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!! 

German Kids

We have mentioned our 'German Kids' before and how much we enjoyed having them in our home, and spending time with them.  They loved to BBQ and continued to impress us with their ideas for having another one - a good bye for a friend who had been there for a week; a birthday celebration or last chance before Mission Simulation etc.  We usually just sat back with our feet up, as they provided the meat, salads and desserts.

Another great memory is always having flowers and chocolates waiting for us when we returned  from long trips.  Great kids!!

They graduated this year though, causing lots of sad farewells.  However, it helped having a few of those good byes postponed, as we made plans to meet in Germany after Refresher Course. 

Boris and Valentina Bergen

Spending a few days with the Bergens would brighten up everyone's spirits! God has given them the gifts of hospitality and encouragement which has been demonstrated over and over again during their 2 years in North Cotes. 

Now we have seen it displayed in Germany too.  We also enjoyed getting to meet their parents and siblings and spending time in their childhood homes.

Enjoying a picnic by a lake just a few minutes walk from where they live.

 

Trying spaghetti ice cream for the first time!!

Strolling around in a nearby town.

 

Learning a new game.

The next time we see Boris and Valentina will be in the Philippines!!!  They are on their way to South East Asia later this year which is soooooo exciting.  

Refresher Course '12

  This summer found our activities centered around the annual Refresher Course once again.  Soon after graduation and the sudden quiet campus, we found ourselves on the ferry, on our way to Germany to prepare for and take part in the yearly Refresher Course.

It is always an encouraging and rewarding week, but the time leading up to it is busy and full of questions.  What have we forgotten?  Has everything been covered and has everyone been properly informed etc.

European missionaries on Home Assignment from various fields, gather together for a week of Refreshment.  The venue we have used the last couple of years in Germany is located in a beautiful spot, allowing for outdoor activities during our non-scheduled times

We also enjoyed excellent Bible Teaching and Interesting Cultural Classes etc. each morning and updates from 18 families in the evenings.  Lots of furloughing missionaries shared reports on what has been happening in their country of service which were so encouraging. 

An afternoon of field sports, canoe races at a nearby lake, a Ladies Meeting, Men's Meeting and catching up chats over leisurely cups of coffee were all greatly enjoyed. 

One afternoon a bunch of us decided to do the Pilgrim's Path - a 22 km. hike through the engaging forest, quaint towns, grassy fields and peaceful back roads.  A great way to enjoy God's creation while chatting with various folks who until now were just a name on the rooster.

 

There were signs along the path showing us where to go, with a Bible verse to meditate on.

 

Then on the last evening we were served an extremely yummy banquet - even waitresses. What a superb way to bring the wonderful week to a close!

A week full of many blessings!  We met many new missionaries, got reacquainted with others and hopefully observed lots which will help improve RC for 2013. 

Something's Wrong

Our house has been too quiet this week - no students popping in and out for a cup of coffee, coming to join us for a meal or a game in the evening. Has it really been a whole week without someone joining us at our dining room table? Well, a few neighbours have been in for a 'cuppa' and a friendly chat, but at meal times, I have just been cooking for two! Yes, something really is wrong!!!

The campus has been like a ghost town since graduation last week. It was a cheerful, bright, sad, happy, tearful, joyous, weepy, festive occasion!! We know graduation comes every July, and we are proud to see the students receive their hard earned diplomas, ready to move on to the various fields, yet there is always that empty feeling when they leave.

Times with them over the past year have been wonderful. We loved seeing the path God has lead them on to this point and are excited for them as they continue this journey. We know lots of exciting things are in store for them as they continue to walk with Him.

Meanwhile this quietness has allowed us to get caught up on a few projects, and finish getting ready for the upcoming Refresher Course in Germany. We get on the ferry later this afternoon and make our way to the Netherlands. From Rotterdam it is about a 4 hr. drive to NTM Headquarters in Germany.

Great singing!

Valentina sharing her testimony.

Friends receiving their diplomas.

....but it still sure is quiet around here.