The Amsterdam JoVo's

We first met the Amsterdam JoVo's (Young Adults) at the New Year's Eve Dance in the Amsterdam church.  They went all out to decorate and wear their best "bib and tucker".

You can never have too many potential dance partners.  Neal is certainly cultivating a fan club.  We didn't realize that he would eventually be our High Council representative for the center.

Ramon and Vincent talk with Katja between dances.  Ramon (center) is the Amsterdam JoVo President.

Fast forwarding to April, we go to the country-wide volleyball tournament in Groningen.  This is the Amsterdam team.  We had the only JoVo team to enter the competition.  Teams come from wards and branches all over The Netherlands.  The play is fierce and only the truly diligent (who actually practice) make it to the final four.

Yes, this happy missionary couple are enjoying the games.  (Their smiles have nothing to do with the empty row of Heineke beer bottles lined up behind them.)

The JoVo team members include Roland, David, Jan, Lieuwe, and Ramon.   Equito and his brother escaped before the photo was taken.

The next country-wide event was the "Orange Dance" held the Friday before Queen's Day (April 30th).  Everyone was encouraged to wear orange in honor of the Dutch Royal House of Orange.  The dance was sponsored by the Rotterdam JoVo's.

Those who aren't dancing find plenty to gab about.   (Why would you come to a dance to sit around and talk??)

Elizabeth Roberts, one of our Amsterdam JoVos, has accepted a mission call to Greece, Athens.  She received her endowments at the Hague temple prior to entering the MTC on May 9th.

The JoVo's gathered to give Elder and Sister Pankratz a rousing send-off  before they left to go home to Utah.  Sister Pankratz made her 'fabulously delicious' pizzas for the final time.

We took supper outside - it was fun to get out of doors.  Winter has been l-o-n-g.

Ian and Nikki with Sister Pankratz.

More of our zany group with Elder Pankratz. 

"I'll miss you!" Sister Pankratz tells her 'girls'.

Ian, Kim, Joyce, David, and Brian.

How about a game night everyone?  The young people played several  indoor games to determine an overall champion.  Elder Robinson squares off with David for a round of table tennis.  David squeaked out the victory.

 

Here we see Ramon and Lieuwe competing in a game of pool.

It takes fast thinking and faster hands to keep the opponent's ball from scoring.  Lindsay and Anouschka face off with  Kim and Elder Schulte. 

The fourth playing area was darts.  This game requires a steady hand and a keen eye.  Serena proves that this is an area where the girls can shine.

A new set of foosball players.  They are certainly into the game.

Ramon tries to keep Lindsey and Anoushcka honest with their scores.

Elder Beckstrand tries on the pool triangle.  Hey!  It's a perfect fit!

Sister Beckstrand with Roland and Elder Schulte.  She is watching to see who'll get the exciting grand prize of a bag of M&M peanuts!  Ah - our final winners:  Serena and David!  It appears that a fun time was enjoyed by all.

These are such delightful young people.  We are so lucky to be here!