Sunday, May 16 2010

After a night's sleep, varying in length from group member to group member, we all met at the church at 9 am to attent the service and sing towards the end. Everyone that we had met the last couple of days attended this church, so it was cool to see them worshiping together with the people they hang out with. During the service, we got to enjoy some organ music as well as singing hymns in Dutch. Because of the language barrier, we had translated scripture and sermon notes. Because of this, everyone could develope their own personal sermon and find meaning. The scripture was from Psalm 27, and the sermon explained how the writer goes from being very confident in themselves to being fearful of the unknown as well as being locked up with that fear. We have to break through that feeling to get closer to God, but also to realize that God is close during that fear. I think that before the tour, we were so pumped and outwardly confident that this was going to be the time of our lives, but we also had a number of fears that were making us worry. Some of these fears are "Will i have perople to hang out with?" or "Will i feel out of place in Europe?". We have to be able to trust God that we won't be locked up by worrying and trust that it will be okay. After all of these fears, in one way or another, God has made them disappear and make them into good experiences and stories. After the service, we gathered with the congregation for coffee and beloved stroophwaffels. After that, we went outside to take pictures, and one huge picture of us all with our hosts. We said our final goodbyes and got on the bus. I am going to mis the Netherlands greatly, not just for the new atmosphere and new foods, but for the wonderful people we've met. Weach host I had loved having us around and didn't mind answering questions or talking about anything. I made friends with complete strangers who can't speak good english, the only language i really know. When we left the church, it was like leaving aunts, uncles and cousins after a holiday get together. We knew we had to leave, but we didn't want to because we don't know when we will see them afain, or if we ever will. I think that like Ken, we all see ourselves as honerary Dutchmen and women and that we will always have family there waiting for us. So as we drove to Germany, they were in our thoughts and we enjoyed the generous gifts they gave. Mine was a winter hat with earflaps from on of my hosts, Johann. On our ride, we were astounded not only by the sports cars we saw whizzing by on the road, but also by the bright yellow fields we saw lining the roades with plants used to produce canola oil. Upon arriving at the church, we had to wait for the key for an hour, so we explored, watched some local soccer, and took a group picture. Anfter and hour rehersal, we were treated to a spaghetti meal from a few of the women of the church. The ice cream bars were especially delicious. Next was our concert, which was succesful for our first time in mixed arrangement, and with a clapping hesitant audience. After this, we left with our hosts for conversation, food and much needed sleep.

Alex Roth