Christmas concerts in Belgium

Hello broeders en zusters and vrolijke kerst!

What a geweldige week! It has truly been the most incredible and joyful time of my mission - I absolutey love Christmas.This week was spent in Belgium. Our missionary choir sang in the streets and chapels of Brussels and Antwerpen – what an unforgettable experience it was! We sang in several prime locations in the cities’ centrums, attracting hundreds with our bagpipes, fiddles, and angelic voices to invite them to our Christmas concert that would be held that evening. :D Many members and investigators attended…as well as some interesting gypsy finds from the street….oh, Europe. This coming week we will do the same in Rotterdam and Den Haag, Nederland. Exciting!!

It is Christmastime in Holland and I’m enjoying the beautiful festivities in Amsterdam. It has been such a blessing for me to serve in this unique city and watch as the weather and decorations change – and hearts as well. I’ve witnessed so many miracles these months as I’ve watched those we teach make decisions that bring them closer to their Savior Jesus Christ. There is so much joy to be had in His gospel. And there is surely opposition (this is ever apparent to me in the city of Amsterdam where "alles mag” or anything goes). But as we press forward with a steadfastness in Christ (2 Nephi 31:20) we will be in His constant care.

I am so happy that I made the decision to come on a full-time mission. The reality of it all is so different from the films one sees (even the tulip-filled “Best Two Years” against the Holland backdrop) but I absolutely love my mission, rain or shine (though in Holland we definitely experience more of the former). I know that what I’m doing matters. It’s the most important work I could be doing. I am assisting in the Lord’s work and I find no greater satisfaction than seeing His hand in my life and the lives of those we meet and teach.
Thank you all so much for your letters and Christmas cards and prayers! I love you all more than I can describe in Dutch or English.
Het evangelie is waar!
The gospel is true. Absolutely.

Much love and Christmas cheer,
Zuster Jillian Claire Fritz

PS - We had an early Christmas dinner with Familie Zwaan and Claire...only some of my favorite people in Amsterdam