As I continue to chronicle my fantastic trip to Holland, I will wrap it up with this post. I left off with my "gift" of the Corrie ten Boom Museum. Did I tell you, my new friend, Yvonne, whom I met at the conference, arranged a private tour of the home? Yvonne, met us in her home town of Haarlem, to spend the day with us and arrived early, and we arrived late:)
In Holland, bike paths are for bikes, and roads are for bikes and vehicles. Well, our driver, and friend, Stacy, from Switzerland, used to live in Haarlem, and pulled onto a side street to find parking. Since she moved, last fall, this street is now JUST for bikes. The "looks" we got from those on 2 wheels, as we headed down this narrow alley sould have should have given us a clue, but no, we just keep going....we finally got a hint, when a woman on a bike, rounded the corner, and just about ended up on our windshield. So, there we are, 4 women, laughing hysterically, at our predicament, trying to determined HOW we are going to turn around in this small alley. And Stacy, driving a "borrowed" van, trying to maneuver around obstacles, trying to not damage the van, was a little like walking a elephant, through a china shop without causing damage:)
After, belly laughs, and myself out of the vehicle guiding her, and Connie, video taping EVERYTHING, we finally got turned around. 4 women, a van, a narrow bike path.....FUN! After the Ten Boom tour, we had a delicious dutch lunch at a cafe.I have added a picture of us and my goat cheese sandwich:) Then Connie and Brenda, stayed to shop and ride the train back to The Hague, and I rode back with Stacy so that I could review for my "talk" for MOPS the next day. Stacy and I had such rich conversation on the way back, we eased into conversation, like long time friends. And I cherished the time together.
There was no shortage of sweet one on one conversation that sunny Wednesday. Anneke and I, took Stacy to the train station that afternoon, and then ran some errands. Anneke, is like the older sister I never had, I felt I could ask her anything, and loved to hear her opinion on subjects. I respect her so much, and she taught me what true hospitality looks like! She fixed us a delicious dutch dinner with a Indonesian flare to it. She is a fabulous cook!
When I thought I couldn't be WOWED or blessed beyond what I already was, Beat and Anneke took us out on the Chanel to see their houseboat that evening. What a treat! I have included pictures of the houseboats and windmills on the canals.
Thursday, another sunny day. Did I tell you that they said it is cool and rains all the time! Well, it was warm and SUNNY everyday we were there. When we left on Friday, it started to rain and rained on and off for 5 days....I think they need me back to bring the sunshine:)
I spoke at MOPS Thursday morning. What a wonderful experience to share with there moms, of many different nationalities. Motherhood is rewarding and challenging no matter where we live. They certainly impressed me how they shared tips and ideas with each other. Almost all of them are away from there families, so they really need each others support. I met moms from Poland, Germany, Switzerland, U.S.A., Korea and Holland and Canada, just to name a few. Warm, loving, caring moms who love there children!
Thursday afternoon, Anneke, once again, took time from her busy schedule to take us to Keukenhof. It is open only 6 weeks out of the year. It is BEAUTIFUL! Acres and Acres of flowers! I have added pictures, because with words, it is indescribable!
But far more beautiful than the flowers, was when Anneke, told us her salvation story. It was not a preacher, not an eloquent speaker, who shared the gospel story with her, but a mom just like me. Her story touched my heart deeply.
We wrapped up our trip Thursday evening with dinner at Tim's mother and step father's house. She made us a delicious dutch dinner. And we enjoyed sweet fellowship with Betsy, Tim and their family.
All week, as I was in Holland, the Lord kept whispering these words to me....."My Child, you are feeling my Pleasure!"
And yes, in a mighty way, "I FELT GOD'S PLEASURE!"
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