Arijaan's Adventures in Amsterdam!

A New Adventure Has Begun!

2007-06-20T19:58:00.000-07:00

Hello to those of you who might still check this blog from time to time! I have started a new blog and I would love for you to read it! The address is http://arijaanbulk.blogspot.com and it will tell a lot more about what I will be doing with Campus Crusade for Christ in the coming year. Thanks for your support!

Oh Amsterdam. . .

2006-09-05T00:35:00.000-07:00

Today I leave the Shelter. This is not fun because my time here has been wonderful - as I am sure you could tell by my previous posts. There's not much to say at this point but thanks for all of your prayers and support during my months out here! Today, after small group and trying to pack everything (will it fit?) I am off to visit many great relatives for 10 days. At this point I am just so excited and ready to move on because the Lord has really worked in me and through me here. . .I'm ready to put it all to practice at home. So, I'm ending with this picture taken at the Museum Plein. It makes me think of Exodus 3:14 - "God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you". Knowing that I have been sent by I AM is powerful and in this power I go on knowing that He goes with me wherever I go! Thanks for reading this summer - I will likely do at least one more post when I get back home to let you know how things wrapped up for me here. God bless you!

These are a few of my favorite things. . .

2006-09-03T05:51:00.000-07:00

Let me start with the beautiful clouds - I love it when the sun is shining but there are these amazing clouds in the sky, it adds so much depth and interest. This I will miss! Another favorite thing are the canals here. It sounds so typical for me to say this but it's true - I certainly won't find anything like this in California. It makes for such a cool atmosphere! As for yummy favorite foods that I've had in the city one of my favorites has been falafel - a delicious middle eastern pita bread filled with utter goodness. . .sorry, there's just no other way to describe it! Another one of my favorite things has been my ability to confuse people in regards to whether I am Dutch or American - how about both?! One of my favorite things to hear people say has been "you look so Dutch" or "you act so Dutch", however because of my American accent I have rarely heard "you sound so Dutch" - I typically get made fun of for my language skills but that has been one of my favorite things as well! However, it has also been one of my favorite things to introduce all these internationals to some American culture - and hopefully breaking some of their stereotypical assumptions while I was at it. This picture captures a powerful moment - sharing Reese Peanut Butter Cups (thanks to Kelly!) with those whose taste buds have never experienced something so amazing before:

I'm helping to start a Reese Revolution. . . maybe soon they will start producing them here! Another favorite thing - effective public transportation, other then cars I might add. After living in this city it just sounds like the craziest thing that I have a car at home - that is so unnecessary here! Well, there are so many more favorite things I could add to the list and I think that once I've left I'll be able to recognize even more of them but I'll end with one more. A favorite thing has been getting to know the ins and outs of this city - with the hopes that one day I wil be back and be able to navigate around with confidence, knowing where all the coolest places are - the cafes, restaurants, shops, churches, museums, etc. It's amazing what two months in Amsterdam will do to someone. . . in the midst of all the madness there is just so much light waiting to be discovered - I am so thankful to have discovered it here!

My Shepherd, the Lamb of God

2006-09-02T12:58:00.000-07:00

Some reflections on the Bible Discussion I just led in the hostel. I woke up yesterday morning with the strong feeling that I should prepare on the topic of the shepherd and his sheep. I had tentatively planned on doing a different topic but was thankful for this bit of inspiration from above! So, when this evening rolled around I was excited to share and discuss this topic with whoever the Lord had planned to hear it. Even though we invited many guests who were hanging out in the cafe the group consisted of me, Christian (a German staff member), Benjamin (a manager), and Jerome. Jerome is a new cleaner at the hostel, he started working and living in the hostel yesterday. He is originally from England but has been rooming around for 6 years now. I was so thankful to have him at the discussion and put aside any expectations of having a larger group knowing that it is God who is ultimately responsible and more then capable of bringing as many people as He wants to bring. So, I started the time with brainstorming together the different characteristics of a shepherd and of sheep. Then we turned to the Bible - there are so many references to this topic, in both the Old and New Testaments, for the sake of time I choose just a few. Starting in John 10:7-13 we looked at the contrasts Christ sets up between Himself as the gate in contrast to the thief, as well as Himself as the Good Shepherd in contrast to the hired hand. To get a better picture of our position as sheep and how the Good Shepherd views us we then looked at Luke 15:3-7. What an amazing image - Christ seeking us out, lifting us up out of the pit and onto His shoulders, and rejoicing over us as we step into His fold. So, these two passages pointed to Christ as our shepherd but what about Jesus as a sheep, the sacrificial Lamb of God - for this we turned to Isaiah 53:6-7. How crazy that He stepped down from the throne and into our position as sheep so that He could make us righteous before the Father by His blood alone. 1 Peter 2:24-25 tells of this as well. While sharing these verses and talking about them together God gave me the courage to ask Jerome directly what He believes about all of this personally. He went on to explain that he has been reading the Bible but has a hard time trying to figure out why Christ would die for His sins and why something that happened so long ago would be true for him today. This man is seeking and open to hearing God's word - now just pray that he could set his questions aside so as to accept the free gift of grace by faith in Christ alone. We closed the time by reading Psalm 23 - to think that what David writes of awaits all those who trust in God and dare to acknowledge Him as their Good Shepherd is just insane because I know I am not worthy of such love, joy,and peace yet on the otherhand I am worthy because of the blood of Christ that was shed for me. . . and you! One final thought that really both encouraged and challenged me by bringing the Bible Discussion time full-circle was the picture of my life as a cup that overflows. This is in Psalm 23:5 and it ties in so well with John 10:10 where Jesus says that, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full". Does your cup overflow, are you experiencing the full and abundant life that Christ came to freely give to us? It is my prayer that Jerome and all sheep that are still lost would come to experience this full life and it is my prayer that I and all sheep within the loving fold of God would come to experience more and more of this abundant life that He has promised!

Potato Festival!

2006-09-01T03:00:00.000-07:00

Let me start with a picture of where I have been sitting all these months as I update my blog:

That's the library - usually a place busy with people using the internet, chatting, and looking for good books to read. Often it is hard to focus as I write, but still so fun to be with such a social group of people! I wanted to quickly share about the outreach my small group has planned for tonight. We are having a "Potato Festival"! Sounds random? Well, it is but I think it will be so fun! We will be making our own french fries, learning about some potato history, listening to a little art lecture about the "potato eaters" painting by Van Gogh, as well as playing crazy games - such as bobbing for potatoes and a three-legged potato sack race. makes you wish you'd be here for it, huh?! It should be a great chance to connect and form relationships with the guests as well as share the gospel with them (Bettina is going to initiate this during the art lecture, it will take some creativity!). As I think back on all the outreaches I helped to plan and participate in I am confident that the Lord will work in any and every way that He wants. To close, I am leading my last Bible Discussion on Saturday evening - please pray that guests would come and that I would be bold and compassionate towards those the Lord has entrusted me with during that time. Thanks - and Happy September!

Gezellig!

2006-09-01T02:19:00.000-07:00

This word is the best way to describe the Jordaan (the name of the area in Amsterdam that I've been living). . .too bad there is absolutely no translation for this word in English! You'll just have to come out and experience it for yourself one day. If I try to describe the word I would use adjectives like: fun, cozy, cheerful, festive, relaxed - but really it's a combination of all these words and more! From what I've heard, in the past the Jordaan was the poor area in Amsterdam but that has now changed. I see many ritzy looking people riding on their bikes in nice suits and dresses - probably on their way to their work. There are lots of cool art galleries and specialty stores up and down the many tiny streets. And the cafes, there are so many cafes! This is really cool because in the early evenings. . .when the weather is nice. . .there are many people sitting outside - drinking and socializing together. The buildings and canals are so wonderful as well here - they really add to the atmosphere. Along with that there are many "hofjes" to be discovered. These are beautiful old secret courtyards that the rich made for the poor and the sick to enjoy. From the street you would never guess they were there, you enter through a door only to find some of the most beautiful and peaceful scenery in this crazy city. What a blessing it is to step into a hofje - a great chance to enjoy a bit of nature and silence! Another "gezellig" aspect to life in the Jordaan are the great markets that happen a few streets down from our house on Saturdays and Mondays. Anything and everything is sold here - from bras, to batteries, to broccoli for example! Not to mention delicious cheeses, beautiful flowers, and an abundance of second hand treasures that I typically don't have the patience to search through. It's such a great chance to be amongst the many people that live here or travel to this area because of all the great things they've heard about it. Well, I hope I have been a decent tour guide and that you are now convinced to come and experience the gezellig nature of this wonderful part of Amsterdam - as I think about leaving I know for certain that a part of my heart will remain!

Visitors!

2006-08-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

Now for a little post about how wonderful it was to see familiar faces here in Amsterdam! During the month of August (can you believe it is almost over?!) 4 friends from San Luis Obispo, my college town, came to this crazy city for various reasons. I'll go in chronological order. The first visitors were Tim and Steven (Bessie). They had been traveling through Europe for sometime and Amsterdam was their second to last stop before heading back to California. Sadly, the two days that they were here it rained so much (what's new though) but we still tried to make the best of it. We were able to go to the Jewish History Museum together which was really interesting. Also, here's a great shot of Tim using one of the many outdoor urinals in the city(for this reason I am glad it wasn't hot because when it's hot you shouldn't get anywhere near these because it stinks!):

Hopefully you're not to embarrassed Tim, but you said I could! It was great to hangout with these guys - and feed them! My goodness, their idea of traveling was to not eat because that costs money - not the way I would do it. So, it was fun to feed them Shelter food. . and then they were off to Paris! Next came Kelly, while visiting her aunt and uncle she made the time to spend a day with me. First we walked around for a bit - stepped into the Westerkerk to get out of the rain as well as to catch a glimpse of where Rembrandt was buried and to hear a quick bit of an organ concert that was going on. We also walked into a Tulip Museum - which is where this picture was taken:

There is quite the story behind this picture because little did I know that when we came into this museum we would get into quite the spiritual conversation with the man running the place. Really something, to be used by God when you least expect it! Through the course of the day her aunt and mom ended up joining us and we had such a nice time walking through the Jordaan. There are so many fun little things to discover here. We also went out to Rembrandt Plein where they have created a lifesize iron version of the "Nightwatch" painted. The city is crazy about Rembrandt right now because it's his 400th Birthday - even some of the trams are covered with his artwork. After some more fun in the city we headed to Kelly's aunt's house and had such a nice dinner there (ah, Mexican food - it had been so long!) with lots of laughter and stories for dessert. What a fun day! And finally, Lauren came to visit for 3 nights before heading of to Florence to study architecture for a year. This was my chance to be a real tourist. We hit up the Rijksmuseum (with lots of art work, including Rembrandt and Vermeer), the Van Gogh Museum, and DNA Fashion Exhibit. We also spent an afternoon in Haarlem (gotta love Corrie Ten Boom!) followed by lots of walking through Amsterdam. We went to the Albert Cuyp market . . . where Lauren experienced her first fresh Stroopwafel:

Yum, a must-have while in The Netherlands! How nice it was to have each of these friends here - to show them where and how I have been living for the past couple of months as well as to talk about life at home with someone who has been there and has an understanding of what it's like - an understanding that is not based on what Hollywood depicts (people are quite fascinated with the fact that I am from California. . .I blame many misconceptions on the movies! Yes, we have snow and no, life is not like it is on the OC. . .but, alas it is true that Arnold is the governator). How blessed I am to have had this opportunity to see familiar faces here - I had no idea this would happen before I made the decision to come out here. . .but then again there are many things that I could never have expected. God's plans are so great - far greater than anything I could ever dream up for myself!

Faith

2006-08-27T11:07:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago I prepared a Bible Discussion on the topic of faith. I was spurred on to do so after my faith in the Lord's power to heal (spiritually of course. . . but physically also!) was increased. I had a sweet time preparing and felt like things came together somewhat smoothly. Anne, my roommate, was my attender and after spending some time in prayer together we went into the cafe and patio to invite guests. This part can be a little nervewrecking because you just never know what their reaction will be to the invitation to join. Leading a Bible study at home is so different in this regard - I usually have the liberty to assume that at least one (usually many more - you girls are wonderful!) will show up. . .and that they are Christians. I can in no way make these assumptions here. Well on this particular night no one was interested which initially was disappointing but it ended up being really cool. I figured that since I had prepared Anne and I should go on with it and discuss the topic together. We talked about what faith is (Hebrews 11:1) and what the opposite of faith is (Romans 14:23). We also discussed the idea that faith is a gift from God and that He is the only one that can bring us into a saving relationship with Himself. This comes from Ephesians 2:1-5 and the understanding that God makes us spiritually alive - just like I could do nothing to bring myself back to life if I died, the same is with my spiritual being - when I was dead spiritually it was only God who could make me spiritually alive, He gets all the credit! We went over several other verses and just had a good time mulling over this topic together - we didn't necessarily see eye-to-eye on all things but that's what a "discussion" is all about. The unseen can be a challenge to wrap our minds around and I certainly don't have all of the answers but hey, that's why God is God - I will leave it up to Him to reveal more of Himself to me in due time or to keep things from my understanding according to His purpose. As we were wrapping up we heard Freek, a manager, playing the guitar and worshiping so we went out to join him. It was so cool - we were singing "Shout to the Lord" in Dutch, German, and English simultaneously. . .don't think I will be experiencing that at home anytime soon! Anyways, the blessings the Lord had in store for my Bible Discussion were different then what I thought they would be - and they continued today. A new guy on staff here, Christian (yet another German!), and I got to talking about faith and it was great! He pointed me to a verse I hadn't thought of - it's "powerful", as Ryan from Las Vegas always says. I'll end with it now, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (have faith!) that you have received it, and it will be yours" (Mark 11:24). Yep, that's powerful - that's Jesus for ya'!

Busy Day(s)

2006-08-25T22:17:00.000-07:00

A run through of yesterday's events to show you that no day here is like the other - but each day is so busy and full of unexpected little twists and turns! So, I had the morning cafe shift yesterday. This was nice because I am typically at the reception desk and rarely in the cafe - it's always nice to mix it up once in a while for variety. I made many yummy pancakes on a very rainy morning - I don't think the rain could have come down any harder then it did. After we were done preparing the breakfast Bettina and I got introduced to and began training Christian, a brand new staff member from Germany. Seems like a great guy, he'll be here for a year - wow! Also, we prepared the food for a good-bye lunch that afternoon. Thanks to chocolate chips that Lauren brought me (you can't buy them here!) I had the idea of making chocolate chip cookies for everyone. I was pretty disappointed with how they turned out - some were a little burnt and they were very flat. . .alas, they were devoured and the Europeans liked them - now they just have to come to the states to get a real good taste of what a chocolate chip cookie should be like! The good-bye lunch went until about 3:30. After eating together, we said good-bye to and prayed for 4 staff members (2 Dutchies, an Englishman, and a Canadian) who are leaving in the next couple of days. I really have met so many amazing people here! And then, my aunt came! How fun it was to show her around the hostel - to give her a real feel for what I've been doing in this crazy city for over 2 months. We then went to the Van Gogh Museum which I really loved (a confession - this was my second time in one week! I think I've had my fill now.) - she was able to borrow a bike from Lukas, it's just so convenient to bike through the city and at this point it had stopped raining. Afterwards, we spent some time walking up and down the streets in the Jordan - looking at all the beautiful buildings, tiny shops, and fun cafes. We had dinner at one with the name of "the laughing fish". A festive and busy place! And then she hopped back on the bus - how nice of her to make the time to visit! At this point I was tired - I had been on my feet all day, so I biked home, took a shower, and soon after went to bed. Now it is the morning again - a reception shift awaits me, as well as an End of the Summer BBQ at Harold's. I wonder what else is in store? I am sure the days will continue to fly by - my last shift here in Amsterdam is September 4th and after spending time with relatives I will fly back to California on the 15th. It certainly hasn't been a restful summer but it was been one that I will never forget - I have absolutely no regrets!

Westerpark

2006-08-24T01:58:00.000-07:00

There is a wonderful park close by that I want to tell you about! If I go for a run this is where I like to go. It takes about 5 minutes to get there and it's so wonderful because almost instantly I forget that I am living in a big, busy, bussling city. Being a country girl at heart Amsterdam can be a little much for me at times so having this park to escape to has been so awesome! It is large with many little trails all over - this is a picture I took from one of the trails:

Such natural beauty is so refreshing to experience and God is so good to give us the blessing of such a beautiful creation. So, that is where I found myself this morning - getting ready and excited for a new day. I will be leading the Bible Discussion tonight, on faith - I'll write more about how that went later. It starts at 7:30PM here (10:30AM in California - so if you're an early riser and reading this pray that the Word of God would speak!) And now, it is raining. . .once again. Will it stop? I suppose I am starting to get used to it - BUT that doesn't mean I like it! Although, I came to this wonderful verse in Deuteronomy 32:2 which says, "Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants". God can use all things to glorify Himself - even things I don't like. What a beautiful image that rain can now bring to my mind - glory be to God!

Jesus, the Great Physician!

2006-08-23T07:51:00.000-07:00

Wow - something AMAZING just happened. . .but first a little background information. Every Monday and Wednesday the staff takes part in a Ministry Training Program (MTP). We meet for a 3 hour class, either in the morning or afternoon depending on when we have to work. The class topics vary a lot. Sometimes we are taught about very practical things concerning doing ministry at the Shelter - such as how to be a better cafe or receptionist worker. I have also received training in how prepare a Bible Discussion as well as how to stay spiritually sane while doing ministry here. The other half of the classes have been on more general topics that will always apply, regardless of where the Lord has me. We have studied other religions - these classes have been taught by professors at La Bri University (there is a branch in The Netherlands). We have also been led in several Bible studies - these past three weeks included Jesus teaching Nicodemus (and us!) about being born again, Jesus teaching the Samaritan woman at the well (and us!) about living water, and today: Jesus healing a man born blind (John 9). So, now that you are somewhat up to speed here comes the exciting part. First a disclaimer, I think that all of you know that I am a pretty rational girl and that I would not knowingly tell you things that aren't true - especially things that I have seen with my own eyes. After studying the passage in John 9, our teacher Martijn, asked us if we knew of people we could pray for to be healed of sicknesses. Several fellow staff members mentioned serious illnesses - a mom's kidney that is failing, a friend with cancer, a brother in a wheelchair. We also wanted to pray for one of the staff members, Bethany - a super sweet 17 year old girl from Canada, who burned her hand badly this morning. I was working at the reception desk, she in the cafe - making French Toast for the guests - and this is when she burned her hand. I saw it myself, it started blistering immediately and it was very red and painful for her. After her shift she went to the pharmacist who gave her a cream and told her she would have to use the cream 3 times a day for many days and that she would have to bandage it very carefully. Anyways, so at the end of class we also wanted to pray for her hand as well as all the other prayer requests that were mentioned. Sadly, we finished praying as a group and then realized that we forgot to pray for her! So, Maurice, one of the staff guys, said that we should all pray for her. After praying Ryan told her to take the bandage off and her blistered hand was completely healed - NO JOKE!! I know it's hard to have faith when you don't see this yourself but I saw it with my own eyes - the before and after - and it really happened! She was able to give Ryan a high-five with the hand that had been hurting minutes before. Thank you Lord that you have healed her! Give us more faith to believe that all power in Heaven and on earth belong to you - the power to heal us spiritually through the death of your Son as well as the power to heal us physically. You do all things to glorify yourself - thank you for glorifying yourself through this tiny but so wonderfully amazing miracle today! At the beginning of this class we talked about the verse where Jesus says, "But this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his[the blind man's] life" (John 9:3). May you also acknowledge the work of God being displaying in your own life, through the good and the bad, through physical healing or no physical healing! Really, we have spiritual healing offered to us - what more do we truly need? Amen!!

Brunch at Harold's

2006-08-19T00:54:00.000-07:00

Every Saturday morning at 10:30 the Willemsstraat house is invited to brunch at Harold's. Harold helps out at the Shelter Jordan as a night man every other week for about 4 night shifts. He also has a job at the Heineken Brewery in town, he sees to it that the proper orders are filled for 4,500 locations in Amsterdam alone that have Heineken beer on tap - crazy, huh! Usually a group of about 8 of us show up for a yummy feast and fun fellowship at his apartment, about a 20 minute bike ride away. Here's a picture taken a while back - food in the foreground and fellowship in the background:

It's a small apartment with a very small, but cool, backyard. He has a bath tub pond, a rabbit and a guinea pig, as well as a BBQ he made out of a beer keg - very creative! This is always a nice opportunity to get out of the house and enjoy some food that, as he puts it, is of the "non-Shelter variety". So, off we go!

I'm a Blogging Machine!

2006-08-17T01:33:00.000-07:00

So, I know this is my third posting for the morning but I figured I might as well keep going! There are still many more things I want to share with you - so even though the rate at which I blog is not very steady I still want to make sure that I squeeze it all in eventually. Crazy to think that in a few days shy of a month I will be home - it will be such a blessing to catch up with many of you then, in person! During my time here I have had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people and have many wonderful conversations about the grace of God I have experienced in my life and the same grace that God extends to all who accept Jesus as Lord of their lives. However, the Lord is so good and faithful - not only does He ask me and help me pour out into the lives of others - He also is continually pouring into my life, overflowing my cup, and strengthening me by encouraging and challenging me to walk more closely with Him. There are many examples of this I could mention - but I will start with the most recent one for now. Yesterday during the prayer time before the evening shifts began at the hostel Benjamin, the manager on duty, read the opening pages from a book titled "Spiritual Disciplines For the Christian Life" by Donald S. Whitney. Interestingly enough, what was read was very similar to a chapter I had just read a few hours before in another book I have been going through. So the idea that was presented really struck me and stuck with me! The book starts with the line: "Discipline without direction is drudgery". Then comes the question of why Christians should practice spiritual disciplines such as reading the Bible, praying, fasting, worship, serving, etc. We can be disciplined because there is direction and purpose behind it! Romans 8:29 says that we are being conformed into the likeness of God's Son and 1 John 3:2 says "Dear friends, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is". Discipline takes forward-thinking, acknowledging that there is a reason behind what we do brings about the motivation needed to press on. We must recognize that we are training ourselves to be godly (1 Tim 4:7) only because of the blood of Christ and it's power to make us righteous in the presence of God - for no other reason should we practice spiritual disciplines but to glorify God in light of this truth. This certainly isn't easy for me - but I was encouraged by this and wanted to share it with you. It's so easy to become undisciplined in how we live when in fact if we, as Christians, can remember that we are to be disciplined because it is part of the process in making us to be like Him, Jesus, then I believe that provides more motivation then we could ever need. Now it's just a matter of keeping that in mind when the temptation to do otherwise stands in the way. "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me" (Philippians 3:12). May the same be true of you in this day!

My Experiences with the Church

2006-08-17T00:42:00.000-07:00

During my time in The Netherlands I have had the chance to attend a total of 3 different churches thus far. The day after I arrived I wanted to go to a church so I went to a Reformed Church near my Tante Gree's house. The experience definitely was a good representation of my experiences of the churches here during my past visits. The building was beautiful in appearance but with many empty pews. The mood was rather somber and the hymns were so long and slow. The pastor's sermon felt long and dry, without many personal stories or application points. Now, I am probably being over-critical, especially considering the fact that many of the Dutch words concerning the Bible and faith are hard for me to understand (we mostly read from the English Bible while growing up at home) but I must say, I wasn't too surprised by what I encountered. The following Sunday I found myself in Amsterdam, heading to a church called the Zolder (the Attic, check out their website at www.amsterdam50.nl) with a group of staff members and guests from the hostel. As we stepped into the building we had to walk up a very long, steep, and narrow flight of stairs to get to the attic - this is where the church meets! Here I found a packed room of young people - ready and excited to worship the Lord:

Conveniently the service was held in English, with the hope of welcoming the widest group of people in Amsterdam as possible. How encouraging it was to see a thriving church in a city that is known to be so "dark". Currently the church is looking for a new building because with already 2 services on Sunday there is not enough space in the attic any longer! My third experience of a church here happened when I visited Jim and Dar, missionaries in the city. They are active members at the Hilversum International Christian Center (www.hicc.nl) - a church that was started not too long ago and is being richly blessed by the Lord. This budding church was full of very welcoming young families, students, and older folk. Once again, it was so exciting to personally witness that the Lord is alive and well and actively at work in the lives of many in Holland - as He is all over the world. This Sunday I will yet again visit another church and I look forward to adding another experience to the list. It is a blessing to experience a little more of the church universal - especially knowing that it is not the building that makes a good church (although there are MANY beautiful church buildings here), rather it's the presence of the Lord and His grace in the lives of the people who gather together.

Life at the Willemsstraat House

2006-08-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

So what is it like to live with 40 Christians from all over the world. . .encouraging and challenging at the same time! In many ways life here reminds me of freshman year in college, there is always someone to talk to or something to do at any hour of the day or night. In other ways it is definitely not like freshman year in college. For example, we do not have a conveyor belt that wisks the dirty dishes out of sight. The kitchen here is most often quite a mess, with piles of dirty dishes on the counter - even though we have two dishwashers! One aspect to life here is that weekly we are each assigned a chore to do. It seems that most often I have had bathroom duty, not the most fun but the feeling of a clean bathroom makes it worth it! Another house "rule" is that the TV can only be used during the weekend, and only to watch movies. Not being a huge fan of the TV as it is this hasn't been a problem for me - often TV detracts from fellowship so it is nice not to have that distraction here. Although, I must be honest and say that when I get home I will look forward to watching a home decorating or cooking show - it's been a while! Painted on one of our walls in the hallway is a portion of the verse Micah 6:8. The verse begins by acknowledging God's goodness and then asking what the Lord requires of us. The rest of the verse can be seen in this picture:

The challenge to act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with God can only be met when we are focused on the Lord - only by His strength is it even possible to try to achieve such a high calling. When I think of Micah 6:8 it takes me straight back to a room full of young girls reciting this in a sing-song voice at my church's girls group called GEMS (girls everywhere meeting the Savior). How many times I've said this verse growing up and how it is coming to mean so much more today and how it will continue to challenging me in the future is cool. Underneath the verse hangs little flags representing the staff members that have come from all over the world throughout the years. What an amazing testimony that is to the Lord's faithfulness and His ability to unify people from all the corners of the earth - the good news of Jesus Christ's redemptive work on the cross truly is powerful and forever will be!

It is a Small World After All!

2006-08-13T23:01:00.000-07:00

That tune has been running through my head at times here because of the interactions I am having with people from all over the world every day! And I thought the U.S. was a melting pot. . .Amsterdam seems to be the true melting pot of today. The guests really come from all over - from China to South Africa, from Israel to Mexico, from Australia to France, and the list could go on and on. One day I was looking at a world map and it honestly seemed so small because of the people I see daily, coming from every corner of the earth. So cool! Another example of the "small world" feeling took place as I was checking in a guest last week. As I was entering his passport information we got to talking - he was from the states and had been to California. I asked him what parts and he said Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo - I told him excitedly that I go to school in that town and then asked him what he was doing there. His response was "torturing students". I found this to be a little strange but he went on to explain that he came as a volunteer with Justice For All (jfaweb.org), a pro-life Christian organization that uses a large graphic display to bring awareness about abortion. At that moment the world felt very small because I volunteered with the organization as well and we went through the same training together. . .just never actually crossed paths - until Amsterdam of course! So cool! And my last example, for now, is the time I've had lately to spend with friends from home. Hanging out with Kelly on Friday, and now Tim and Steven (Bessie) yesterday and today has been so fun! Who knew that Amsterdam would be our meeting spot, and such an exciting one at that. Oh, and of course - the staff team is so international as well - so the examples go on! God is so amazing to create such a complex and spread out land and yet still make it feel relational and intimate at the same time! How special it has been to experience this first hand in Amsterdam.

Family

2006-08-12T05:38:00.000-07:00

One of the coolest things about doing ministry in Amsterdam has been having the opportunity to be with family members as well! Finally I have the chance to reconnect with my relatives - it's not always so fun to live so far from them throughout the year. Here is a picture that I will use to represent the times I have had with family:

Why a toilet? Because it's my Oma's (grandma's) and it's green of course! It's these little things that I enjoy. Because I cannot visit often I notice small things that are easy to overlook because I come there with "new eyes" - wanting to soak things up in my memory. Also, it is so comforting to be with family - God is good because most of the times that I have traveled out of the city to visit aunts and cousins the weather has been yucky - there is nothing like sitting comfortably at my aunt's kitchen table when things are so grey outside! On my sporadic days off I have had the time to visit cousins whose babies I have not seen before, Omas who cook me yummy traditional Dutch meals, my Tante Gree who is addicted to Sudoku (yes it is all the craze here as well!), my Tante Juus and cousins who have such active and spontaneous lives, and the list goes on. I am also very grateful to God for the many cool conversations I have been able to have with my family - about them, about me, about spiritual things - about anything that helps me feel more connected to them. There are also times where it is hard for me to be with family because when you only see them every couple of years it can feel a little bit difficult to fit in. At times I feel as if I am being sized up and put on display. . .what does that girl from America look like, act like, talk like?? I guess that's all the product of being the daughter of immigrant parents - and I would never change that! After all, I love being a Dutch American who knows and loves her family, and it has been such a blessing to step into their lives here. . .I look forward to doing more of that in the coming weeks!

Rain, rain. . .GO AWAY!

2006-08-12T05:21:00.000-07:00

"Here I go again, talking about the rain/ mulling over things that don't live past today" is a line in a song by the band Casting Crowns. . .but I can't help myself! As I am sitting here the rain is coming down and it is quite chilly, in August! This has been going on for quite a while now. . . I want the heat wave to come back! Here's a silly picture of me with a gigantic umbrella that I borrowed from the hostel. So, don't think that I am smiling because it's raining - I am smiling because my umbrella is hilarious and a kind friend and staff member, Eline, and I were having a great afternoon together. Oh, and I guess I am smiling because somewhere in the back of my mind I know that rain makes things so beautiful and green - but really, why does it have to rain like this in August - this Californian girl will be coming home quite pale!

Small Group

2006-08-08T00:53:00.000-07:00

Every Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10AM two small groups meet, one small group from the City and one from the Jordan. My small group, consisting of about 8 Jordan staff members, meets together on Tuesdays (the other half of the Jordan staff meets together on Thursdays) - we're starting in about 10 minutes so I thought I would take the chance to write about what small group time is like. Currently Tom, our staff from England (with quite the cool accent) is in the kitchen preparing breakfast. We have a small heart-shaped waffle-iron that I noticed he put to use this morning - yummy! Here's a picture I took of my group at the breakfast table last week:

Each week we take turns preparing the breakfast or leading the devotional time. After eating we sit down on the couches together and begin with a short devotion that someone planned. Last week was my turn and I shared a song called "Here I Go Again" by Casting Crowns as well as some passages from the Bible that applied to the content of the song. It was a sweet chance to challenge and encourage each other to speak boldly about our faith. After the devotional time we typically go around and share how the Lord has been working in our lives, any cool experiences in the past week, as well as prayer requests. We then spend time in prayer for each other - such a great way to build unity in the group. Also, one of the roles of the small group is to plan and execute the Friday outreach events (we lead it one week and then the other Jordan small group leads it the next). This is a chance to get creative and get the whole group involved in reaching out to the guests in a new way. So - this is a little about what small group is like and now I'm out of time. Breakfast is served!

Rejoice!

2006-08-06T03:48:00.000-07:00

Being in ministry it is so important to remember that there are many who are sharing the gospel message and that God is always working in amazing ways, even though it is not always through us. I have learned that here at the Shelter - it is a blessing to rejoice with a fellow staff member when he or she has a great conversation with a guest, there is no need to be jealous or to make comparisons because all glory and honor and boasting should be pointed to God. Therefore, I rejoice with Christina Cameron - a super fun staff member from the States - she has an amazing story to share about a guest that is staying at the hostel. She wrote a journal entry about it and I asked if I could just copy her entry for you to read. This took place on Friday night, after we got back from doing a picture scavenger hunt outreach activity with guests. Little did we know what God had in store. . .

I'm in a daze. Our Lord Jesus Christ is absolutely amazing.
After the outreach tonight I gave a short talk about how if we seek the Lord we will find Him. I read from Matthew 7. As I went to walk out of the cafe, a young guy stopped me and said "Can I ask you some questions?" I said of course.
He asked, "Who is Jesus? tell me about Jesus" I wasn't sure where to start or what his back ground was so I started telling him about the divide between us and God and how Jesus bridges that divide. I told him how Jesus died and with him died the sins of the world but he defeated them and became alive again. Then he said something that surprised me. He told me that he was from a Muslim country and that the Muslims there tell him that Jesus (Isa) is dead but he knows that Isa is not dead because he is alive in his heart!!!!
He found a Christian website in his language and I think he said that there was a Christian there that told him in secret about Christ. He told me someone saw him looking at the website and he was beaten in the streets just for looking. He showed me the scars on his face from it. His home was searched and they found a bible and they left with it. He was warned by his neighbor about a week later that some men were waiting in his house to kill him and he didn't return and immediately fled the country. He's here as a refugee.
He pleaded with me, "teach me! teach me! I don't know anything about the bible!" He'd only read it in Urdu, which is a language he doesn't know that well. He was SO thrilled to learn that there was an Old and New Testament and the difference and that there are four gospels and a book about people being persecuted as they spread the gospel and then so many letters of instruction, explanation and encouragement. He read along in his language and I pointed him to encouraging scripture.
I was so overwhelmed and I asked him if I could pray for him right there and he said "yes! how do i pray? do I close my eyes?"
I cried as he told me the stories of what he's been through. Both of his parents killed by bombs in a war when he was 14. Yet he shines with the love of God. He said he knows God is keeping him alive and sent him to a Christian hostel so that he can learn about Him. I felt like a spiritual child next to this man who hung onto every word i had to say.
I don't know I don't know what else to say. Praise be to the Lord our God for holding this guy so close to Him. Praise Him for being Holy, loving, merciful, powerful amazing lovely and beautiful. I KNOW my God, the Creator of the ends of the earth! He is real, He is stunning He is alive His Word, His Son is alive. There is nothing, nothing, nothing else besides Him.
oh but there is so much more to this story. He may have to go back. He will surely be killed if he does. He smiled and shrugged as he told me this. Pray for this man. never stop praying for him. I'll update later.

Amazing, huh?! I rejoice with this man as well as with Christina and how the Lord planned for this conversation to happen. More over I know that our Heavenly Father rejoices in his new child, made complete in Christ alone. I am so encouraged and challenged by this, what a joy it is to share in ministry with many of you and I pray that reading this has increased your wonder of the God we serve and how majestic He is - may you be spurred on as I have been!

My "Parents"

2006-08-05T12:22:00.000-07:00

Krista and Gerrit-Jan are my temporary parents during my time in Amsterdam. Technically they're a little young to be my parents, good thing I have older ones at home! This married couple lives next door to the community house and watch over 40 crazy 20-somethings. . . what a task! They are very welcoming, hospitable, and helpful - it's great to have them here. The day that I arrived Krista was waiting for me at the house to give me a tour and familiarize me with the ins and outs of life here. What a blessing! The first thing she did was sit down with me, offer me something to drink, and help me feel comfortable - it worked! Krista and Gerrit-Jan have an office in our house and are so willing to serve us - whether it be attaching a bell to my bike or taking a moment to chat, whatever the case it is always special to have someone with a little bit of authority to go to. Also, they join in on community events - such as movie discussion nights and small group meetings - from time to time. They have been serving with Tot Heil des Volks for two years now but, sadly,in a couple of weeks they will be moving on to a more "normal" lifestyle. So, the organization is in the process of hiring us new parents (imagine being able to do that in real life! Not that I would of course. . .) - these new parents will have some big shoes to fill but I am excited to see who the Lord will bring and know that He will continue to bless Gerrit-Jan and Krista as they prepare to move on from here.

Change

2006-08-05T11:41:00.000-07:00

Never before have I been in a place where so many changes take place! Many times in the past I found myself saying or thinking that I am someone who doesn't like lots of change and fluctuation in life but perhaps being here is helping (or forcing) me to get used to it?! In the hostel, for example, the typical guest stays about 2 nights - and often just 1 so therefore daily we see a huge stream of people coming and going. Also, a lot of changes happen in at the Willemsstraat staff house. In the six weeks that I have been here so many staff have come and gone - it makes me dizzy to think about it! In many ways this has been very cool because in both instances, at the hostel and house, I have had the opportunity to build relationships, though often brief, with so many people from so many walks of life. Ideally, I prefer long term connections with people but this is teaching me that any amount of time is valuable and sufficient enough to show that you love them in the way Christ does. So as two staff members, Jessica and Yeon Sun, leave tomorrow and as I just met a new staff member, Stephie from Germany, I will accept all these changes and learn to go with the flow of the fast-paced life here. There is so much peace in knowing that I serve a Lord who is never changing - has never changed and will never change. Hebrews 13:8 says "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" - all else in life can change knowing that Christ remains, I pray that I will be able to say this in any situation and I pray the same for you!

Kamergenoten!

2006-08-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

Yay for my roommates here, it's time to share a little about them with you! Certainly I miss my wonderful girls in SLO (no one could replace you, I promise!) but here is another example of how God takes good care of me where ever I go! Let's start with a picture:

So, of course the girl in green would be yours truly - in case you were worried, my love for that color is only growing while I'm here! How could one think otherwise? Anne is in the middle. She is a wonderful 25 year old Dutch girl who arrived in March and is staying until December. She has been a Christian for several years and it has been amazing to see how mature she is in her faith, even though it brings her many challenges at times. Because of Anne we have a harp in our room which she plays beautifully - what a cool skill! Anne is a real Dutch girl, she is straightforward and honest - and at the same time so caring towards me. Christina, on the right, is my other roommate. She is 20 years old and when people ask her where she is from she typically responds with "good question"! She was born in the states, has lived in The Netherlands since she was a toddler, and will be moving to her sister's place in England when her time here at the Shelter ends (she has 7 months to go!). Christina loves dancing of all sorts, cats (to my dismay), and movies galore. There is a sign designating our room to be the Willemsstraat Movie Rental - she has a closet full of them! Both these girls are a blast - I can practice my Dutch with them and typically Anne will respond in Dutch and Christina in English, we are able to help each other quite a lot in the language department. It is also great to have two girls who care to listen and share themselves with me - in turn it is a pleasure to listen and share myself with them. I am looking forward to another month with them - they are a blessing indeed!

The Language Barrier

2006-08-01T11:20:00.000-07:00

Wow - for starters, how blessed I am to speak English! I really have taken that for granted until my time here because most people from other countries study so hard to learn the language so that they can communicate while I was just born in a country where it's the first language spoken (typically!). So, thanks to all of you who worked hard to learn English, I really appreciate it!

Another huge blessing has been my knowledge, though limited, of the Dutch language. At the reception desk sometimes people call only speaking Dutch and instead of listening frantically to hear a familiar name, like some of the receptionists have laughed about doing in these moments, I can understand them! It has also been so fun to respond to people in Dutch when they assume I can't speak the language. I have definitely confused some store clerks doing this! Sadly my American accent usually gives me away. . .I think everyone knows I am not authentic even if I pretend to be. My Dutch speaking skills might be improving a little because there are a couple of Dutch guys in the house (Douwe and Samgar) who will only listen to me if I speak Dutch to them, that's been comical!

And now for some language barrier struggles, why don't I speak every language in the world? That would make life here so much easier for everyone! So often we have guests who are so hard to communicate with - not fun for all involved, I'm improving in my sign-language skills though! Or when I have someone on the phone who barely knows English, imagine trying to explain to them that if they don't come on time their reservation will be canceled - scarry. I've learned to use many words to explain one concept with the hopes that something will come across and make sense. For example: no beds, booked, full, sorry, no room in the inn - this all means that their are no available beds, something I have to tell people frequently during the busy summer months. Though it's not what they want to hear I hope that one of those words will register correctly in their mind!

And now a little story of a language barrier frustration that turned into a blessing. We have had this French man, Ben, staying with us for over a week. He speaks no English and I speak no French (except for the phrase "bless you" when someone sneezes, yes - random!). The reason that this has been so frustrating is that he continues to speak French towards me even though I do not understand a single word he is saying. At times he would get somewhat angry with me, and the other staff, for not understanding him - annoyed French men are not pleasant! However, as I was working the afternoon reception shift yesterday he comes to me with a copy of a "Living Water" booklet translated in French. "Living Water" booklets are free for the taking in the hostel, it is the gospel of John translated into many languages with the hope that a guest will have the opportunity to read through John in their own language. So, when Ben came with one of these I had the idea to grab a copy in English and direct him to certain page numbers - finally the language barrier was somewhat broken and we could try to pick at the words and communicate. Still a challenge but what a blessing! I will never know how the Lord will choose to use the few moments of actual "communication" we had together but I am grateful for the ways He can work, in mysterious and unexpected ways no doubt!

So, these are some of the thoughts I have been having concerning language during my time here thus far. It is safe to assume that I will write another post about this issue - it's a daily source of laughter and/or frustration out here!

Coffee. . .

2006-07-28T08:41:00.000-07:00

So, many of you know that I am a bad Dutch girl because I don't like to drink coffee or tea. I was told by some that this would change after I had been here a while so I thought it was time to give a little update on my progress! I had the chance to spend a Sunday with two very cool missionaries, Dar and Jim from America, who have been serving with the Assemblies of God church for many years - first in Belgium and now for two years, up to this point, in Amsterdam. After going to church with them, a group of us had a very nice lunch together at their house and Dar convinced me that Senseo coffee was different then any other coffee and that I had to try it. So, being a good sport - I loaded up on the milk and sugar and gave it a try:

That is a face of uncertainty and hesitation as I was about to take my first sip. To Dar's dismay I did not find the coffee to be any more tasty then any other kind I had attempted to try. Little did I know that this experience was a practice round for the experience I would soon encounter. While visiting my Oma Bulk in Nieuw Vennep we went across the street to visit with her elderly neighbor. This very sweet, tiny woman comes outside with a tray of coffee cups and coffee. . .nothing else! I did not have the heart to ask her to go back inside and get me something else - I thought that would be too rude, so for the first time ever I drank my first full cup of coffee! Of course she pours me a very full cup, not leaving much room for the amount of milk and sugar I would have liked to dump into it to make it a little more bearable. . . but alas, I gulped it down - taking a bite of my cookie in between every sip. So, yes I survived but up to this point I am pretty confident that I will remain a bad Dutch girl and ask for Fanta, juice or water every time I can!

The Hiding Place

2006-07-28T07:56:00.000-07:00

The title of Corrie Ten Boom's book, a personal account of her involvement in the hiding of those persecuted during WWII, has so much meaning. Not only did she provide a physical hiding place in her house in Haarlem during those terrible years she also experienced God's grace in the hiding place that He provides at all times, through all circumstances. I just finished the book and found it to be very gripping. What an amazing story of a family that risked all to help those in need, got caught doing so, and were sent to concentration camps. Corrie survived to tell the story, one that many of you have probably read or at least heard of before. She understood what it meant to offer her body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God (part of Romans 12:1) - what a woman of faith and a role model she is! I had the chance to go to Haarlem (a 15 minute train ride away) last weekend to visit the house in which God was glorified for so many years - it was so exciting to personally see that this is still happening today. The bottom of the house is no longer a watch shop but a jewelry store, so to begin the free tour we had to start outside and then go up a small staircase alongside the back of the store to get to the living room of the Ten Boom home. Here our tour guide told us to have a seat and proceeded to tell us the story of Corrie's life, which in short was a very clear profession of the Gospel message. The guide told so boldly, yet with such compassion, about Jesus' love that covers all to all those sitting in the room - it was so cool! Then we all trooped up the stairs to the bedrooms, the secret room was found inside Corrie's room. Here's a picture, when those staying in the house had to go in hiding they crawled into the small hole on the bottom left, you can also see the size of the secret room by the hole that was made on the right - I really did not realize that the room was so tiny, 6 people were hid so well on the day the house was raided that they were never found.

The way that Corrie gives her readers a glimpse into the life of prison and concentration camps is amazing. She shows so clearly how God was at work for good in a situation that causes us to think that only bad could have existed. A quote that I found to be particularly gripping was one that Betsie, Corrie's sister, said before she died in the camp: "We must tell them that there is no pit so deep that He is not deeper still. They will listen to us, Corrie, because we have been here." To now know that this was true in their terrible situation gives me hope to believe that this has been true and will be true always regardless of how terrible things are in the world. Of course, I am not excusing the wars and suffering of our day but I rejoice to know and believe in a God who never intended for us to experience the wrath of sin, praise to Him for the hope we have in Christ Jesus - and the chances He gives us to share in this hope with others.

Trust

2006-07-27T07:21:00.000-07:00

This was the topic for the Bible discussion I led last night in the hostel. The challenge of not knowing who would show up, if anyone, was a challenge once again but God provided in cool ways! Benjamin, a staff member, was the ''attender" for the discussion. Each time a discussion is held there is a leader and attender, the attender is there to support the leader - always much appreciated! A new staff member, Lucas (here for a year from Germany), joined as well. Also, Steven the cleaner came and a guest from Germany named Claudia. I began by using the chalk-board (true teacher-style!) to brainstorm ideas of things and people we trust and things and people we don't trust. We spent a little time discussing why it is that we can and cannot trust. Then we opened the Bible to see what it says about trust. There are many passages on this idea - I chose to focus on Jeremiah 17:5-8 because it paints such a strong contrast between the man who trusts in man and the man who trusts in God. We took the time to discuss the idea that God is the only one who we can fully put our trust in, He will never let us down while everything else we may want to put our trust in (yourself, spouse, money, etc) will never be completely trustworthy. We also talked about why it is hard for us to fully trust God even though He has never given us a reason to doubt Him (relying on own strength, forgetting that God is love, etc). A cool thought that came to mind is that we were created to trust in someone; when we are born we must trust that our mom's will feed us because we are completely helpless without her, in the same way we were created to be in a trusting relationship with God! I closed the time with Proverbs 3:5-6, encouraged by the fact that as we trust in God he will straighten our path. I also shared Romans 15:13 which I will now share with you because I think it is beautiful: may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Leading this discussion was encouraging and challenging for me to hear, I think for those in attendance as well. At the start of the discussion Steven looked as me and said in his very direct manner, "How did you know to choose this topic, this is exactly what I needed to hear today". What a blessing, allowing the Word of God to speak is so powerful - in no way did I know that Steven needed these words but God knew! Also, Claudia is not a Christian but I pray that she, in God's timing, would come to understand Jesus' love for her and the possibility to trust fully in Him. For me - trusting in God is easier said then done but that doesn't mean that I would rather trust in the things/people of this world than trust in God. He has and knows my heart and so day by day I want to learn to trust Him more! Is this true for you?!

Working the Reception Desk

2006-07-27T06:47:00.000-07:00

So, finally a chance to describe what happens behind the reception desk at Shelter Jordan. In a few words: A LOT happens! Typical a short-term staff member is not trained to work reception but because there is a shortage in staff I am the lucky one chosen (along with Tom, from England - also leaving in Sept.) to learn all the ins and outs of this task. Now that training is complete and I've had several shifts completely on my own I can say that I am starting to enjoy it, but then again that doesn't mean the job doesn't stress me out every once in a while! Here is Tina, a staff member from Germany, standing behind our desk at the entrance of the hostel:

How to begin explaining? Well, of course the receptionist is the one who checks in all the guests who arrive in the hostel. This entails asking for their name or booking number in order to find them in the computer system called "backpack". When their booking is found, their passport information must be typed in and then the guest is given an explanation as to how much they owe. During Sun-Thurs the rate is 19 euros (22 on Fri and Sat) per night, which includes breakfast in the morning. Then there is a 5 euro key deposit for their locker as well as a one-time 2 euro charge for the sheets on their bed. Guests can pay with cash, card, travelers check or a travel voucher (which is what many Koreans use - they plan out their whole trip with a travel agent in Korea, pay everything in advance and then only have to present a voucher upon arrival, pretty cool!). After the guest has paid they are checking into the system and a voucher is printed off. This voucher is a piece of paper that proves that the guest has paid and belongs in our hostel, they must show it to the receptionist each time they come back into the hostel. They also much show it to get their breakfast in the morning. I explain all this to the guest as well as the fact that there is no curfew at our hostel, the guests are welcome to come and go as they please (a male staff member is assigned the "nightman shift"- he stays awake all night, serving as a receptionist as well as a protector of sorts!). Then I tell the guests that they are staying at a Christian youth hostel and that I've included a little booklet (printed off in their native language!) explaining what we believe. I invite them to any activities that are going on inside the hostel, such as the nightly Bible Discussion time, and encourage the ask the staff any questions they might have of us. That's the check in process! The check out process is much simpler, it includes checking them out of the system, ideally by 10AM, and returning their locker deposit. Each key includes a special code that must be typed into the cash register in order to keep track of where the money is going. Other duties for the receptionist include allowing guests to store large pieces of luggage in our locked luggage room, answering the phone - there are two lines that sometimes ring at the same time. . .that's a challenge (especially when they don't speak English!), making bookings for people, inputting online bookings into the system, selling toiletry items, renting extra lockers and towels, allowing people to pay to connect to the internet on the computer in the cafe, providing directions and touristy information, and more! And of course, on top of all this - we want to make sure that the guest feels personally welcomed and cared for. Often Jesus met the physical needs of people before or while telling them of their spiritual need and it is our desire to do the same here. Christ is the perfect example, and of course we fall short. Mistakes are made, confusions happen - knowing that His amazing grace covers all is often my source of strength when things feels a little out of control behind the desk, a lot of prayer happens as well! One of my favorite things about reception is that the person who is working is the first person the guest interacts with - what a sweet opportunity to love them with my words and actions, the gift of hospitality in action! So, that's a taste of the world of reception - it's a challenge for me but I am grateful for it!

The One Month Mark!

2006-07-24T23:28:00.000-07:00

It's really hard to believe I have been here for one month now! In some ways it strangely feels so much longer only for the fact that I adjusted here in no time at all. By about the second day I was feeling comfortable at the house and hostel - really a blessing and I think it has a lot to do with my understanding of the language and culture a little more then the typical American. And then, of course, it also feels as if I have been here much shorter than a month - scary because I have a feeling that the month of August may fly by just as quickly. I will have the chance to see 4 friends from college (Kelly, Tim, Bessie, and Lauren!) in the coming weeks, that will be great! As for today, I have a day off so I am heading to Nieuw Vennep to visit my Omas (grandmas) - should only take a half hour on the train, I am so ready to get a breather from the city and see some country-side. Then, I'll be back on time on Wednesday to lead the Bible Discussion. I haven't quite narrowed-down a topic yet and am remembering back to the last time I led and how it was a struggle not knowing who would be attending. Pray that God would give me wisdom as I prepare something that will challenge and encourage nonchrisitians and Christians alike. Or at least that there would be some sort of balance between the two! I'm going to finish packing a few things and then I'm off! I hope this finds you enjoying your summer!

Who Killed Butler Ryan??

2006-07-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

For the outreach event this Friday night my small group planned a game of Clue, a murder mystery that the guests had to solve. The mystery at hand was to discover how Butler Ryan died. Here he lies in the shed after he gave a very convincing scream to draw all the participants to the scene of the crime:

After seeing this the guests were instructed to visit various areas and inhabitants of the "mansion" (also known at Shelter Jordan!) in order to discover what happened. Anne played the maid in the bathroom, Mike played the professor in the library (Bible discussion room), Timo played the gardener in the patio, Jessica played the cook in our kitchen, and last but not least Bettina played the proper lady in the parlor (the cafe). We had four groups consisting of a mixture of guests and staff that moved from character to character - asking questions and getting clues to solve the mystery. Here sits our proper lady, Bettina - she acted out her role so well!

We ended the game by having the four group fill in a "police report" about what happened to the butler, giving a defense as to how they solved the crime. Then I shared with everyone what actually happened, a complicated story that ends with Butler Ryan drinking a glass full of bleach instead of water - an accidental death! One group came very close to the correct answer and we awarded them a little prize. After this Tom gave a little talk about how we are all seeking for the truth and that as Christians we believe that there is one truth that can be discovered - even though this world will provide many clues to lead people down the wrong path, which certainly happened during this game, the truth is always out there. Jesus said, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you"(Matthew 7:7). First we have to take the initiative - asking, seeking, and knocking are action words - but it is only the Lord who will allow us to find, only He can open the door to fullness of life with Him. What a sweet way to end a fun night!

Small and big things!

2006-07-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

So, there are many fun things that I love here - especially when those things are so different from what I would see in California! Let's start with this tiny car, I have seen so many of them in Amsterdam and what I find so funny is when I see them driving on the bike paths. This is the one that is parked down the street from our house:

And now for something big - the spoons! It sounds so silly but I think the spoons here are so big. Here I am with my dessert in the patio of our hostel, it's a bowl of Chocolate Vla (a Dutch pudding) along with the gigantic spoon I am supposed to eat it with:

Small cars and big spoons - some of the things that make me smile in the city. That's the advantage of staying here longer than a couple of days - I get to soak up all the things that may be easy to over-look for the average tourist!

Taking up His cross

2006-07-21T07:12:00.000-07:00

I am beginning to realize that perhaps I am painting too rosy/perfect of a picture of how things are for me here. I have so many exciting and wonderful things to share - which most of my posts have been based on - when in fact at the same time there are also very challenging and difficult parts to doing ministry. I have a new-found respect for those who do it as their full time "profession". Isaiah, in Isaiah 53, prophesized about how Christ "was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our inequities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, by his wounds we are healed" (these are only verses 5 and 6, read the whole chapter - I just don't want to type it all out here). What Christ endured during His ministry on earth really wasn't pretty even though it can often be easier to paint a rosy picture of His life as well. On of my goals for the summer was to memorize a little bit of scripture each week. This week's verse is very fitting - "Then he (Jesus) called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it."(Mark 8:34-35) Taking up my cross is not always a beautiful thing, it certainly wasn't for Jesus - therefore I look to Him for strength and I thank Him for the blood He poured out so that I might experience the grace He so freely gives to all who believe in Him. As I learn to deny myself and take up my cross more and more I begin to learn more about Christ and how He did these two things perfectly. How comforting to know that whatever I may endure and how ever I may be challenged it will never compare to Jesus' sacrifice, He will always be more than enough for me!

Hot, Hot, Hot!

2006-07-19T11:46:00.000-07:00

Oh Wow - it is SO HOT here! I can hardly believe it, I packed a rain coat and a warm sweatshirt - just thinking about those items makes it feel even more hot! It's really something, you would think a California girl could handle this heat but without air conditioning and a swimming pool she is one weak person. Every year in the east of Holland there is a big walking event where thousands of people walk 40km (I'm not sure on all the details - maybe a Dutch reader could fill us in!) but for the first time it has been cancelled because of the heat, sadly some people died as a result of the temperature before they decided to cancel it. On a more positive note I was JUST interupted as I was writing this by a cool and refreshing fan-spay bottle. . . amazingly wonderful! Thanks to Nicole my entire face is now wet but it feels so good. All in all, I must say I do love this weather - I'd rather have heat then rain any day! I hope the weather is pleasing where ever you are as well!

Working in the Cafe

2006-07-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

Maybe you're curious about the "work" that I'm doing out here. Well, when I arrived I was immediately trained to work in the cafe. There are several different shifts possible: the morning, afternoon, evening, or kitchen cleaner shift. Before each shift the group of staff that will be working in the hostel meets with the manager on duty in order to share something from the Bible and pray together for 15 minutes before we begin our work. Here is a picture of Meghan, a staff member from Canada, and one of our Dutch managers, Benjamin, right before prayer time for the morning shift. It's 7:45AM, the reason they don't look very awake!

Each shift in the cafe comes along with specific responsibilities. The morning cafe workers cook and serve the breakfast for the guests. The breakfast is included in the 19 euro price to stay a night in the hostel. . .and it's not a skimpy breakfast if you ask me! Throughout the week we rotate making two eggs with ham and cheese and toast, pancakes, and french toast. The guests are usually quite pleased and making these breakfasts now has me really wanting a grill one day - those things are so cool! Look how excited I am about making yummy pancakes:

The afternoon cafe shift includes running the cafe (selling and preparing items on the menu such as hamburgers, spaghetti, drinks, etc.) as well as making the fresh meal that is prepared for dinner each night. Typically the staff eats from this meal because it's free for us and a good way to get a somewhat balanced meal - and it's a fun social event to eat with everyone as well. Guests can join in on the food for 5 euros although typically they buy things that sound more familiar to them, like french fries for example. Tonight's meal was "Pork and Apple Hot Pot", sounds strange huh? Tasted fine though, I think it helps that I'm not a picky eater! Finally, the evening cafe shift includes serving guests as well as doing some cleaning. Oh, I cannot forget to write about the cool dishwasher that we use! We load up a tray with dirty dishes, slide it into the dishwasher, where it gets washed with SUPER hot water in a matter of minutes - pretty exciting because it's really speedy and efficient! So, that was a little taste of what it's like to work in the cafe at Shelter Jordan - I'll be there bright and early tomorrow morning cooking up french toast, putting some hospitality skills to work! More will follow later on the other types of work that I've been doing out here. Have a gouda day!

A Day at the Zoo!

2006-07-15T12:57:00.000-07:00

Ah, to be a kid again - the zoo will never grow old! Today my cousin Margaretha came for a visit and we decided that it would be a perfect day for the zoo, the weather was absolutely perfect! We spent hours there, looking at everything - except, as would be expected by many who know me, I avoided the snakes like the plague! Here I am with the giraffes in the background:

As we were walking around, and especially in the really cool aquarium, I was thinking about how amazing it is that there are so many diverse and unique animals on this earth - of course the zoo is just a small sample of what has been created! Also inside the zoo there was a Poofertjes Huis - definitely had to get some of those yummy tiny pancakes, now I'm motivated to try to make them again at home. They're so fun! I need a cool batter-dispenser like this guy has though:

Margaretha and I also checked out Rembrant Plein and Dam Square - all in all a nice day in a busy city. I am very grateful that I live in the Jordan area - a more peaceful part of the city to call my home for these summer months!

My Transportation

2006-07-15T12:42:00.000-07:00

Upon arrival I was given a bike to use which has been so great, it makes me feel less like a tourist and more like a local - I love the sound of that! It's about a 10 minute bike ride from the house to the hostel. It is so pleasant to bike along the canals and past the many little cafes - a great way to see the city. I have a bell on it but I am always hesistant to use it. I think that in my mind I treat it as if it were a car's horn which I never honk because I think it's mean. I need to erase that thought from my mind because I'm sure it's better to ring my bell then knock someone over - which I promise I have not done yet! Here's a picture of what I use to zoom around town with, a real "Dutch" bike, nothing fancy so no one will want to steal it, hopefully:

And now a picture of my "dream" bike, isn't it amazing! I just couldn't resist taking a picture!

Great is the Lord

2006-07-15T12:36:00.000-07:00

"Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. The will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works" (Psalm 145:3-5). Amen!

The Community House

2006-07-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

Finally a picture of where I have been living for almost 3 weeks already. . .time is flying!

So this is the house, looks big huh! Good thing because about 40 of us live in it. Also attached to our living space is a homeless ministry called "De Tweede Mijl", also run by the same organization that the Shelter falls under. Food and clothing is stored here and distributed several times per week, occupying the first floor of the building. The Shelter staff runs wild on the three floors above, including 2 classrooms, lots of living space, laundry machines, a library, a small patio (I miss my backyard in Oakdale or even the rock garden in SLO, I took it for granted!), and a place to store all of our bikes. The house spans the entire space between two streets so the door to the bike storage is right off of the street that runs behind the house, very handy! And now a picture of "my" window, the one on the very tip-top:

The room I share with two great Dutch girls, Anne and Christina, faces the street. One of my favorite things to do is to sit in the window - to read, feel the breeze and watch the people out on the street - often just what I need at the end of a busy shift. "Tot Heil des Volks" is the name of the organization and it means: for the salvation of the people. Pretty straight-forward, that's what it's all about! I hope you are enjoying these posts, I have a list running in my mind of others that I will do soon (I don't want to overwhelm you with too many at once!) but if you have any suggestions of what you would like to know more about, it can be anything - let me know!

Trash to Treasure

2006-07-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of a sign that was made to promote the outreach event that happened in the hostel last Friday. So, now you have a better idea of what it is that we took from trash (empty juice and milk cartons) to treasure (handy little wallets!). The crafty event took place in the cafe and the turnout was awesome, we even had a group of guys excited about it as you can see:

I prepared a little talk that happened while guests were still working on the wallets. The theme "trash to treasure" worked well because it can easily be applied to ourselves as well as to how we are seen in view of God's mercy. I used Zachaeus, the tax collector, as an example - considered as trash by society, and probably felt similarly about himself; however Christ considered him a treasure worthy of seeking out (Luke 19:1-10). I also mentioned 2 Corinthians 5:17 which says "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" I closed by asking the group to think about the "trashy" parts of our lives and whether or not we believe God wants us as his treasure. That's a brief little summary of what was said, thanks for the input that some of you gave, clearly very helpful! God used this outreach event powerfully, in my life but also in the life of a guest from Malaysia - so sweet to get to see fruit of what the Lord is doing through us here, I know that doesn't always happen and that more often we help to water the seed or till the soil so when it does happen we savor the moment and allow it to encourage us to go on with the Great Commandment and Great Commission here in Amsterdam!

A quote!

2006-07-12T12:08:00.000-07:00

Many of you know I am not much of a reader. . . maybe that's changing?! At least for the time that I am here it seems to be the case because at the house we have an awesome library and a lot of the books have captured my attention. I just picked up the book "Passion and Purity" by Elisabeth Elliot and quickly came upon a quote that I really want to share, so here it goes:

"One morning I was reading the story of Jesus' feeding of the five thousand. The disciples could find only five loaves of bread and two fishes. "Let me have them," said Jesus. He asked for all. He took them, said the blessing, and broke them before He gave them out. I remember what a chapel speaker, Ruth Stull of Peru, had said: "If my life is broken when given to Jesus, it is because pieces will feed a multitude, while a loaf will satisfy only a little lad.""

Wow, now I have a deeper understanding of what I am saying when I ask the Lord to break me and the implications that doing so can have, sweet! I'm reading two other books as well right now so there may be more quotes to come!

World Cup Mania!

2006-07-10T11:15:00.000-07:00

I will never forget that I had this chance to experience the World Cup in Europe, there's nothing like it! Especially being at the hostel, it's such an international atmosphere as it is, so to add intense football/soccer games to that makes it even more festive! We showed every game on a big projection sceen in the cafe and it was a blast having representatives from each country present to cheer on their team. Here's what it looked like in the cafe on game nights:

Of course, watching Italy beat France in a shoot-out was a sad way to end the final game, especially considering the head-butting action that occured earlier, all in all it was so cool to have the cafe packed with guests. I must agree with my dad that I am partially glad that Holland didn't get to the semifinals because I imagine that the city would go crazy but it's been so cool to be in this football-crazed city either way! I wonder if you had the time/desire to watch any of the games, I hope so!

Pedram

2006-07-08T08:41:00.000-07:00

Pedram is the name of a guest that spent about a week in the hostel lately. He was in Amsterdam to take tests for a special pilot's license but is originally from Iran. Pedram is one of the most gentle and caring men I have met. He comes from a Muslim background but has some knowledge of Christianity as well. Every night that he was at the hostel he joined in on the Bible Discussion time and it was so cool to have him there. He is someone who is really interested in religion and is really trying to figure out where he stands. He was very open to discussing and explaining his beliefs as well as listening to mine. During the Bible Discussion time on Thursday we spent over 2 hours trying to reason through Pedram's thinking that we can reach God through Jesus and by what we do. He made it clear that he believes one must have faith and works, both equally important, in order to go to Heaven. He also says that he cannot believe that Jesus is God. As Christians we believe otherwise - that Jesus is God and that we are saved by grace, through faith, alone - not by works (Eph 2:8-9). Pedram did not budge in his beliefs, which is fine. It was a sweet chance to make clear to him what it is that Christ came to earth to do and I fully understand that it is up to God to call Pedram to Himself - it is in no means by my words or actions. After all this "discussing" I was feeling very emotional in the sense that God's grace really is so amazing, I feel so blessed to experience it daily but it makes me sad to see others have to struggle so much to try to make sense of it. The words of 1 Corinthians 1:18 mean much more to me now then ever: "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God". It is my prayer that what is foolishness to Pedram currently would in time become the power of God for him. Pedram will be back next month to complete his tests so I'm praying that more conversations will be had!

The Cleaners

2006-07-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

At the Jordan hostel there are three cleaners that work to keep the place tidy. Currently we have Jose, Piotr, and Steven. Cleaners are required to work from 10-2:30 each day, and in return receive free room and board at the hostel. They are only allowed to stay for 1 month but are permitted to work for another month at the other hostel that we run. From what I've heard typically cleaners are in a tough spot and this is a chance for them to get back on their feet. Most often the cleaners are from a country other than Holland and therefore the hostel is a safe-haven for them because they may not have family and friends to turn to for help. The Lord has really blessed this ministry opportunity for it is a great chance to show the cleaners what it looks like and sounds like to be a Christian over the extended period of time that they work at the hostel. For example, I have never before seen such a major transformation in someone as I have seen in Steven during the past week and a half. He came to the Shelter in need of work, not knowing that the Lord had brought Him here in His perfect timing. In several days Steven went from doubting and questioning the Bible and the validity of Jesus Christ to accepting Him as his Lord and Savior and is now so hungry for the Word and desires to tell everyone about his transformation. I attended Bible Discussions with him, both before and after he became a Christian - it truly is like night and day! Now Steven is going to the bars where he used to get drunk in order to tell people and show people the love of Christ. This is what it is all about! This affirms even more in my heart that God is alive and so active in our lives. Let this be an encouragement to you!

Anne Frank

2006-07-07T08:12:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday I visited the Anne Frank house, a short walk from where I am living and working. I went with Ashley, a guest that I met at the hostel the night before. She was traveling alone so I offered to do some sight-seeing with her - it was a neat chance to hang out with a high school graduate while being a representative of Christ to her. Visiting the Anne Frank house really got me thinking. The house/museum is very well done, allowing a lot of time for reflection while on the self-guided tour of the building. Seeing videos and graphic pictures of what the Jews endured opened my eyes a little more to the power of sin in this world. I asked myself, as many do, why would God let this happen? Why should I coast along in life when there are so many who have endured such terrible hardship and persecution? Later in the day, while I was at our Ministry Training class (more on that later!) I was reminded of the verse 1 John 1:5 which states that "God is light, in him there is no darkness at all". The holocaust and every other evil in the world grieves God's heart so much and in no way is that His desire for His creation. I praise God for the hope that lies in Christ - a light that prevails in a dark world. I just started reading "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom and think it would be neat to visit her home in Haarlem during my time here. Learning through her story that God is present and at work in all situations and knowing that He can provide strength in all circumstances gives me hope as well! I hope that you are experiencing hope in your day today!

Ways to pray!

2006-07-04T05:17:00.000-07:00

Okay, one last post for the day! And there's still so much more but I thought I needed to start somewhere. Read the other two new ones below for some of the latest info! My small group is leading the Shelter outreach event again this Friday night. The juice intake here is amazing - especially since it's been so hot. Juice comes in large boxes here and Anne knows how to make really cool little wallets from them once the box is empty. So in essense, our outreach event for the night will be to make these crafty little wallets. Anne is passionate about Guatemala and the people there - for this reason we are going to ask the guests that come to ake one for themselves and one to give back to Anne. She has been selling them for 2 Euros in order to raise money for clean water in that country. So, a service project in a sense - but an outreach as well. That's where I come in, I offered to do a little talk about the idea of taking something from "trash to treasure". God takes us as we are, even the parts that are garbage, and transforms us into a new creation when we come to trust in Jesus - perhaps n analogy to how we are taking an empty juice box, trash, and making it into something new, a treasure. Please, if you can provide any Bible verses or additional thoughts to help me out that would be amazing! It is my heart that my words would be clear and understandable for those who are not Christians. Also, Saturday night will be my first go at leading a "Bible Discussion", these happen nightly at 7:30. Pray for my time of preparation in choosing a topic and studying it for myself before I lay it on the table for others. Pray that many guests would come! Thank you so much for coming along side of me in what the Lord is doing here in Amsterdam (whether you are a Christian or not I am just grateful that you are interested!)- and of course keep me updated on what is happening in your corner of the world! Much love to you!

Baptism!

2006-07-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

Celebrate with us here that on Sunday two of our staff, Jonathon (from Germany) and Anne (from The Netherlands) were baptized! This is a picture with Anne in the center, and a friend and the pastor to baptize her in the lake:

It was so special, about 25 of the staff here hopped on our bikes for a 45 min ride out to this lake in Amsterdam - what a great time to be encouraged in our faith. It was also very hot that day so many of us decided to jump in afterwards, definitely worth getting the clothes wet. This is Talitha, Desire, and me after a refreshing dip:

I've only been at the Shelter for a week but I already feel so connected with everyone here. That's not to say that I don't miss all of you, I really do, but it is such a blessing to know that where I am is where God is pleased to have me!

Happy Fourth of July!!

2006-07-04T04:21:00.000-07:00

Wow - to all the Americans, have a wonderful day celebrating the blessing it is to live where God has placed you, in many ways we have such freedom! Oh and how I love fireworks so think of me when you are enjoying them! The Americans here are going to make dinner ath the house but it's kind of comical because we're making fajitas! Easy and speedy, that's the American way.
Well, there seems to be so much to say because so much has been happening here the past couple of days! I would love to be posting something on the blog everyday but alas this will have to do for now. The outreach went well, thanks for your prayers. A lot of people showed up for the free food - for dessert we wrapped up bananas and chocolate in foil and threw it on the BBQ, I highly recommend it for your BBQ tonight! Here's a picture of me preparing the bananas with Matthieu, a French guy on staff here (watching France beat Brazil in soccer/voetbal with him was hilariously wonderful!):

Desire, a Dutch girl on staff here (actually her time here just ended, we are so sad to see her go - an amazing woman of God!) did a drama to a song after the BBQ. It questioned who nailed Jesus to the cross, only to discover that we all have. In the background is a poster that says "Who nailed him there?". We held the outreach in our garden, check it out:

Another cool thing that happened is that Christina, a girl on staff, loves Amsterdam and the area in which our Shelter is so she offers tours of the Jordan area once a week. I joined her and several guests on Saturday - it was really neat, we really do live in a beautiful part of the city. The coolest part was that afterwards I was able to talk for a long time with one of the guests who is a Christian Scientist, I learned a lot about her beliefs as well as had the chance to share the gospel with her. She says she cannot understand that we are saved by grace alone, not works (Ephesians 2:8-9). I thank God for the opportunity to talk with her and for this chance to learn so much about other people/cultures/religions. She told me she was surprised that I even cared to listen to her - what a joy it is to have the love of Christ!
Oh, and a huge praise - Steven, one of the cleaners at the Shelter accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior two days ago. He is such an answered prayer in so many ways - a testimony to how God is really using this ministry, pray that we would continue to be bold and compassionate toward all we come into contact with!

Outreach Event on Friday!

2006-06-29T11:20:00.000-07:00

Friday, June 30th (tomorrow!) I am part of an outreach event that we are puting on at the Shelter Jordan. I'm in a small group of staff that meet weekly to pray, encourage each other, and think of ways to do outreach at the hostel. We will be offering a free BBQ in the courtyard of the hostel and one of the girls in my small group will be performing a little skit to a song - very powerful, questioning who nailed Jesus to the cross - the point being that we all did because we are all sinners. The weather is supposed to be beautiful! Pray that many will come at 7 PM (10 AM California time!), that we would have a neat time connecting with the guests and that we may dialouge with them about our faith and their thoughts on it all. Thanks for taking the time to read this and pray - I really appreciate it!

The First Pictures!

2006-06-29T08:42:00.000-07:00

At the San Fransisco airport with a very heavy backpack because I went over weight with my luggage!

Isn't it beautiful! At Tante (aunt) Gree and Oom Jaap's house - it's just so green here!

Welcome to Shelter Jordan - where I joyfully serve!

Day 2 and 3 at the Shelter

2006-06-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

A couple of days have passed now and I am starting to feel pretty good around here! The weather is beautiful today, but before I go into today's events let me back up to yesterday. I had a morning shift in the cafe of the Hostel from 7:45 to 1ish. We spend the first 15 minutes praying together as staff which is really a neat priority - it focuses us and reminds us why we are serving, to see the name of Jesus preached in all ways. Then I started making and serving breakfast to the guests. This is a really neat to chance to talk to people from all over the world before they head off into the city for the day. After lunch in the hostel (gotta love that hagelslag. . .aka chocolate sprinkles on bread!) the staff team received emergency training. A lot can go wrong in a hostel with over 100 guests (it is full every night during the busy summer months) so it was very interesting and important to learn that the emergency number here is not 911 but 112! At this point is was about 5 and I really needs some fresh air so I went for a walk to try to familiarize myself with the streets around the hostel. There are so many neat little shops and restaurants, and of course the buildings and cannals are amazing. After dinner at the hostel I joined in on the Bible Discussion time that happens every night. It was a very encouraging and challenging time - two guests and a cleaner (who receives free room and board in the hostel in exchange for cleaning sheets, taking out trash, etc) were there, two are not Christians so it was neat to hear things from their perspective and then have the opportunity to explain the gospel to them. I really see God at work and am excited to see the fruits of our labor here. So that was one day - not to mention how fun it is to be with the staff, even though we're from the US, France, Canada, Germany, Portugal, Wales, South Korea, New Zealand, and the Netherlands we all have the common bond of Christ - it has been amazing to experience how unifying that really is!
This moring I had moring cafe duty again - now I can make a mean "2 eggs with ham and cheese" and soon I will head back over to the hostel for dinner, probably another interesting dish - good thing I'm not a picky eater! I met a Canadian guest named Andrea and had the chance to give her a Bible (Thanks Mr. and Mrs. Smith!), she's been traveling alone since March without one but has been wanted to get back into the Word so that was cool! Well, on that note I will end this post but another post with pictures will soon follow I hope. Pray for strength as this is very draining - good thing I'm enjoying it!

Doi, Arijaan

Welcome to Amsterdam!

2006-06-26T11:18:00.001-07:00

Yay - I have arrived! Everything has gone very smoothly! Traveling was really fun, I sat next to two high school graduates who will be traveling around Europe so I had a neat chance to invite them to Amsterdam and I think that I will see them in a couple of weeks. I also had the chance to get over my jet lag at my aunt and uncle's house which was very nice. Everywhere I look I see green and it's simply amazing - so maybe (?) it's been worth it that I haven't seen the sun in 2 out of the 3 days I've been here. If I don't see the sun shine soon, very soon, I might feel differently! I arrived at the community house, after a train and bus ride from Hoofddorp, at 4 and have been going nonstop since then - my head is spinning! So many new people, places, and things to learn. Everyone is very friendly - I am currently talking with a girl from Germany and another from Oregon. The house we live in is huge, I have three other roommates - from Holland, Texas, and New Zealand. Good combination I hope! Tomorrow I have my first work shift in the cafe of the youth hostel. I already ate dinner there tonight ("Mexican Oven Dish" - not quite the same as the authentic Mexican food I love!) so I got a feel for things there. Too bad the Dutch are out of the World Cup now but it's still really fun to watch the games in this city full of tourists! They have been showing the games on a big screen in the hostel which is a neat chance to hang out and form relationships with the guests. Well, time to get going - more people to meet and things to discover. Hopefully soon I will be able to figure out how to get pictures on the blog - the internet is slow here so we'll see about that! Pray for good rest and strength, God is so faithful and I am so thankful to be here. I hope to write again soon!

With Love, Arijaan

Welcome to Amsterdam!

2006-06-26T11:18:00.000-07:00

Less than a week!

2006-06-17T17:03:00.000-07:00

Hello all! Time flies when you're having fun - I leave next Friday, June 23, for Amsterdam. I am so excited to go and do the work that God has prepared for me to do! Thanks for checking out the blog, I am really looking forward to keeping it up-to-date for you. I am reading through Acts right now and I've noticed that the Christians spent a lot of time telling each other what the Lord was doing in their midst - it is so important to share with others that we serve a God who is alive and super active around the globe. I look forward to doing just that for you! Also, I will have a mailing address so if you like writing please don't hesitate!

The Shelter Community House

Willemsstraat 33

1015 HW Amsterdam

The Netherlands

phone number: 0031-20-626-0055

If you write be sure to put my name somewhere on the envelope. Also, I listed my address within my profile as well - so if you ever need it that's where it will be waiting for you! One last thought, if you know of anyone who might enjoy reading this please pass on the link - the more the merrier! I promise that once I am in Holland I will post more frequently but until then I hope that you are well and enjoying these summer months!

Arijaan

The countdown has begun!

2006-05-19T09:48:00.000-07:00

In a little over a month I will be leaving for Amsterdam, Holland! While there I will be doing mission work with the Shelter, a Christian youth hostel organization as well as visiting with relatives. I have started this blog to keep all of my family and friends posted on how I am doing and how the Lord is working - I am excited to be able to update you frequently on the Lord's faithfulness to the city and the people. I leave on June 23 and will be returning September 15. Please check the blog often during those months - I would love to hear from you! Thanks for your support and prayers - I really appreciate it and am expectantly asking the Lord to do great things through me. It's a blessing to take you along with me on this journey!

For His glory,
Arijaan