Well, we're back from conference, and it was a fun time for all of us. While the grown-ups enjoyed meetings to discuss how we all can work together to most effectively reach The Netherlands with the gospel, the kids had lessons, crafts, and games with Ms. Samara and Mr. Joran.
The "hotel" was situated in a beautiful wooded area, surrounded by sand dunes. The word "hotel" is in quotations because it was more of a do-it-yourself camp. We got to make our own beds and wash our own dishes, and we even got to take our own sheets down to the laundry area and sweep our own floors when the weekend was over :) It was an old stable that had been converted into little bungalows.
Here is one of our rooms. We had 2 since they only slept 2, so Kaylie and Heather had a girls' slumber party while the boys were in the other.
The first of two highlights of the weekend was the game night when, after playing "Catchphrase" with everybody... you haven't had fun until you've tried to get a bunch of missionaries to guess "hot pants" ... we played a game of Wise or Otherwise, where you are given the beginning of a saying and you have to try to complete the saying. Our fellow missionaries were hilarious, and the best part was Heather and I won!
The second highlight was the church service at the end of the trip, when we got to worship together and hear a great lesson about the blessings of God and the challenge that we have to bless others.
(This is Heather) My favorite part was when I got a chance one evening to just hang around the piano while a friend played worship songs and sing along with a few of the woman, creating harmonies as we heard classic worship music was such a blessing and reminded me of college and the roomates singing together - it was a taste of home that brought tears to my eyes.
Another fun thing was when we took a walk in the "dunes" and then the kids got to play on it and roll down it during the kid sessions.
After the conference ended Sunday afternoon we came home to have Youth at our house. They played a series of games - which were very funny to play and watch!
This reminds me (Heather) of college and living in the dorms
It has been great this week to have amazing weather, and it is fun to see people finally re-emerging from their homes after a very cold winter. The nearby skate park and soccer fields are starting to get used again, and Keiric was able to play with one of his new friends at the park by our house on Monday without being so bundled up he could barely move. They had a great time, and we've enjoyed getting to know their family as the kids play and we get together to have tea or coffee.
Yesterday, Heather and the kids went to celebrate our friend Barbel's birthday; she says the cake was as good as it looks!
Kaylie got to play in the backyard with the other girls - we are so glad to see the sun again!
We have also had a house guest since we came home from the retreat. Samara, one of our youth leaders, is staying with us while her parents are on holiday for the week. The kids are loving it!
Please continue to pray that we can grow our relationships here and that we can truly be a blessing to those around us.
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