the Netherlands

Both going to Germany, and on our way back we enjoyed a wee bit of time in the Netherlands. It was our first time to 'really' be there. We had lay overs at the Amsterdam airport numerous times (but that doesn't count), and had driven thru the south of the country going from England to Germany, but basically had only seen Highways.    

This trip however allowed us opportunities to explore some towns, and relish time with friends in their beautiful homes.

Within an hour of our ferry docking in Rotterdam, we were at the NTM Headquarters. 

After seeing where the staff there spend their days, we took the scenic route to one of their homes out in the charming country. What a beautiful spot - canals, everywhere you looked!

The day passed quickly as we enjoyed catch up time with Nanne & Wilma Groot.

  Soon we were back in the car on our way to the more familiar NTM Germany Guest Home, where final preparations for the Refresher Course took place.  

 

We also had a bit more time in the land of tulips, bicycles and windmills on the way back to England. 

A couple of nights in Haarlem, the home town of Corrie ten Boom, was very special.

 

Having heard the astounding story of Corrie ten Boom's sacrificial life since I was a little girl; recently watched her life story on DVD and read more of her writings, I was very pleased that we had the opportunity to visit her childhood home which has now been made into a museum.

The side entrance to the ten Boom home.

I even got to play a tune on the piano!

The Hiding Place was amazing!! What an incredible opportunity to crawl through that cleverly disguised, removable wall, knowing that this is what several Jews actually had to do to save their lives. Our guide did a fantastic job of explaining the whole story in detail during our 2 hour tour.

The secret door was at the back of the bottom shelf of the closet.

That same afternoon we took the train into Amsterdam and were also able to walk thru Anne Frank's home.The history behind this famed home is another heart breaking story which is much more well known, making the dwelling a popular tourist attraction.While studying Anne Frank's Diary in Grade 5, I never even dreamt that someday I would be walking thru her home!! I should have paid better attention.

No cameras were allowed inside, but this shows the building, and the line up to get in.

A few shots of down town Amsterdam.

 

A great way to end our short stay in the Netherlands was an afternoon with Edwin and Martijne. Soaking in the sun in the Vianen's back yard, while enjoying a savory meal and hearing how God has been leading their lives was so encouraging. 

We were also thrilled to meet little Joshua. He and his dad strolled down the street for a short visit in-between feedings.He was born on the day of his mum and dad's graduation.

Soon it was time to be on the England bound ferry once again and take advantage of more spoiling by the Filipino crew. Basically the whole crew was from the Philippines - we saw lots of jaws drop when we began speaking to them in Tagalog. After the initial shock - out came the special service, free drinks and lots of smiles. 

 

So now we can say we really have been to the Netherlands!!