Week 21: "Dude. You just kicked a hedgehog into a river."

Hey guys!

So I'll start off by saying that this week's quote will NOT be explained. All that needs to be known is 1) I was on exchanges with another elder, and we were in Leeuwarden 2) There are hedgehogs in the Netherlands 3) One was kicked off of a bridge.

That said, hedgehogs are undeniably cute, funny-looking little animals. Seriously. It sounds un-manly to say, but it's true.

This past week flew by. Last Tuesday, we got to go on splits with the zone leaders, Elder Muse and Elder Eastmond. It's funny -- they were companions in Groningen before Elder Eastmond headed down to Kortrijk to train me. Now, my mission 'dad' is my zone leader, and I'm serving in his favorite city. Go figure. Elder Muse and I went out and got a lot of work done that day. It was fun.

On Wednesday, we had exchanges with the elders to Heerenveen, another city in our district. The elders to Heerenveen work in Heerenveen itself and the surrounding cities -- primarily Leeuwarden. I worked with an elder from the group below mine (the same group as my companion). I have to say, the people in Friesland (the province that includes Heerenveen and Leeuwarden) have been some of the meanest I've encountered on my mission so far. We ran into this one guy, who was telling us that we can't share what we do because we can't *know* that it's true, we only think we do. Saying we were not intelligent and all that and other not nice stuff. We testified powerfully and from the heart, but we did so kindly. He was kind of stunned. Then he changed the direction of the conversation and said that people like us are "bad for the Netherlands" because the people don't want us. People aren't the nicest, and many don't want us. But we're out here to talk to the many to find the one.

Halloween! I can't believe it's Halloween. I remember last year's Halloween night so well -- hanging around BYU campus with two of my best friends. Oh, this year's Halloween night was so different -- being a missionary in the Netherlands, participating in a ward young adult activity that we were asked to go to. It was fun, but so different. We carved pumpkins and had some fun activities, led by the senior missionaries (who I ADORE). I dressed up as one of those Mormon missionaries. It was hilarious.

There actually isn't too much more to write this week! Elder Besendorfer and I have been working really hard to teach some new people. We've set a big goal for lessons to investigators next week -- it's something over ten. I usually don't find it appropriate to share or focus on numerical goals or achievements -- numbers don't matter, and every mission is different, but Bessie and I are working really hard to find "the one" who will listen sincerely. Anything over ten lessons in a week is serious success for us missionaries. But, I'm working harder than I ever have. We'll see success.

Hang in there, everyone. Stay great.

--Elder Bonney

This is from the Halloween activity. Elder Nelson (one of the other Groningen elders) and I were with two JoVos. We all made a rather gruesome Jack-o-Lantern, under their direction. Kijk eens aan.

Week 20: "Here, take this euro. TAKE IT."

October 28, 2013 

Hey, everybody!

This past week just flew by. Right after P-day ended a week ago, my companion and I boarded a train to Den Haag, where we spent the night with the Den Haag elders. The next day was temple conference -- all us missionaries (half at a time, because the Den Haag temple is pretty small) got to go to the temple, followed by a conference led by the APs and the mission president. Getting to go to the temple was a fantastic experience. Everything done inside was all in Dutch -- which I hadn't anticipated. Plus, it's the temple, which is always a wonderful place to be. One elder put it very well, when we were standing outside the temple afterwards. He said, "so many of the people here don't know how fortunate they are to have this little building in their country." So true.

This week was relatively slow when it comes to giving lessons and teaching new investigators. However, Elder Besendorfer and I worked our tails off, so I feel good about it. We found some new people to teach, and I'm getting to know my way around this big city. It really is a cool place. Still very rainy and very windy -- this morning, when riding our bikes to the church building to email, we got soaked in the rain. And we haven't even eaten BREAKFAST yet. The wind is still a demon. But, what can you do? Besides get very wet and have a windburned face.

Oh, serious note. Yesterday afternoon, I unfortunately caught a glimpse of one of Groningen's two red-light districts. It's sad, really. Something I always heard about, never really thought about. But they are there, and it's so sad and so..just..evil, you know? Prostitution should never be acceptable. Ever.

So story time, to brighten the mood! Yesterday evening, around 6 PM (oh, yesterday was daylight savings here in Europe, so it was even darker than usual), Elder Besendorfer (I'm going to start calling him Bessie for short; Besendorfer takes too long to type) and I were contacting people on the street by the centrum. First of all, Sunday evening is apparently date night, and that makes it hard. I mean, who wants to talk to two young guys on date night? (I'm slowly starting to forget what the word 'date' means, being a missionary for so long...) Anyways, we're out contacting, with not too much success. We're talking to this man, when this drunk black guy (I have no clue what his name is, but I've decided to call him Paul) comes up to us. He starts going OFF in Dutch. Here's a rough translation of our conversation:

---

Paul: "Hey, can you guys give me some money? I got nothing!"

Elder Bonney (that's me): "Sorry, we don't have anything to give you."

Paul: "Why not? Aren't you guys children of God?!"

Me: "Yeah, and you are also a child of God!"

Paul: "Really? Am I really a child of God?"

Me: "Oh, you are definitely a child of God."

Paul: *Aggressively* "So tell me -- is God white?"

Me: "I've..."

...Paul doesn't let me finish, starts going off on why I should give him money...

Paul: "You know, I'm more religious than you!"

Me: "What do you mean?"

Paul: "Because I'll give you my money. Here, take this euro. TAKE IT. It's all the money I have."

Me: "Hey, I don't want your money."

Paul: "Okay. You know, you guys are okay. I like you guys."

Then Paul got on one knee and bowed to us. We walked away awkwardly. Then he got up and started singing. Interesting guy.

---

We also walked up to two guys who said they didn't want to hear our "message about gay people." We told them our message was for everyone. They still declined. We left with a cheerful, "well, enjoy your evening!" then went to go teach one of our gay investigators. Yes, we have two of them, and no, they aren't associated with each other. And yes, they both believe with their whole hearts that the Book of Mormon is true and are willing (and have begun) to change their lifestyles. And yes, our message is for everyone.

Until next week. Loves!

--Elder Bonney

Me with one of my MTC buddies serving in Den Haag, Elder Cook.

 Me with Elder Blackhurst, who I've known for over a year now. There with me every step of the way.

Week 19: ''Oh, you have a Flemish accent. That's cute"

October 21, 2013

Hoi, everyone!

Yes, I am now in the great, icy north -- Groningen! Last Wednesday morning, after some sad goodbyes (Chile and his friend got up early to come to the train station to say goodbye), Elder Toole and I boarded a train to Antwerpen. From there, I bid Elder Toole farewell and got on a train with some other missionaries to Rotterdam Centraal. Then, another one to Leiden...then one to Utrecht Centraal...another to Zwolle...then finally, one to Groningen. All the while with all my luggage and a bike in tow. And thus was the longest transfer possible in the mission completed.

My new companion is Elder Besendorfer. He's going on his second transfer (I'm going on my third), and I'll be his senior companion and help him finish up his in-field training. Technically, I'm a trainer...weird. Elder Besendorfer is from Spanish Fork, Utah. He just graduated high school this past May. He knows the scriptures like the back of his hand (what 18 year old has read the Book of Mormon 17 times??), and he's basically an apostle. His Dutch is coming along well, too, for a second-transfer missionary. We make a good team -- I can speak Dutch well, and he is a monk when it comes to knowing scripture. We're both ready to work hard and see some miracles.

I haven't been here for too long, but I am loving Groningen! It is definitely a change from Kortrijk. The wind here is insane -- I've almost gotten blown off my bike a few times (not even joking) and there was one time when we were riding at a pretty good speed, then a gust of wind came head-on, and we literally almost stopped moving. Also, the rain here is cold, and when combined with the wind, it's killer. But, this city is great. It's so big -- so many university students, too! And holy woah, so many bikes. It is said to be the number one or number two biking city in the world. I believe it. Oh, and the language here is way different than Kortrijk!! I miss my Flams!! I had a way hardcore Flemish accent when I got here...it was embarrassing. I'm still trying to eradicate it. Dutch people make SO MUCH fun of Belgians. Last week, at a young adult (JoVo) activity, I was asked to introduce myself. I said (with a little bit of a Flams accent) that I was still trying to get rid of my Flams accent. One of the guys told me that my efforts to change were "schattig" (closest translation -- cute, in a sort of condescending way. Like, oh, you think you can speak real Dutch. That's cute.). But, it's almost completely gone now. Gelukkig.

The ward here is pretty big, as far as Europe wards go. About eighty people were there yesterday. There are two sets of elders (us, then Elder Nelson and Elder England, who we share an apartment and a lot of fun with) and one set of sisters (Sister Heilner and Sister Larson). It's nice, having other missionaries in the city.

Well, it's early and I'm tired, and I can't think of what else to write for now. I'm sure I'll have many interesting stories to come. Stay cool, stay real. Peace and blessings.

--Elder Bonney

 

This is my last picture with Elder Toole.

Me with my new comp, Elder Besendorfer, after a very wet ride home from an appointment.

Week 18: "So, I heard you're taking quite the trip." **ADDRESS CHANGE**

October 14, 2013

Hey everyone!

SO, transfer calls came. Where do I begin...

This past week was a little full of anticipation and curiosity. As a second transfer missionary in my first city, just about everyone (including myself) pegged my staying vs. leaving at about 50/50. As you can probably imagine, I just really wanted to KNOW what I'd be doing. One day this past week, Elder Toole asked me where I'd want to go if I left. I said either Rotterdam or Zwolle (both in Nederland, where I have family heritage) or Groningen (where Elder Eastmond, my trainer, served for six months before coming to Kortrijk. He deemed it the 'promised land'). I really didn't know, though.

Last night, we got a call. I was told that my work here in Kortrijk is done, and it's time for me to go up north. FAR north. To Groningen, the northernmost city in our mission. I honestly couldn't believe it. Groningen is one of the largest cities in the Netherlands, and it is also one of the coldest. Look it up, if you have the chance. I'm excited as all get out, but I'm super sad to be leaving Kortrijk. I've learned a few things in Kortrijk, many regarding bikes, but also many about myself and what the Lord wants for me. These past two transfers have changed me, not only as a missionary, but as a person. In the movie "Joseph Smith, Prophet of the Restoration" (super good -- if you haven't seen it, member or not, it's free to watch online, and I highly recommend it), Joseph says, in the midst of the pioneers' hard work building the temple, "you know, the Lord isn't just building a temple. He's building us." Or something like that. And, that's one thing I've seen on my mission -- it isn't just to find others and help them build their relationship with Christ. He's also teaching me and helping me become something.

I don't have too much more time today, but this past week was a blur. Elder Toole and I set another baptismal date with an investigator, and we found some new people. The witness really did come after the trial of our faith. I really was excited for the things we'd do next transfer -- Kortrijk had become my 'promised land.' Also, it's gotten way colder this past week, and the humidity really seeps through your clothing. Needless to say, I can only imagine how Groningen will be. We actually talked about Groningen this past week -- "Man, it's so cold out. You're gonna have to buy a good jacket soon." "Yeah, I can only imagine what it's like up in Nederland. Like, way up in Groningen? It must be so cold!" "Good thing neither of us are there for the winter. We Belgium boys would freeze."

So is it.

My new address is as follows:

Elder John Bonney

DD Eisenhowerstraat 38

9728 RW Groningen

the Netherlands

Please don't send mail to the Kortrijk address anymore...because, it won't get to me for like a month. If you have sent anything in the past week, email me and let me know!

Well, on Wednesday, I do the longest transfer trip possible in the mission -- from the southernmost area to the northernmost. Wish me luck.

I love you all, and have a great week. Next time, I'll tell you all about the 'promised land.' Until then, keep calm and carry on.

--Elder Bonney

PS -- attached is...I don't know. I thought it was fitting at the time.

Week 17: "that was...BEAUTIFUL"

October 6, 2013

Hey, everyone!

How about conference this past weekend? I have to say, I've never looked forward to or enjoyed conference as much as I did yesterday. It was great. A great family in our branch, familie Leman, had us over for the whole day yesterday, and we got to watch the priesthood, Saturday afternoon, and Sunday morning sessions (in addition to fun times and food in between). The Sunday morning session we watched live. It's funny -- you hear people cheesily say something like, "no matter how far away we are, we're still looking at the same stars," or something like that. Well... no matter how far away we are, we probably watched the Sunday morning session at the same time. How's that for true Mormon affection?

This week wasn't too exciting, but we did give baptismal dates to a Sri Lankan couple we've been teaching! Elder Toole and I taught them on Tuesday, and we watched a video, "Our Heavenly Father's Plan," with them. You need to understand that that film (it's about 30 minutes long) is made by the church, and is about as cheesy and 80s as you can get. Watch it sometime. Elder Toole and I were literally trying not to bust up laughing the whole time (we'd never seen it before we showed it to them...mistake). Anyways, it finishes, and I'm just thinking, "I can't believe we just showed that to them, they're going to think we're ridiculous..." We ask them what they thought, and they just turn to us, in a state of glorious shock, and say, "that was...BEAUTIFUL." With all sincerity. It was great. They wanted us to come back on Friday, and we left the DVD with them. They watched it two more times, they loved it so much. Elder Bishop and I (on exchanges) came back on Friday and challenged them both to baptism. They accepted (but want to learn more first, so their date isn't for a month or so). That's just how we do it in Kortrijk.

Did anyone else realize that yesterday marks a whole year since President Monson made the announcement about the missionary age change? I can't believe it's been a year. So much has happened since then, and now I've already been out for almost four months. If he hadn't made that announcement when he did, I probably wouldn't be out yet. That's pretty weird to think about. I'm grateful for that announcement, and I'm also really grateful for all the great things that have happened in the past year, in and out of the mission field.

In a week, we get transfer calls! I'll find out if I'm staying here in Kortrijk for six more weeks, or if I'm off somewhere else. This transfer has definitely been an adventure -- going senior companion and taking over a city on my second transfer hasn't been easy, but it's definitely been a learning experience for which I'm thankful to have had. I'll let you guys know next time if:where I'm going!

Keep cool everyone, and have a great week. Tot zo.

--Elder Bonney

Week 16: "Don't think, with the last sheet in sight, that whoever comes next will be alright."

September 30, 2013

Hey guys! This week actually went by pretty quickly. It was nice. I can't believe that Monday is here already again... Time is a funny thing on a mission. Some weeks are like days; some are like months.

I'll have you all know that I managed to find a new bike for sale, not too expensive. Then, I went and bought a good lock. Like, a really good lock. Oh, fun fact: if you go to tell the police that your bike was stolen, and it didn't have a city tag or whatever on it, they will respond with, "Okay...? Go steal another! Just don't let us see." So, yeah. That's cool.

Between my bike getting stolen and me getting a new one, our thug less-active friend (who I will start referring to as 'Chile') let me borrow his 800 euro mountain bike. Which was awesome -- it works really well, and is really fun to ride. Except...one day, Elder Toole and I are riding home from an appointment with our ward mission leader. We somehow decide to start racing. Now, Chile's bike can go fast. Like, really fast. Elder Toole and I are cruising, then there's a light... I think I'll be one cool cat and skid to a quick stop. Chile's bike says otherwise -- its brakes work really well. When I brake before the light, the wheels both immediately stop, and the bike flips over, back wheel over front wheel. All I remember is Elder Toole lifting the bike off of me, and getting up, with torn suit pants and bloody hands. Oh, memories.

We went back down to Brussels this past Friday for legality reasons -- I picked up my Belgian residency card. There were about 25 missionaries there. Between the time we finished and when our train left, we had about 2 hours, so we got some food and went to see the famous gem of Brussels: the 'Mannekin Pis' statue. I don't know if I have been so disappointed by a statue... He's so small! I'll attach a picture. Like... I have no words to describe this. I knew he'd be a small guy, but I thought he'd be a little bigger.

On Wednesday, we spent most the day in Antwerpen for a zone conference. Our mission President (President Robinson), Sister Robinson, and President Boom (Antwerpen stake president) spoke. It was inspiring and enlightening. President Boom shared a common Dutch saying with us, which translates into "don't think, with the last sheet in sight, that whoever comes next will be alright." Yes, he is referring to toilet paper. But, he said that we can't make the assumption about the gospel that someone else will share it if we don't. Now is the time. We are the responsible ones. There are souls to be saved, and we're called to find them.

Missionary work is still hard, but good. I'm learning things that will help me throughout the rest of my life. If my companion and I are working hard and doing our best, then we are successful missionaries. And, if we can bring a few souls to Christ while we're at it, all the better.

Oh -- and I'm super stoked for Algemene Conferentie (General Conference). More stoked than I've ever been.

Stay cool, stay true.

--Elder Bonney

Elder Toole, Elder Bitters (who was in the MTC with Elder Toole and me), and yours truly, standing in front of the disappointing Mannekin Pis statue.

 Elder Cook and me, reunited at zone conference -- the dream team.

Week 15: "Dude, where's your bike?" "You have got to be kidding me."

September 23, 2013

Hey everyone!

Another week over. I wish I could say it was an especially exciting week... But, it wasn't. Though I will share some highlights.

So yes, my bike was stolen. Again. I don't know what it is, maybe I'm just really unlucky, but getting my bike stolen is rather annoying. As soon as I found out, I called up my thug less-active friend from Chile, who used to work in a bike store, to ask where a good second-hand bike store is. He came with a friend to go to this bike store with me and Elder Toole. They were asking 240 euro for a decent USED bike. Needless to say, I'm still working on my bicycle situation. Though our friend did say he had friends who could get me a really cheap, good bike...illegally. We had to decline his offer.

What else happened this week... Well, our previously golden investigator is now a Jehovah's Witness, super anti, and he thinks that "all Mormons are stupid." Elder Toole and I found a few new investigators. Just standard missionary work, really. I have no cool stories. Though, Elder Toole and I have been getting really close with the less-active members here in Kortrijk. They really are great people, just got a little sidetracked on the way. They're my favorite -- they invite us over for dinner, love to talk to us, and I'll miss them tons when I eventually leave.

The zone leaders came down from Antwerpen to do splits for a few hours on Thursday. It really made me realize how much this is the Lord's work and not our work. I was with a really good elder who is a few months away from the end of his mission. We were knocking some doors in a nearby town, where many people are Belgian, born and raised. And he couldn't understand ANYBODY, the dialect is so hard to understand. I then realized that I don't understand a lot of people in this area, either. Then, I took a step back to look at our situation in Kortrijk -- the Lord put two second transfer missionaries, who both started learning Dutch in June, in a city where we don't understand a lot of people, and a lot of people have trouble understanding us. No logical person would do that. But, He knows better. If we work hard, He'll provide the success. There are always miracles as a missionary. I've seen the Lord's hand more than once on my mission.

Well, back to the grind. Remember to pray for all the Lord's missionaries. We need it. Tot volgende keer.

Fight the good fight, finish the race, keep the faith. Or something like that.

--Elder Bonney