Before we left for Germany we had the opportunity to get together for dessert with some neighbors around the corner from us. Keiric and I had met Jeroen and his daughter, Marit, in early November at the playground near our house, and we had decided that we should get together sometime "soon". But, as we've mentioned before about trying to get together with people here in Holland, it seems to take forever. And, because they had a new baby girl at the end of November, they got pretty busy for a while. So, only 4 and a half months later we were able to have the four of them over for coffee and brownies. It was a really fun time getting to know them a little, and since then we've been able to talk to them a couple of times at the park. Please pray that we can continue to build a relationship with this family and that God will use it for His glory.
We also had over for dinner a family from the church. They had worked as the youth ministers at EKV, the church we attend here, for a few years, and they have three children. Heather served Mexican food, or at least the best she could do here, and we had a great time with them. We were also able to discuss what they had done with the youth, and they gave us some great information.
This past week we were able to serve by providing childcare for the church while they did an all day seminar on the Old Testament. One of the kids we had was Kaylie's friend Anna, and the other was a little 1 year old boy named Micah (pronounced Meeka). We had volunteered to babysit for anyone who needed it so that they could attend the conference, and they had 18 people show up, though we only had the 2 kids.
Micah cried for the first little while, but then he resigned himself to being with us, and we had a good time. It was nice talking to him in Dutch knowing that he didn't care if we messed words up and that he couldn't say anything even if he did.
Kaylie and Anna had a great time together, though Keiric was very unhappy that they didn't really want him around (and so the woes of a little brother begin).
The kids wanted to build a tent in their room, but that didn't work out so well, so Heather helped them make it in the dining area with the table. Then they got to eat dinner in it, which they all loved.
Heather has also been continuing to build relationships with some people that attend her CBSI Bible study, and they also attend the English Anglican Church not too far away, so occasionally, when we don't have plans with the youth, we also attend. This past Sunday they were serving the Lord's Supper, and we were able to participate. It was a little bit different than what we have been used to: Instead of passing trays around with bread and a shot glass of grape juice, the people went up to the front, one half of the room and then the other half, and were given a torn piece of bread, and then someone walked around with a cup, and everyone took turns drinking. I was a little surprised when my turn came, and I realized by the smell that is was not grape juice but wine. I hate the taste of alcohol, so I took the smallest sip possible before passing it along, but it was definitely an experience. Heather particularly loves celebrating communion with believers all over the world, and while each group may do things a little differently, what a joy it is that the body of Christ can come together and remember the sacrifice Christ made on the cross so that we can each spend eternity in heaven with him!
1 comment:
Sounds like you all are having a great time!
I hear you about the communion thing... our church did the same type of communion service, at the end of 2008. It was a little different, but it made it a communion service I will never forget :)
Take care - tell the kids "Hello" for us!
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