Beginnings

To make sharing info a little easier, I have decided to create a blog to follow our time in the Netherlands.

We arrived safely in the Netherlands, and were warmly greeted by some of the most hospitable people in the world, who have proved that title to be more than correct over the past several days!

The first day we climbed what is probably the only hill in Holland that also happens to be a garbage dump. From there it was possible to see only skyscrapers til the farthest horizon that stretched to the far end of Holland and beyond. The city is fringed by old style houses, narrow and three stories high for the most part. Some are grass-roofed, they all have wooden doors and brick exteriors. So beautiful!

This first week has been packed with activities. 38 kms of biking completed the third day. We saw the city this way, what a beautiful place! Sunday we visited the Laurenskerk for a concert (from the 1400s, also has a stunningly beautiful organ) and met many wonderful people. Not knowing the language that was being spoken was pretty frustrating. We now know that when the minister introduces guests (in dutch) they have to stand up. In front of the entire congregation. Upon announcing our names the congregation chuckled at the name Devries (apparently when pronounced this way it means 'little man.' Not sure what to make of it, we looked around a bit when someone poked us and motioned for us to stand up after a pause from the minister. Not understanding Dutch, we had no idea what we were doing, but anyway, it was pretty funny. Being able to sing the Genevan tunes in a different language with 500 people from a different language and culture was such an overwhelming experience. God has his loved people even half way across the globe! Of course we know this but to experience it was amazing. It reminded me of the hymn, "With voices united our praises we offer."

And today should be some admin work, another full day!

Have a wonderful day as well!