. I loved Den Haag, but this is where I need to finish my mission. We are the only companionship in the ward, and this is my first time on my mission having that. We are spoiled, and have a lot of work to do. I have never been more motivated to work and baptize than I am now. It is going to be great.</div>
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I have been reading a lot in the earlier chapters in Alma. It is incredible to me how applicable it is to our daily lives. I learn new things everyday. I love the Book of Mormon.</div>
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As your mission winds down, you think a lot about who you were, have become, and one day will be. There is a scripture that I LOVE and it has really helped me as I ponder these things.</div>
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3 Nephi 27:27 "... Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be?</div>
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Verily I say unto you, even as I am."</div>
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I think we often confuse ourselves into being something that we are not, or striving for something that we think we should be, when we learn clearly in the scriptures who we truly should strive to be. Just as Jesus Christ is. How do we do that? I think Preach my Gospel chapter 6 is a wonderful place to start. I would highly recommend it :)</div>
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I love you guys. Thank you for everything! I hope that you have a great week, and that you read, pray, and serve daily.</div>
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Liefs,</div>
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Elder Elkins</div>
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Emily Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750307871419537437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724041867259548427.post-7826460698079022532015-05-28T16:16:00.000-07:002015-05-28T16:16:05.670-07:00April 13, 2015<br />
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Hey guys! Only got about 15 more minutes, so I will give you a quick run-down of what went down this week. It was great!</div>
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Our weeks was honestly stacked. Sunday was conference, then Wednesday, we had temple conference. Half of our mission went on Tuesday, and the other half on Wednesday. It is always a huge blessing to be able to go to the beautiful Den Haag temple twice a year. It was spiritual, and felt like I was just there. Time flies. We then went to Keukenhof after. The huge tulip garden in Holland. It was gorgeous, but wasn't as nice as last year, because the flowers weren't as sprouted.</div>
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Knowing that this was my last week in Den Haag, I gave it my all...</div>
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We had a wonderful lesson with Johan this week. Miracles are coming. All that I have wanted to do these last 6 months in Den Haag was serve the zone, and help them baptize. I am not gonna lie, a huge part of me wanted to baptize in my own city. My prayer was answered on my last Sunday in Den Haag. I think it was my best Sunday on my mission. I love this ward. Biggest ward in the mission, and they are family. It was pretty much a farewell, because everyone knew I would get transfered. I was asked to share a short testimony, and take pictures with everyone after Sacrament Meeting haha. I really felt like I was part of the ward, leaving on my mission. It was great. After, we went to a lesson at Johans house. He just keeps progressing. We had an incredible lesson with him. He was telling us that he knows it is all true. Usually with a Dutch strong Christian, they will show you how Catholic or Protestant is correct and bash any idea we have using the bible, but he supported the Book of Mormon with the bible. I invited him to be baptized on May 23, and he got an ugly look on his face. I was expecting a comeback saying that he was already baptized, or doesn't need to be baptized, but he shot back "That is too long away!"... I was in shock haha. We talked about it, and decided it is a good date for him. The Lord is good. I will baptize in this city. I told him I am leaving, and got super sad. He gave me his cherished bible, and I will never forget him. He is very spiritual.</div>
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I love this city. I will always be grateful for it, and never forget the experiences that I had. It was fun being so close to President and Sister Robinson. They are amazing.</div>
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I am getting transfered to Zwolle, with a good buddy, Elder Kartodirjo. He is from Surinam, and is going home in six weeks. We are going to baptize.</div>
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I love you all. Have a great week!</div>
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Love,</div>
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Elder Elkins</div>
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Emily Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750307871419537437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724041867259548427.post-44017392520625624312015-05-28T16:03:00.002-07:002015-05-28T16:03:55.485-07:00April 6, 2015<br />
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Hey guys! What a great week. General Conference, Easter, missionary work, and miracles. The weather is getting better, and you cannot complain when you are driving around, tulips everywhere, windmills spinning, and speaking Dutch. I love it.</div>
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This week was amazing. Miracle, after miracle. Once again, we were really busy with exchanges. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with Mission Leader Council on Friday, District Leader Council on Saturday, and General Conference taking up our evening on Saturday, and whole day Sunday. We were busy, but let me tell you about a man name Johan.</div>
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On Thursday, I was on exchanges with Elder Thomas. We were working in Den Haag. Our mission is really good at using Social Media to advertise things around certain holidays... for example, with easter, we put advertisements on Facebook to order free 'finding faith in christ' dvds. The office would send the video, and we would follow up by going to their homes and asking what they thought. We had about 10 of these to follow up with these week just in our area. Thomas and I went and looked up one of them. He wasnt home, so we knocked doors in the area. Not much success, but we finally got somebody with a speaker bell and he was talking to us through that. He told us that he is already Christian and we should help someone else. We told him we have a video we want to share with him about easter, so he said kom maar binnen. We went up the stairs, met him at the top, and he said "you guys must be the boys with the dvd". I was super confused. He told us to come in. We introduced ourselves, and he told us that he is Johan. I started to put things together in my head, and realized that this must be the same Johan who wasn't home. What is he doing here? Miracle that we found him. I explained the situation to him, and that he wasn't home, and told us that this is his painting office. He is a painter, and goes there to work, then goes back to his other place to sleep. It was amazing that we were able to catch him there! He told us that he beleives we are angels and appeared unto him like angels to abraham haha. Long story short, he asked if he could come to church on sunday, so we told him to come at 6pm... which was the live broadcast of General Conference. He was amazed when he came. He said it was a blessing to come when it only happens twice a year, and loved every second of it. He was bawling during Elder Hollands talk. That was powerful! We taught him the restoration afterwards, and he asked to be baptized. He told us that he heard God tell him it was a good church, 5 minutes into conference.... It is all true.</div>
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This is one miracle this week. There were others... Like a member that we have been working with finally wants to quit smoking and go to the temple. That was insanee!</div>
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I love this work. I love easter. I think it was Holland that mentioned what Easter means. It represents the resurrection, but also our personal triumphs through Christs atonement. What a special meaning it has. I felt the spirit very strong during Conference.</div>
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I love you all. Thank you for all that you continue to do. This work is true, and Heavenly Father is hastening His work. I am a personal witness! I love ya all!</div>
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Elder Elkins</div>
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Emily Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750307871419537437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724041867259548427.post-3234197068721873622015-05-28T15:59:00.001-07:002015-05-28T15:59:22.443-07:00March 30, 2015<br />
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We had Zone Training on Wednesday last week, which kept us busy on Monday and Tuesday preparing. I like Zone Trainings to be unique and memorable everytime, so we had to make sure that we could do that. Sometimes they just get so repetative. We have a really cool Zone Vision this transfer called "Learning the Language of the Spirit". We are focussing on the receiving revelation, so of course, that was our Zone Training as well. We started off our Zone Training by singing "Let it Glow". It is from Disneys famous "Let it Go" from Frozen, but we made our own version about the Zone Vision and the Holy Ghost haha. Honestly super hilarious, and I can finally now say that I have sung in front of an audience, into a microphone. Singing is not my forte. Man, I learn a lot about doctrine as I study for presentations, but also a ton from my companion and our Sister Training Leader. They are both incredible, and we worked hard to make it worthwhile for everybody. I presented on prayer, and focussed on the three basic steps of prayer. We teach our investigators to 1. Address Heavenly Father, 2. Express the feelings of your heart, 3. Close in the name of Jesus Christ.... This got me thinking as I was preparing. Sure we can teach it, and we are all probably master prayer teachers, but do we all correctly understand why, and how we correctly do these things? I read in the Bible Dictionary under prayer, and it said this "As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are His children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part. Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship." This just confirmed to me that I needed to focus on our relationship with God, and who He really is, and who we really are, and the why of prayer. It is crazy how you just get filled with ideas as you do study, and prepare. That is revelation. I then focussed a little bit on Alma 37:37, and talked about how our actual prayer should be a counsel, and what it truly means to close in the name of Jesus Christ. (John 15:7). It was really cool, and I learned a ton! Prayer is truly amazing.</div>
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Think about it. We all have a cell Phone. I have though a lot about a cell-phone and it's purpose. In high school, I would call my dad if I needed help with something, if I had a question, or just if I wanted to chat. Why did my dad want me to have a cell-phone? Probably for the same reasons. He wanted to make sure we were in contact so he could answer my needs, and also just so he can reach me whenever... This got me thinking... Why did God give me prayer? He didn't have to, much like my Dad didn't need to give me a cell phone. So why? He wants me to be able to call him when I need help with something, or if I have a question, or just to chat even. Why does God want us to have a prayer? So also wants to make sure we are in contanct, so he can answer my needs, commune with me whenever, and direct me in life. Not only this, but we learn in the scriptures that we are His children, and that we are also His friends. How much do our parents/children and friends mean to us? That is exactly how God feels with us. He wants us to pray, just as much as we should want to.... In another case, my Dad would take my cell phone if I got bad grades, did something I wasn't supposed to, or any other reason, and at that moment, I realized how much I loved my phone and the luxury... What if God took prayer? Would it be then that we realize the luxury?</div>
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I have many weaknesses, but God is really good at revealing them to me and how I can overcome them. This is exactly what my Dad would do for me as well. Sports, school, and life in general. I feel that I have come to know God on my mission. I know who He is, and I better understand my relationship with Him.</div>
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I miss you guys! Looks like Hadley is growing quick. She is darling. Shout-out to Parker for being a stud. I am proud of you man, you have no idea.</div>
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I had a really good week. Missonary work is going, but I am just enjoying my time in my favorite city. I have only two more transfers left, and I will be off to a new city in a couple of weeks. I truly look forward to hitting the streets, finding, teaching, and baptizing. I love you all so much. Thank you for all that you do! I hope that you have a great week!</div>
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Emily Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750307871419537437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724041867259548427.post-52207641107473346432015-05-28T15:56:00.000-07:002015-05-28T15:56:39.391-07:00<pre style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Segoe UI Web Regular', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Helvetica Neue', 'BBAlpha Sans', 'S60 Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px; white-space: normal;">Look who I saw tonight!! ELDER ELKINS!! Blake and I made a last minute trip
to the Netherlands to be in the temple with 5 people he baptized/ worked
with while on his mission. A couple and single woman from Belgium, and a
family from Enchede. It was a once in a life time opportunity, and one we
will never forget. We attended a fireside tonight where we got to see
wonderful Elder Elkins. He is darling, and healthy, and filled with the
spirit. He is obviously loved by all; members and missionaries alike. You
should be very proud. I had to control myself to Not hug him. We come home
tomorrow. It was just a 4 day trip. Traveled to the Netherlands on Friday.
Spent all day in the temple Saturday, church today and Fireside, travel home
tomorrow( Monday) it was worth it!! Short but oh so very sweet. Hope you are
well!
Love,
Pam</pre>
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Emily Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750307871419537437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724041867259548427.post-89611840283001651332015-03-28T14:20:00.002-07:002015-03-28T14:20:51.120-07:00March 16, 2015<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
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This is about how things are looking now. How BEAUTIFUL is this country? Yeah, it is only March 16th, and maybe I am exagerating a little bit, but I cannot wait for the Spring here. We had a great week here. Elder Bernier and I are enjoying our time in Den Haag, and seeing the blessings that it provides. We had a great week full of exchanges, teaching, and serving. My three favorite things about a mission.</div>
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We did take a hit this week when it comes to our own teaching pool. Our two progressing investigators with Baptismal Dates both aren't going to be ready by their dates. We are going to need to change them, and hopefully all comes well, but I hope that we can hit the streets and find some new investigators this week.</div>
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This upcoming week is going to be a busy one. We have exchanges, planning for Zone Training, and probably will be called to do something random for somebody. It is the life!</div>
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I am sorry that my email isn't anything special this week, but just know that this work is incredible. As we are studying Ch.4 in PmG this transfer, I am learning a lot about revelation. What it really is, and how the Spirit speaks to me. God does answer prayers. My testimony of that grew a hundred fold this week, which is crazy, because you wouldn't think that it could've after some of the experiences with prayer I have had in my life. Service is amazing. Serve somebody this week. I have been studying a lot on Pride lately, and what it really is. I have come to find out that the instant cure for pride and prideful thoughts is service. As you serve somebody, you will feel the love of Christ.</div>
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Have a great week peeps. Keep being amazing!</div>
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Elder van Elkins</div>
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Emily Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750307871419537437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724041867259548427.post-41512646426457028792015-03-28T14:19:00.000-07:002015-03-28T14:19:12.725-07:00March 9, 2015<br />
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Guys! Another week!</div>
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I feel really bad every week, because I forget most of the key point that I want to share with you all when I email. I will do my best to fill you all in, but to be honest, we just did a lot of busy work this past week. We had transfers, which means that on Wednesday, we spent the day at the station in Leiden helping missionaries get to their next areas, and welcoming them in, and Thursday and Friday consisted of a lot of planning. Heavenly Father always provided though. We always seem to see miracles in weeks like this.</div>
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The highlight of the week for me was probably on Tuesday. The Stake President is in our ward, and his son just turned in his mission papers. He is a complete stud, and is an incredible basketball player. For the past few months, I have felt so strongly that we need to help him and show him missionary work. Not only missionary work, but how missionary work is a blast. This is honestly one of the biggest reasons I wanted to stay in Den Haag. I knew that there was something I haven't done yet, that I need to do. Last Sunday, I invited him to spend the day with us on Tuesday. He came with us, and I tried SOO hard to get apointments arranged so that we could teach with him, but that wasn't the Lords plan. We had a great District Meeting, then went out, did look ups, contacted, and had a dinner appointment. We ended up getting let in with an investigator at night, and taught a poweful quick message. I was worried it wouldn't be enough for him, but it was perfect. He is a great kid and friend, and we had a ton of fun. He loved it, and now wants to come every Tuesday with us. Maybe he will get called to the Utah Ogden mission, and I can go on splits with him eh? ;) His family is great as well, and really grateful that we are helping him get ready. The Spirit is incredible, and it is so cool to learn how the Spirit answers our prayers individually. What a blessing that will be for me the rest of my life!</div>
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Our mission has a new thing where we have four Elders who prepare a musical, and sing. Man, it was absolutely incredible this week, being able to watch them and seeing member bring their friends. We receieved some referrals, and it is great. It has been fun helping them and preparing with them for it. I wish that I could sing in real life as well as I do in the shower, cause then I could join them.</div>
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I saw pictures of Hadley. Gorgerous - All I can say.</div>
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I love you all. Thanks for the support and all that you do for me! Have a great week!</div>
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Elder Elkins</div>
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Emily Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750307871419537437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724041867259548427.post-49190768807388097232015-03-28T14:09:00.001-07:002015-03-28T14:09:09.389-07:00March 2, 2015<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
Hooi allemaal!</div>
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Fijn om terug met jullie te kunnen zijn! I always look forward to being able to read emails, and see what you all are up to. Man, this week was a good week. Not only in the mission, but also back at home! Congratulations Emily! Hadley is gorgeous. Goed gedaan! :) It was special to be able to experience that out here. I will never forget it!</div>
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First of all, transfer calls came in last night, and I am staying in Den Haag with Elder Bernier! Man, I am so grateful to be able to server her for six months. I feel that there is so much that I have learned the past few weeks, and that I need to apply before I leave the city. Heavenly Father continues to reveal to me things that I am able to help with, and I am ready to leave it all on the table and give it my all this next, and final transfer in Den Haag. It is a blessing!</div>
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On Tuesday, we had Zone Conference. It was great. I love President and Sister Robinson. They always know what we need, and how we can improve as a mission. Prayers are always answered at Zone Conferences! We also watched "Meet the Mormons", and that was special. What a cool video!</div>
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On Wednesday, four missionaries will be heading home. They all happen to be in our Zone, and I was able to go on exchanges with both of them this past week. Wednesday, and Thursday. Elder Carter is the one that I was with on Wednesday, and we had an incredible day. He is such a great guy, and has made his mission celestial. I look up to him, and learn a lot! Thursday was with my trainer, Elder Alston! It has been a huge blessing having him in the Zone on his dying transfer. He will be my first companion that is home, which is crazy, saying I have been out almost 20 months. Elder Alston is incredible. I couldn't of had a better trainer, and is just a complete missionary. Every skill in the book. I learn so much! These two exchanges were probably the two biggest blessings for me this week. Just being able to spend the last week with two great missionaries, and being able to take last minute wisdom, but also being able to help them where I can. Elder Alston and I had a complete missionary day. Awesome lesson, setting a baptismal date with Els, and a lesson with a new investigator who just bashed us. Then a lesson with a less-active with two of the ugliest dogs, and a bird that can't be quiet, and we just laughed and laughed at the lesson. We had a great time! Sad to see him go this week!</div>
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With Transfers, our Zone got hit hard. We have a lot of good missionaries coming in. Elder Claflin, one of my best friends who I lived with in Genk, will be joining the force in Den Haag too. Gosh, I am so pumped! With the missionaries that are coming into the Zone, we are going to do some great things this next transfer. Our focus this next transfer is Ch. 4 in PmG. One of my favorites. It will be great to serve another transfer with Elder Bernier as well. He is great!</div>
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This upcoming week will be crazy busy, but crazy amazing. We have a group of missionaries in the mission who are incredibly talented in music, and that is their missionary work. They are beggining to put together music programs, teaching PmG lessons through music. It is insane! They have their first concert on Saturday, and we are bringing tons of people, so it should be fun!</div>
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I hope that you all have a great week! Hope to hear from you, and give Hadley a big kiss on the cheek from me! ;)</div>
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Emily Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750307871419537437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724041867259548427.post-49309466091762115512015-03-28T14:08:00.001-07:002015-03-28T14:08:33.566-07:00February 23, 2015<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
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Great week in Den Haag. This city treats us well!</div>
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We have been working hard to see success, while balancing what we are busy doing, and the Lord provides. We taught a new investigator this week named Els. She is Dutch, and let us come back after we knocked on her door. She is atheist, and doesn't really have any hope, but was open to our message. What a miracle lesson this was. We got in, taught her the first lesson, using a lot of scripture, and could see the spirit working with her. At the end of the lesson, we asked her "What would it mean to you to know the truthfulness of this message?" She responded, I already am thinking that it is true. Bam. It was that easy. No it wasn't, but it seems to be that easy sometimes. When the Spirit is there testifying of the words that we speak, it is that easy. That is why missionary work is only possible with the spirit! :) This experience reminded me of Korihor in the Book of Mormon. Honestly. We asked her why it is true, and she said it was because she received a feeling in her heart that she has never felt before. She then explained all the fruits of the spirit that we learn about in Galatians 5:22. That was a miracle. She then accepted to be baptized.</div>
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To be honest, I don't remember much about last week. Good thing I keep a journal, and that is something that I will not regret. Sometimes, it is one of the hardest things to do, but I know that it will be worth it. We had Mission Leader Council on Friday, and the spirit is always so strong there. I receive so much guidance from the Spirit, and it is incredible.</div>
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I heard that Emily is going to have her baby this week. I am so excited for you! Good luck, and make sure that you send me lots of pictures. I hope that you get my package this week :)</div>
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Transfers are next week, so this could possibly be my last week in Den Haag. I have plans to leave it all on the field, and give it my all. This city is incredible, and I will always remember my experiences here. I look forward to making more this week. I love you all so much, and hope that you have a great week. :)</div>
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Love,</div>
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Elder Elkins</div>
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Emily Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750307871419537437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724041867259548427.post-5294328397542814702015-03-28T14:07:00.002-07:002015-03-28T14:07:57.614-07:00February 16, 2015<br />
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Hey guys, I am back! Another Monday. Time flies!</div>
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We had a really good week here in Den Haag. I sit here and think about how fast it really is going, and it is scary! I feel like I was just doing this.</div>
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Another really busy week. This was our first 'real week' of the transfer, without meetings and other random things we need to do here and there, so it was nice to get down and grind in the work. We worked hard, experienced the good and the bad of missionary work, and enjoyed it all. The other week, we had 8 new investigators, so we had a bunch of return appointments planned for last week, but a lot of them fell through right at the last minute, which gets frustrating, but it is all for a reason! We, as a Zone, prayed to baptize last week. We want to increase our expectations and expect to baptize more often then we do in this mission, so we really did that last week. What do you know, we had an appointment on Saturday with Perez, and set a baptismal date for March 28th! My bday too ;) Perez is awesome. She is from the Dominican Republic and is searching for the truth. We watched the Restoration with her, and the spirit was very strong. She is cooking for us this week, and letting us teach her friend too! It will be great.</div>
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The weirdest thing about last week, happened on exchanges. We were street contacting, and a lady asked us what we did in America. We told her, and she told us that we need to stop doing what we are doing, and go back to America. She was convinced that we were possessed, and that we are brainwashed.... She then proceeded to tell me that I have a ''shine in my eyes'', and that it is young men like me that fall in love with her.... She is at least 70 yrs old. Wow... haha.</div>
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Saturday night, we had an iron chef dinner at the Romigs apartment with the whole district, and a member cooked for us. We are all very close to each other, and have a lot of fun. The Spiritual Message was done by Elder Abankie. He is one of the most incredible people out on this mission. He is from Surinam, and reflects the countenance of Christ. He is special, and is a great example to me! He said something that is really inspiring. He told us that two of his favorite words are ''are'' and ''become''. Why? Think about the Atonement, and how it helps us be better than we currently ''are'', and ''become'' better. Who we ''are'', isn't who we used to be, but who we can ''become'', isn't who we ''are''. I think that is something that we can all apply throughout our lives. Don't be idle, and unify yourself with God. Avoid comparison, and ask God to reveal to you what YOU need to do, to ''become'' who you need to.</div>
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We have a busy week planned. I look forward to it! MLC is on Friday, and it is always special to spend time in the mission home, learning together with the other leaders. I hope that you all have a great week! I love you all!</div>
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Emily Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750307871419537437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724041867259548427.post-75123698457996718992015-03-28T14:06:00.001-07:002015-03-28T14:06:23.772-07:00February 9, 2015<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
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Hey, it's me again. What a voorecht it is to be back with you! I am super pumped that everything is going well at home. I especially liked the video that I received of Tyson dancing around. Looks like 1.5 year of time isn't enough for him to change at all. That's what I love to see :)</div>
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We had an absolutely outstanding week. Elder Bernier and I made the decision to make something happen last week. Man, were we blessed. We met, and taught 8 new invetigators last week, and have 5 new ones planned this week! That is unreal. Teaching is what it is all about. Well, not really, because we need to baptize, but we are getting there! As a Zone, I feel that we have all really made something finally click, and are ready to work with Faith to help the work progress here in the Den Haag Zone. What a blessing it is to work with the missionaries. To be honest, exchanges have been some of the biggest blessing on my mission. Learning from each individual missionary, and hearing their stories are strengthening. We have incredible missionaries here.</div>
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Elder Bernier and I were able to teach three new families last week. Any time you can teach a family on a mission is the best. That is what the gospel is all about. Blessing not only individuals, but families. Speaking of families, sounds like Emily is going to burst any time soon! I can't wait to be an uncle! If you are lucky Emily, maybe you will find something in the mail for Hadley ;)</div>
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This last week, I really took it upon myself to study the scriptures more diligently. It is amazing what you can take out of the scriptures as you read verse by verse, with a real intent, searching for specific answers.</div>
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I was able to go on exchanges this week with two of my best buddies from my mission. Elder Rudolph, and Elder Bosco. Man, how fun is that!? Rudolph is a stud, and is going home in a couple of weeks. He is finishing strong, and is helping his city see last minute success. On Wednesday, I went to Amsterdam with Elder Bosco. We saw so many miracles. We got let in with a lady that we contacted, and taught her a first lesson. She started crying at the beginning of the lesson, and we gave her a baptismal date. Not often does that happen anywhere, let alone Babyldam. ;) Glad we will be able to live in Provo together! Also, we ate dinner at Danny and Kims house! Holy cow, how amazing was that. He has progressed so much, and even offered to pray for the food. Gosh. The church is true.</div>
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I love you all so much. Thank you all for what you do! I hope that you have a great week.</div>
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Love,</div>
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Emily Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750307871419537437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724041867259548427.post-33587107021119828162015-02-07T19:31:00.002-08:002015-02-07T19:35:39.866-08:00February 2, 2015<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
Hey guys! Good to be back with ya. What a great week we had!</div>
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Like I always say, it was a busy week! We had a lot to prepare for, and do this past week, but everything went well. With Zone Training last Wednesday, we had a lot of last minute things that we needed to put together. We were all ready to go, and Wednesday came around. We got to the new chapel in Zoetermeer, and got things ready. It was about 9am, and the Training started at 10am. We got a call from an Elder in our Zone saying that they would be late, due to train problems, along with another companionship, and wouldn't make it until lunch. The problem was, we asked this Elder to play a part in our Training, which would happen during the segment before lunch. With Zone Training, everything needs to be planned out and needs to lead into the next segment and they kinda just builds upon each other. We had to make a decision. We decided at the last minute to do what we planned for after lunch, before lunch, and what we planned before lunch, after lunch. We shifted everything around, which was crazy! It was definitely all led by the Spirit, but to be honest, during the whole meeting, a lot of things went away from how we planned it. Everything worked out, and the Spirit was there, so I know it went great. It was just another lesson and testimony growing experience of how everything happens the way the Lord wants it to happen. We had to rely on the Spirit to keep everything on track, and help us with the time schedule. This transfer, we are focussing on Ch. 10 in PmG which is Improving Teaching Skills. Our training was centered on this, and we created a Zone Vision that will help us increase our Faith and Spirit in teaching, rather than relying on our own personal skills. After reading and pondering on Ch.10, we came to the conclusion that we need to use the Spirit more in our teaching. Relying on Him to help us "hear what isn't being said", ask good questions, and teach from the scriptures. In Alma 4:19, it explains that Alma went and preached the word by "bearing down in pure testimony". This is exactly how we can utilize the Spirit. By bearing testimony, we invite the spirit to touch the hearts of those that we speak to. Read this amazing quote by Brigham Young. It really confirmed the truthfulness of this concept to us. </div>
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<em style="line-height: 21.2999992370605px;"><span style="color: black; line-height: normal;">“If all the talent, tact, wisdom, and refinement of the world had been sent to me with the Book of Mormon, and had declared, in the most exalted of earthly eloquence, the truth of it, undertaking to prove it by learning and worldly wisdom, they would have been to me like smoke which arises only to vanish away. But when I saw a man without eloquence or talents for public speaking, who could only say, ‘I know by the power of the Holy Ghost that the Book of Mormon is true, that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of the Lord,’ the Holy Ghost proceeding from that individual illuminated my understanding, and a light, glory, and </span></em><a href="http://lds.org/study/topics/immortality?lang=eng" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;" target="_blank"><em style="line-height: 21.2999992370605px;"><span style="color: black; line-height: normal;">immortality</span></em></a><em style="line-height: 21.2999992370605px;"><span style="color: black; line-height: normal;"> were before me. I was encircled by them, filled with them, and I knew for myself that the testimony of the man was true”</span></em></div>
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<span style="color: black; line-height: normal;">We can develop all the skills necessary to be incredible missionaries, and that is what we are going to do, but to be our best and touch as many hearts as possible, we need to 'bear down in pure testimony'.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; line-height: normal;">We were on exchanges on Thursday, and Friday with the District Leaders in our Zone. They are both really great, and we enjoy working with them. I was in Zoetermeer on Thursday working with Elder A, and we were invited to come help a recent convert on his farm the next morning at 7am. We woke up, snow on the ground, and bike over to his house. He is a typical dutch farmer. Just a big hick haha. So funny! He has 72 cows, and we were able to feed them thousands and thousands of sprouts, grain, and hay. We even had the opportunity to milk them! It was one of the best ''exercise/study'' sessions of my mission haha. I really learned a lot about farming, and I think I want to change my ambition of become a doctor, to becoming a farmer. I look forward to it ;)</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; line-height: normal;">Heavenly Father is revealing His will to me. I know what I need to do and become these last 5 months of my mission. I am so grateful for the Holy Ghost, and one of the biggest blessings that I will take home with me after my mission, is knowing how the Spirit works with me. What an incredible blessing it has been to learn how God answers my prayers.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; line-height: normal;">I love you all, and am grateful for all that you do! Thanks for being great. Have a great week!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; line-height: normal;">Liefs,</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; line-height: normal;">Elder Elkins</span></div>
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Emily Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750307871419537437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724041867259548427.post-50532006686842407722015-02-07T19:30:00.001-08:002015-02-07T19:30:18.916-08:00January 26, 2015<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
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Groetjes uit Den Haag! It's great to be back on the email with you all. I always look forward to it, and it sort of rejuvinates me for the upcoming week, so thank you all!</div>
Man, last week was crazy! Soo busy. I have never been that busy in my life. We had transfers on Wednesday, so I was at the train station in Leiden helping missionaries come in and out of Leiden as they traveled throughout the two countries to get to their new areas. That was from 9am until about 4pm. I have never been so cold in my life as I was on that day. Super funny haha. Elder Bernier, my new companion, was a lot of help though! He is a great missionary, and I really look forward to working with him this transfer. With new Zone Leaders, come new ideas. He has a lot of them, and I really beleive that as we work together, we will see alot of miracles in the zone this transfer! All four missionaries that are going home at the end of the transfer are in our zone, including Elder Alston, so that is going to be a lot of fun!</div>
We have Zone Training coming up on Wednesday, so we spent most of the weekend planning Zone Goals, and getting ready for our Zone Training. We receieved calls from missionaries and members asking for help, so we had to drop what we were doing a couple of times to go help out. That was the story of the whole weekend, so we still have a lot to do in order to prepare for Wednesday. Just like everything else in life, it always works out in the end. I am not too worried about it, but I sometimes do miss getting out there and doing normal missionary work. We are doing our best to find time for that throughout all of this. </div>
We had a lesson with one of our investigators, Eva, on Thursday. She is the one that was praying two weeks ago for a direction, and we showed up on her door. As soon as we got in, she told us that she spoke w ith her family in Colombia and that they told her to stop with the mormons. She said that she knows that it is good, but her family doesn't like it and have tried it in the past and that it isn't true. As soon as she said this, I got such a feeling just to listen and talk with her. We sat down, and let her tell us what is on her mind. She told us that she doesn't want any conflict with her family, so she is going to give us the book back. We asked her what she is looking for in her life right now. She told us a new direction, and something that can help her in her life. We talked about Heavenly Fathers plan and agency, and how we are free to choose for ourselves. We bore a lot of testimony, and the Spirit was there. Eventually, we helped her understand, and she doesn't want to be done yet. We committed her to read a chapter, and pray about it and told her that we'd be back this week. It was such a huge confirmation to me that sometimes people just need someone to reason with, and to talk to. At that moment, we just listened, took it all in, and tried to understand her needs. It was amazing how the Spirit told us to do that. </div>
Zone Training is on Ch.10 from PmG. Teaching Skills. My topic is going to be listening and asking questions. I have been studying this recently, and have been searching for guidance as I prepare. The meeting goes from 10-3, and that is pretty long, but we have a program all set up and everything. My portion for listening and questions is only 30 minutes, but I am grateful that Heavenly Father gave us this experience to help prepare me and testify to me that what I will be teaching is good and right. That is how He works. I studies Alma 22 this week, and how Aaron was able to listen and as questions in order to discern the needs of Lamoni's father. </div>
This is a wonderful and exciting time in my mission. It is such a blessing to be able to help others. It is worth all of the 'extra' things that come into our schedule, or the time we spend planning, and the stress that comes into it all, because it has helped me develop Charity for others. I am so grateful for this gospel. It changes lives. It has changed mine on my mission, and I am blessed to have time still where I can continue to help the work progress. I love you all, and I really hope and pray that you have a great week! Keep up the good work, read the BoM daily, and strengthen your testimonies! <br style="line-height: 21.2999992370605px;" /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">Veel Liefde,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">Elder Elkins</span>Emily Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750307871419537437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724041867259548427.post-49790625044108138492015-02-07T19:29:00.003-08:002015-02-07T19:29:39.680-08:00January 19, 2015<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
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Hey guys! What a quick week. They all go that way!</div>
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We had a really <span style="color: #1f497d; line-height: 22.7199993133545px;">great</span> week, and saw miracles. Every week is that way, that is why I love it out here! This was our last week of the transfer, and we wanted to play all the cards we had and finish strong as a Zone. We challenged the Zone to teach RAD's this week (Restoration and Doopdatum=baptismal date), and to work hard. It really blessed us as we searched for people to teach and invite to baptism.</div>
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Elder Torniainen and I had a cool experience that I think I shared last time with you. We met Eva on the door, and she is so cool! She prayed three weeks ago for a new direction in her life, and since then we have been on the door, as well as the Jehovah Witnesses. We taught her a really good first lesson, and invited her to baptism this week. She is excited and felt the Spirit.</div>
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I went on two very inspiring exchanges this week with two great missionaries. Elder K is from Surinam. He has no family support, and changed his life to come on a mission. He has 4 months left, and feels really motivated to be better and finish strong. It really motivated me to do my best, and only improve these last months. I am blessed to have the opportunity to go on exchanges.</div>
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Transfer calls came in last night. I will be staying in Den Haag training another new Zone Leader, while Elder Torniainen will be going to Eindhoven. It was a blast serving with him this transfer, and to be honest, I wish we could stay together one more. It seems like I have had companions for only one transfer too much! But, what the Lord wants right? :)</div>
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We have a busy week ahead. We are planning for Zone Training, again. It will be next week, and I really look forward to it! Not often are there Zone Trainings two transfers in a row, and it is usually never in the first week, but it is so these two transfers. I always learn so much preparing, and the Spirit truly provides. I love it.</div>
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My new companions name is Elder Bernier. I don't know much about him, but we are going to become best friends.</div>
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I hope that you have a great week! Go Seahawks!</div>
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Love,</div>
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Elder Elkins</div>
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Emily Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750307871419537437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724041867259548427.post-18962832199343251882015-02-07T19:29:00.000-08:002015-02-07T19:29:00.031-08:00January 12, 2015<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
Goedemiddag allemaal! Good to be here with you all once again! Den Haag is still a blast and provides a lot of great experiences. We had a busy week, and did a lot of things. Miracles were seen, people were taught, and the work presses on.</div>
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Elder Torniainen and I have had a good time together. He is such a funny kid. If I haven't mentioned it yet, he is from Finland. He speaks good English, but some things are just hilarious and I have to crack up. I love him though and am grateful that we have been companions! On Monday night, we had the opportunity to teach our Baptismal Date, Maud, at a members home. Man, this is the best way to teach a lesson. The Spirit was so strong as soon as we sat down. We taught her the Plan of Salvation, and the members were so open and friendly to the investigator and answered her questions perfectly. She is progressing, but we just need to focus more on her. It is such a blessing to be able to teach her, especially since we are so busy with random things all the time.</div>
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On Tuesday, we were on exchanges with the Assistants. It is always a good time with them. I went with Elder Bourne to Amsterdam. He is such a good guy and we did a lot of good work together. It was weird being back in Amsterdam seeing the city and old investigators, but is such a blessing to have those opportunities. Elder Bourne is a great friend and I look forward to spending time with him after the mission. Wednesday we were on exchanges with the elders in Almere. I was with Elder Rudolph in Den Haag. He is one of my good buddies from High School! Dad knows him, especially Parker does... lol. That's a story. For the uncles, he is the one that played Turkey Bowl with us that one year that left his stinky gloves in the car and made Parker vomit. He is huge! We had a great time and made oliebollen together. We saw a cool miracle too! We went and visited Stephany and Mark randomly to see if they were home. Stephany is a less active and Mark is her non-member husband that she is trying to help. Only Stephany was home, but we were able to talk to her for a minute and make a plan to help her husband. This was a miracle because we answered some of her own questions in private, and it was the first time that he wasn't home when we came by. Tonight, we have a dinner appt. with them and are going to answer some of his questions and invite him to be baptized! Great day.</div>
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Thursday we went hard doing typical missionary work. We went and made American Pancakes for a bunch of Africans. They loved it!</div>
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Friday we had MLC. It is always a privilage to be able to go to Presidents home and feel of the Spirit there. They are amazing, and I love them! The Leaders in this mission are all incredible and good examples. I am so blessed to be able to serve with them and learn from them. Our mission is currently preparing for the big switch that is happening this summer. New Mission President, and losing 50 Elders. It is crazy, so a lot of things need to happen to prepare for that and train the missionaries to be ready.</div>
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Saturday, we taught District Leader Council to pass down the info from MLC. It was very powerful and the Spirit was there. I was able to teach Obedience, and that was very special for me. Obedience is something that I have gained a testimony of on my mission. This is potentially the most important lesson that we can learn in our mortal lives, and I am blessed to experience this on my mission. We have a very obedient mission, but we just need to sift through and get better with the smaller things. I am excited to see how it goes.</div>
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The Zone had a decent week. We got hit hard when it comes to Baptismal Dates, but we are working to increase those. There is only so much that we can do as leaders, and I feel that we do our best, but now it is on the missionaries to prove themselves.</div>
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We had a very good week. Things are falling into place and I am happy. I love my mission and I am grateful for the many opportunities that I have had to help others, whether that be investigators, members, or missionaries. It is amazing. I love you all so much. Thank you for all that you do, and for the many prayers! I hope to hear from you all this week!</div>
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Liefs,</div>
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Elder Elkins</div>
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Emily Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750307871419537437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724041867259548427.post-33937716042012443972015-02-07T19:26:00.003-08:002015-02-07T19:26:27.999-08:00Happy New Year<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
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Happy 2015 Everyone! Can you believe that it is here? Man. I never thought that it would be 2015. So weird, and scary! Time goes fast! The Holiday season was special. It always is on a mission. I kindof have a bittersweet feeling about it being my final one on my mission, but I will find ways to make every Holiday season special at home. It is amazing what you learn out here during the Holidays, and I am grateful for the new outlook that I have on it all. That is what is great about missions.</div>
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We had a very good week last week. The Lord is blessing us in Den Haag, and it is amazing. We had a chill P-Day on Monday, and I was on exchanges on Tuesday. Exchanges are always incredible experiences, and I am blessed to be able to go on so many. I was with one of my good friends from the mission, and we had a great time. My testimony of 'knocking the area' has been strengthened a ton this transfer. This is when you do a look up or have an appointment, but you spend time in the area before you go anywhere else. Without fail, we have found potential investigators every time we have done this this transfer, and on the exchange, we got let in and taught a restoration lesson. Such a great experience.</div>
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Wednesday was obviously New Years Eve. We all had to be inside at 4pm, because this place goes insane after that time. I had a lot of time to relax, and think. I got thinking a lot about 2014, and how special of a year that was for me. That was my full year dedicated to the Lord, and He truly molded me and helped me become a lifelong disciple. I am grateful for Him, and what He does for us as long as we let Him. Fireworks are incredible here. I can't even describe it on this email, but one day if you are smart, you will come to Europe to celebrate a New Years. Unreal.</div>
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We were on exchanges again on Thursday, and then finished the week off with the weekend. Missionary work is going really well.</div>
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The Zone is succeeding as well. Our Zone Goals and Plans are being carried out, and the missionaries are seeing a lot of miracles. The Sisters in Zoetermeer just had a baptism on Saturday, and that was very neat. We have a few more coming up in the near future, so we are really looking forward to those. There are a lot of people in this country with the cold right now, also missionaries. As soon as we get over the sicknesses, the work will blow up. It is incredible to be here right now.</div>
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With this week being fast sunday, my heart was full. I pondered a lot on last year, and how blessed I really am. Heavenly Father has really taken care of me, and I owe him everything. I sat in Sacrament Meeting and couldn't fight back the tears during the sacrament portion. Last year, I learned who God is. I truly developed a father/son relationship with him, and I am eternally grateful for that. I had to get up and bare testimony of Heavenly Father, His plan, and His divinity. I know that He answers our prayers, because I have experienced it. I know that He loves us, and that He will continue to take care of us as we are obedient to His commandments. We just need to do all that we can, and He will do the rest. I love you all. I hope that you all had a great, and safe New Years. 2015 is going to be special! Get on that treadmilll, quit with the twinkies, and get 'er done! Love you all!</div>
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Emily Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750307871419537437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724041867259548427.post-48168357674098675022015-02-07T19:24:00.002-08:002015-02-07T19:24:24.334-08:00December 22. 2014<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
Can you believe that it is Christmas. Gosh. Slow down!</div>
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I remember last year, when I was with Elder Yocom for Christmas, we were counting down the days till Christmas, thinking about it a lot, talking about friends and family, and it just seemed so Christmasy, but this year is completely different. I haven't had anytime to even say Christmas it feels like haha. It has snuck up on us, and now we are here. Well, Merry Christmas!</div>
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We had a very good week! The busiest part of this transfer is behind us, and now it should be mostly just the normal jazz for the rest of the transfer! We had a great Zone Training on Thursday, and the spirit was there. We felt that it went the way it was supposed to, and the missionaries left feeling inspired, which is the purpose! I had a really cool experience while preparing my part of it. I was sitting down on my bed, just pondering all the experiences that I have had in my life, and the song "Count your many blessings" popped into my head. I immediately reflected on some of the many blessing that I have received in my life and wondered... "why am I so blessed?". It hit me that I needed to study these things. I read some accounts from some of the prophets in the Old Testament. Samuel 7, and Joshua 3. These are two stories of the isrealites that were blessed and experienced miracles. Samuel 7 is about Samuel praying to protect the Isrealites from the Philistines, and God struck the Philistines. Samuel placed a stone so that the Isrealites wouldn't forget this miracle, and called it Ebenezer. There is a reason that they needed to remember this. I also ran into Alma's conversion in Mosiah 27 i think, and read the scriptures about how he said that he wanted to testify of the things that he saw and heard. It suddenly hit me. We need to have faith as we find as missionaries. Sometimes we focus on how we do it, and what we say, but God prepares us to preach the gospel, like he did Alma. We have these blessings, our own Ebenzers, that should encourage us to share it with all the world, like Alma did. I shared some personal experiences, and it was amazing how led by the spirit it was. Elder Torniainen and Zuster Fredrickson also did a great job, and they teach me alot. They are great leaders.</div>
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It is nice to have that busyness out of the way. The past two weeks have been full of planning, studying, and more planning, but now we can hit the road and get down to work. We have been very blessed in finding new potentials as well. Elder T and I were able to go finding for about 3 hours last week, and we found 9 new people. What a miracle that is. Last week Sunday, we had Stake Conference where they called a new stake president. That was a huge deal, and just like the last one, he is also in Den Haag ward. We got a call from him the next day, inviting us over for lunch after church to teach their friends. They are huge basketball players, and their sons are some of the best players in the Netherlands, and their coach is interested. We went by after church yesterday to teach them the lesson, and it went well. It is always fun to be able to teach with the members at their own home. It is very special. Lately, I haven't been able to teach much, but the spirit does the talking right? :) It was fun teaching with Elder T as well! He is such stud.</div>
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The Zone is killing it. Last transfer, we finished with two baptismal dates, and in the first two weeks of this transfer, we have added 10 more! How great is that? Such a blessing, and the Zone is incredible. We spent the day up in Almere on Friday to work with the Elders there. They were struggling because one of the Elders was sick for two weeks, so we helped them recover. Found new investigators and set a baptismal date! Miracles are just happening right now in Holland.</div>
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What a special blessing it is to be able to serve during Christmas. Testifying of Christ is the most important thing we can do, because He is the center of everything we should do in our lives. I feel his love, and I see it everyday. I feel so blessed to have been raised in a situation where Jesus Christ is the center of our lives. Remember your blessing, but also Remember Him! I love you all. I really wish you all an incredible Christmas. Make the most of it, and serve others at this time. Have a great week!</div>
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Veel Liefde,</div>
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Elder Elkins</div>
Emily Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750307871419537437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724041867259548427.post-22383301865300767772014-12-20T20:52:00.001-08:002014-12-20T20:52:16.913-08:00December 16, 2014<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
Goedemiddag allemaal!</div>
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I am emailing you all from an internet shop right in the middle of Bahgdad... Not really, but that's what it feels like. It is great! ;)</div>
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What a busy week we had last week. I cannot believe that it is Monday, the 15th of December! Unreal., but I guess I need to just somehow accept the fact that it goes fast. We had a great week. It was definitly probably the new "busiest' week of my mission. Last week was transfers, so Elder Moomey, my former companion, wanted to make sure he got his goodbyes in, and we were able to teach a couple of lessons. On Wednesday, I was at the train station in Leiden all day, helping missionaries get to and from their cities! What is great about being the Zone Leader here, is we get to go to Leiden for transfers. That is where all the new greenies go, as well as everyone who is going home, so I was able to say goodbye to everyone, and welcome all the new missionaries! It is so great. This last group that went home was actually pretty sad. In my MTC group, we had 29 Elders, and no Sisters. The group that just went home was all of the last Sisters that have been here longer than me. It was like seeing some of my group finishing their missions, and it really put everything into perspective for me. It was great to see Sister Brophy as she was passing through to get to the misson office. She was a great Sister! It was just a very busy day, but a great one because I was able to be with my new companion! Elder Torniainen from Finland. How cool is that! He has been here 3 months less than I have, but was also trained by Elder Alston, so technically he is my mission brother. It is a lot of fun. He is learning quickly, and is going to be a great help to the Zone. This is his first transfer as a Zone Leader, and was never a District Leader, so it has been fun teaching him and helping him take on the new role. He is a great leader, and missionaries love him!</div>
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Our first weekend together was crazy! We had to prepare our Zone Vision, and had meetings all weekend, and also prepared a little bit for Zone Training this week. We are still very busy doing that, but it is all coming together. We will be having our Zone Training on Thursday.</div>
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Being a leader is always a great blessing, and it gives us the opportunity to do missionary work in a different way. A day doesn't go by that I don't learn something, and it is amazing to be able to serve others. I will give a quick example.</div>
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Thursday was Elder T's and my first day together. We had lessons planned, dinner appointment, all after we planned with Zuster Training Leider for the Zone Vision. While we were planning, I got a call from the Senior Couple asking if we had a busy day... Elder R, the senior couple elder, explained that his blood sugar is over 400 and doesn't feel good at all! He told me he has a Dr. Appt, but needs a ride cause his wife doesn't have her european license. Of course we canceled all that we had, and served them. They asked if we would take Zr. R to institute to be with the Young Single Adults and help cook for them. We sent the Sisters to our appointment, and helped. This was a great start to the transfer to be honest. I think it was a good opportunity for Elder T and I do just have a great learning experience. That is what is great. We do things like that, but are still blessed immensely.</div>
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As of late, our investigator pool is suffering, but we are very motivated this transfer to work hard, be obedient, and see blessing. We know that the Lord has many prepared people this transfer for us to teach, and we are going to find them. I know it.</div>
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Christmas is next week! Can you believe that? So fast. It doesn't feel like Christmas yet, but I am sure that it will next week. Skyping will be great, and I look forward to it! We have a big stake party on Sunday that will be fun! We had Stake Conference this weekend, and all of Amsterdam was there, so it was great to see a bunch of my friends in that ward! Danny didn't come, but hopefully to the party on Sunday. Yocom and I chilled the whole time, and man, is it fun to see him. He is great! Best bank elder ever... :) He loves when I call him that.</div>
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I love you all. I hope that you have a great week, and look forward to hearing from you next week!</div>
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Love,</div>
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Elder Elkins</div>
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Emily Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750307871419537437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724041867259548427.post-46769647406504576372014-12-20T20:47:00.000-08:002014-12-20T20:47:24.157-08:00December 8, 2014<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
Goedemorgen from a beautiful December day here in Den Haag Nederland. Today is great weather, and is much needed after the cold weather that we had last week! It got so cold one day, that it snowed a little bit! First snow I have seen in almost two years. It happened while we were helping a member move into her new house, so right at the perfect time... haha. It actually got colder last week than I remember it getting last year. It was great! Especially, since I was on exchanges on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Man, we were busy.</div>
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It was a really good week. Every week here is a really good week, no matter what they bring. I will give you a quick run-down of the events that we had this week.</div>
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Tuesday - I was on exchanges with my companion from the MTC! It was so fun, and had a good day of just serving others. A lot of unexpected things came into our paths, but that is how it works. You just need to learn how to cope with it, and say "Ok, lets re-adjust our plans and do it". That is a big lesson that I have learned being a leader. There is always time for others.</div>
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Wednesday - Finally back with Elder Moomey. We had service in the morning to help the member move, and it took a lot longer than he expected, but once again, re-adjust and do it... haha. We were late to our appointment with our 96 yr old investigator, and it was her birthday. We brought her a cake and had her blow out the candles. It was a great time. Very special. We then went to our dinner appointment, then went to familie scherf, an incredible, incridible family in the ward, to say bye to their daughter who was leaving on her mission the next day. You have no idea how great this family is. Br. Scherf is our ward mission leader, and he is one of the most christlike, selfless people I have ever met.</div>
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Thursday - I went to Hilversum to spend the day on a bike with an Elder from my MTC group. He is a great friend of mine, and we had a good time. We saw a bunch of little miracles, and it was so fun to be able to bike around in the freezing weather', and get back to normal missionary work.</div>
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Friday - We drove 120 km's up to Lelystad to work with the Elders in Almere. There are four Elders in Almere, and one Elder from each companionship is sick, so we went up there to go on splits so that both companionships could continue their work. It was a lot of fun, and it was a great experience. We spent the night up there so we could go on Joint Teach with the Sisters in Lelystad the next day.</div>
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Saturday - Worked with the Sisters, taught their investigator and set a baptismal date! That was soo cool, and it was a huge blessing for them. We had a great time, ate harring and kibbeling (Super Lekker), then headed back to Den Haag where we were able to teach our investigator, Grace. She is progressing, but just needs to get married to her boyfriend before she can be baptized, because they live together. She has two cute little african toddlers, but they sometimes are a big destraction in our lessons. They are too cute to worry about though honestly... haha. We then headed off to the church for a baptism! The Delft Elders had a baptism, and it was very spiritual. Their investigator, Josh, asked me to give a talk, and it was in English because he is from Ghana, and it was the most difficult talk I have given haha. I hate speaking about the gospel in English. It has literally gotten hard! Josh is incredible, and strengthens my testimony.</div>
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Sunday was a beautiful Sabbath Day. I love Fast Sunday, because I have gained a strong testimony of the Fast. It went really well, but then after church we finally got the chance to work in our own city for a few ours, for the first time this week, and nobody was home! It was a patience test, but we will begin to see blessings. I know it. We had a great dinner appointment with Familie Jansen. They are an older couple that invites all 8 missionaries and the senior couple for dinner. Such a warm, nice, welcoming home, all christmasy and gorgeous. Such good food too! We were all expecting transfer calls at dinner as well. Transfers came in, and here they are.</div>
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Elder Moomey is getting transfered to Deventer, and training. His Mom's family lives in Deventer/Apeldoorn and that is where his Mom grew up. What a blessing it is that he will finally be there to spend time with his cousins, aunts, and uncles for Christmas, but they also aren't members. This is a giant blessing for Elder Moomey. He is very excited.</div>
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I will be receiving Elder Tornianen. He is Elder Alstons other trainee that he trained right after me, and it will be his first transfer as Zone Leader. Sister Frederickson, a friend of mine from back at Davis, is the new Sister Training Leader, and is only on her 4th transfer. She is also going to train. There is a lot of young leadership this transfer. President is preparing the mission for when he goes home in July. It is a huge change!</div>
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This is going to be soo fun! I love Elder Tornianen. He is from Finland, and is such a good kid. I look forward to working with him to help the zone see success this transfer, as well as helping him learn the Zone Leader. It is going to also be a big challenge for me. It is only my second as Zone Leader, with a bunch of new missionaries in the zone, a new District Leader, and brand new Sister Training Leader. We have a very busy week, but I am looking at it as a big growing experience, and something that will continue to shape me. Next week, we have Zone Training, and this weekend, we have more things that we need to plan for and prepare.</div>
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I look forward to it.</div>
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I love you all. This Christmas season is going to be special, and I am so glad to see that you guys are all having a good time. I am soo happy that I get to spend another Christmas out here, and feel of the true meaning of Christmas as I was able to last year. I miss you all, but next year will be a fun Christmas too! ;) Have a great week, and serve someone!</div>
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Emily Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750307871419537437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724041867259548427.post-42573472967890372412014-12-20T20:44:00.002-08:002014-12-20T20:44:55.934-08:00November 25, 2014 <div style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
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<strong style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;"><span style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;">Hey everybody! Another week in Den Haag. Man it is cold.</span></strong></div>
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<strong style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;"><span style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;">We had a very busy week last week. Very busy. Lots of cool things have been happening though! The Lord continues to bless this Zone. On Sunday, we had two baptisms in the Zone. I was able to interview one of them. During interviews, the Spirit is very strong. The man that I interviewed is incredible and such a kingdom builder. He has so much talent and ability to offer the church, and will be incredible to see what his future holds. I remember sitting in the interview, asking the questions and just seeing him with a wife and kids, going to church every week. When that happens during an interview, you know that he is ready. Such a testimony of the church as well. This man is 25 years old, has money, a future, and a girlfriend. He has everything that the world things you need, but he realized there is more than that when he read the Book of Mormon. He is in medical school and is very busy with life and study, but he found time to read and pray, meet with the missionaries, and come to church, and now he is baptized. Such a good example to me, and he should be to all of us.</span></strong></div>
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<strong style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;"><span style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;">Zone Den Haag is doing well. We are all seeing personal successes and staying happy. This is a tough time of year out here with it beginning to get cold, Christmas right around the corner, and familys celbrating Sinterklaas, but we are all keeping our heads up and hitting the Streets. They are all great examples to me and my companion.</span></strong></div>
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<strong style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;"><span style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;">We have a very busy week this week, again. Today, exchanges, tomorrow: splits in almere, Thursday: Zone Conference with Elder Moreira of the 70, Friday: Mission Leader Council, Saturday: District Leader Council that we will be teaching. Mission life is at high tide, and I am enjoying the ride.</span></strong></div>
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<strong style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;"><span style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;">Yesterday for Pday, we played Turky Bowl with the Zone, and then the Romigs had the missionaries from Den Haag over to have thanksgiving. It really felt like a piece of home, and it was so nice to be able to feel the spirit of gratitude with my mission family. Gratitude has been on my mind a lot the past few weeks, and I want to just close this email by sharing what I am grateful for.</span></strong></div>
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<strong style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;"><span style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;">First off, I am grateful for the gospel. For the knowledge that I have of the Plan of Salvation, The Atonement, the Nature of Heavenly Father, and the Gift of the Holy Ghost. </span></strong></div>
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<strong style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;"><span style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;">I am grateful to have been born in this church. That I have parents who taught me in the ways of the Lord, and helped me stay on the right path. I don't know how they did it, but making a good choice, serving someone, or putting others before me is second nature, and I credit that to my parents. Thank you. I am very grateful for my siblings too. Love you guys!</span></strong></div>
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<strong style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;"><span style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;">I am grateful for my mission. Everything that I have learned. The changes that I have seen in myself, and in others. I am grateful for my testimony, because testimonies are gifts of heaven. It is a blessing.</span></strong></div>
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<strong style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;"><span style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;">I just feel grateful right now.</span></strong></div>
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<strong style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;"><span style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;">I love you all so much. I am so grateful that you all support me, and love me. It really does help me and encourage me to continue everday, to be a little better, and to work a little harder. I hope and pray that you all have a great week. I challenge you all to be grateful little this week. Count your blessings at night, and be open the next day to receive more. You will see a big blessing in your life.</span></strong></div>
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<strong style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;"><span style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;">"19 And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more." - D&C 78:19</span></strong></div>
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<strong style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;"><span style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;">I love you! Have a great week!</span></strong></div>
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<strong style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;"><span style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;">Elder Elkins</span></strong></div>
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Emily Larkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03750307871419537437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724041867259548427.post-65685606527123438582014-12-20T20:42:00.000-08:002014-12-20T20:42:18.509-08:00November 17, 2014<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">
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Hey Family and Friends! This week flew by. I cannot believe it. Only 5 weeks until Christmas... again? I never thought that I would get to this stage of my mission, and now that I am here, I don't want to be this long out. It goes tooooo fast, but I will do what I can with the time given. I love it, and I have learned so much!</div>
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We had a splendid week. Things are going really well in Den Haag. We were really busy this week doing a lot of random things, but also on exchanges for two days, and it is just a good time. Miracles are happening in this mission. I am so grateful to be here, at this time. How amazing is it to take part in all of this. The gathering of isreal is taking place.</div>
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I want to share one miracle that we are experiencing right now. This young womans name is Valencia. She is form St. Martins, but has been here for 8 years. We got her phone number via referral a couple weeks ago. We called her, and made an appointment, not really knowing what to expect. We went by, and went into her house. She is 26 years old, and is just a really nice person. We sat down, and asked how she knows about the church. She told us that she knows it better than we think, and we were flabbergasted. She knows a lot haha. She is the only member of her family that isnt baptized. She told us that she has never doubted she would be baptized, and that it will happen in the right time. She reads daily in the Book of Mormon on her own, and went to young womens all growing up. How amazing is this story? She is so ready, and I cannot wait. She called her sister in St. Martins while we were there, and she was sooo happy! How amazing is this gospel. She has been in the preperation process her whole life. These experiences are why I am becoming converted on my mission. I cannot deny the works of our Heavenly Father. One of his greatest works, is what he is doing with me, and I am eternally grateful for that.</div>
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I don't have much time today, but I just wanted to share that with you all. I love you, and I am grateful for you. I hope that everything is going well. Den Haag is a blessed city, and it is every missionaries favorite, so I am so happy and lucky to be here. This ward is incredible. Amsterdam and Den Haag are the two best cities for Christmas, and I will have them both. So cool! Love you all, have a great week!<br style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;" /><br style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;" />Love,<br style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;" />Elder Elkins</div>
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