Elder VV's 70th

Greetings from Sunny Bonaire!

Happy Birthday to Elder Vander Veur. 

A few days before August 13th Sister Albus called and asked what we were going to do for Elder VV's BD. I said we didn't have anything specific planned so she suggested a Bar-B-Que party on the beach! 

We invited just the families with little children who are mainly less active so they could have fun with the church members in a less formal way and just visit and let the kids play on the beach, talk, eat, and get to know each other.

I made a carrot cake and a salad and Barbel and the Sister missionaries came to our house earlier that day and made chicken skewers and veggie skewers and mini hamburgers,The president cooked the food and an enjoyable time was had by all.  

Elder VV turned 70 years old in style.

He reports it this way in an email to our granddaughter:

Hi Callie!  Thanks for the Birthday greeting AND asking about What my birthday was like.
I really don't feel like I'm 70 years old.... kind of crazy....... 70 years is a pretty long time.  We had a very busy day because we have new missionaries here and we're helping them with their apartment, telephone, bikes and grocery shopping. Taking care of things so that they can do their missionary work. 


Oma and a member, Sister Albus, planned a special birthday party at the beach! we really had a wonderful time there! A bunch of people from church were invited, and our 4 missionaries and an American couple that's been on the island for a couple of months and comes to church every week. There were little kids playing in the water, there was lots of barbecued stuff, like hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken kabobs and veggie kabobs. Oma and Sister Albus made yummy salads! We had a giant jug of punch and good ice.......It was great!

They invited some of the members that have small kids (like babies and Primary age). WE wanted them to visit and know each other better and wanted their kids to play together and have fun.     The delicious BBQ was good....and there was plenty to eat!!  I really enjoyed it! We didn't really play any games, but it was fun for the people to visit with each other and meet our new missionaries!  3 of the four are new! Now we have 2 Elders and 2 Sister Missionaries on our island. The 2 new Elders speak Dutch! We hope some more Dutch people will listen to the Gospel.


President Albus cooking

After it got dark (like around 7:00!), and after an amazing sunset (that I got some wonderful pictures of), we cleaned up our spot,  packed all our chairs, table and the BBQ grill in the pickups and our car...... everybody left......except Oma and I!

We stayed after.  Oma said "let's take off our shoes and socks and walk along the beach". I said OK! Sometimes the waves came up real fast and when the water goes out, the sand under your feet gets sucked away.....it feels really funny!

My birthday had a happy ending (even if the daytime was so busy).
And now I've been on the planet Earth for 70 big ones! I had a great 70th birthday!

Love, Elder Vander Veur (Opa)

Thanks to all who sent Birthday greetings to the 70 year old BD boy!

We love you all and thank you for your love and support. 

Elder VV with his birthday gifts

Everything you can squeeze into the bag for 10 Bucks!

Living on the the ABC Islands is very expensive but once in awhile a good deal comes along!

We shop for groceries several times a week. We usually start at the Warehouse Supermarket, where prices are lower for produce and meat and some other items. Then we drive a short distance on the same street to VAN DEN TWEELS!

Van Den Tweel, is the islands finest supermarket! It's fancy, near-new, clean, larger and more products....and a Deli....and a Bakery! They carry more Dutch products (rather than Latino) and it's frequented by more Dutchmen and tourists. Identical products that you might find at both stores cost more here!

Anyway....when Sister Albus, a local member called a couple of days ago and told us about a special produce sale.....everything you can squeeze into the bag for 10 Bucks....we immediately hopped in the car, called and picked up the Sister Missionaries and filled our bags!

The Sisters chose some different fruits and veggies than we did, but I think I may have set a volume record as I skillfully packed my bag! It was a bit tricky to carry to the car, but I made it.

As soon as we arrived back at our apartment, I spread the goods out on the counter and took the picture (that I hope to attach to this email!).

It was a challenge to get it all in the fridge....but I did (using many of the same skills and techniques used to get it all in the bag).

NOW....we'll need to be on top of our game to eat it all before it spoils!!!!..

Elder Vander Veur