Snuffle market

There are no garage sales in Belgium and the Netherlands. For one thing, most people don’t have garages. As a matter of fact, I remember when we lived in Antwerp (when we first arrived) seeing garages for rent. But they do have “snuffelmarkten” – what we might call flea markets. Mostly these are inside, but the idea is the same – sniff around and see what treasures you can find. Sometimes you can really find a good deal for something very special.

- home -

Well we have made a good deal. “Snuffles” was taken in by the humane society and we were looking for a dog. We actually were looking at another dog, but this one fit the bill – at least once we met her. She is 5 years old, knows all the regular commands (for which we don’t have to do any work) and is very obedient. Some people might have thought she was a bad deal (we thought the same at first) because she is “blind”. Actually she is not blind (we figured that out very quickly – you can’t fool her very easily), but she does have tunnel vision, which she has had since birth. She doesn’t know this is a ‘handicap’ (good lesson for us) and acts like any other dog.

- how Snuffles sees us -

Those of you who know us know that we have always wanted a dog (especially the boys), but it was not practical, due to our working schedule (lots of days gone, some summers completely in the States) and cost. We are in a different situation now (boys older, well able to stay home with the dog) and decided before the summer to start looking. We are glad that we found this treasure. We called her “Snuffles” because that is what she does all the time – and she has also found us. A good deal all around.

- Snuffles doing what she does best -

Making the most of the season

One of the nice things about this season is the time that we can share with one another in creative ways.

- spending time together -

For several years now the ladies of the congregation get together to make holiday pieces (not used just for Christmas – I noticed recently that there is some kind of discussion about this in the States). They invite their friends and neighbors, we plunder our backyard and the container park (the place where everyone takes their trash, but also their cuttings from their yard – free green stuff!), and everyone brings some creaitive stuff (you know- glue, glitter, ribbons and rhymes) and they spend a morning together talking, being creative and getting to know one another. They end the day with a prayer together.

- backyard plunder -

- fun and friendship -

At home we have a tradition of making Christmas cookies as our Christmas cards. We don’t do cards (you will have noticed that through the years) mostly because of the cost in the beginning (and our monthly newsletter took the place of many people’s year-end news). But for the people we know in the village or in Maastricht we like to let them know that we are thinking about them. So we make cookies, wrap them special and bring them around. Most people are not used to home-baked cookies for one, and the gesture is especially appreciated. This year Sean had his friend Wouter over after the last day of exams – so Wouter helped out too.

- cookie cards -

I would be interested in any traditions you have in your house that involve creativity (doesn’t have to be Christmas).

Scott

Exams!

- hard at work -

In most students’ eyes exams are a period of really hard work, no fun, no friends until it is over. This is about the same for me except that I like the exam periods sometimes. You study a subject on Monday for Tuesday and you’re home on Tuesday by the afternoon. This actually gives you a lot of time to study for the next day, which means you have a lot of time for yourself to read a book or play on the xbox, ps2 ...

- extracurriculur study helps -

I don’t know how exam periods are in the States, but I guess they’re about the same as here. Most Belgian high schools have three exam periods a year: 1) around Christmas 2) around Easter and 3) around the end of the school year. But my school is a little different. We only have exams twice a year (1 and 3).

- the dangers of studying "in the season" -

If your exam period is different and you would like to tell us about it, you can always write and email to us!

Stephan

Middle-age?

December 11th was a Sunday like any other day except it happened to be my birthday. My 45th birthday at that. Now I am middle-aged, at least by the world’s standards – maybe I’ve been that for years. Strange, I don’t feel middle-aged.

- attitude -

Maybe because it is not an age but an attitude and I am not quite ready to settle for that. Maybe no one is ever ready for it. The years do seem to go by so quickly – maybe that’s just a metaphysical thing. If things go fast enough you don’t age inside, like in space?

But I am looking forward to the years still to come with my family and those I love. And maybe someday I will be ready for middle-age.
Shirley

- In her prime -

A Christmas Easter

It’s Tuesday morning and I have had a day to recover from the weekend of singing (which is more than the others have had – I have a flexible schedule, they all have to go right back to work!). It was great to sing for so many different people (350+) in the various cities. We always want to touch people with the GREAT news of life in Jesus with these concerts as well as give the churches an opportunity to let God use them in reaching out to their friends and family.

- getting ready -

A few impressions from the various concerts:
- The Hague was a dress rehearsal and no one was quite sure who would show up. Over 60 people show up on a freezing night - some of the church members, but also people who have no idea who the church is. Two women came early and sat in the back corner (don’t know what kind of group this is after all), but listening eyes and open conversation in the coffee break.
- Haarlem had its largest group yet. Rob invited so many from his work (a school where he teaches and parents from the after-school daycare). They enthousiastically discuss the concert during the coffee break and afterwards. The volunteer caretaker of the church building (a Catholic building in downtown Haarlem) who stays to pray with us as we get ready to leave after packing everything in.

- concert in Maastricht -

- Maastricht is held in a church building in the middle of the town square which is now VERY busy with a “Winterland” including a skating rink and ferris wheel. The building fills with a varied group of students, tourists and friends of the members. Stephan and Sean’s first grade teacher arrives with her husband and sister. Marjon brings an 80-year-old woman she cares for who thoroughly enjoys the song. Ruud’s parents, who continue to hold God at arms length, drive all the way down to be at the concert. The caretaker of this church building joins our prayer as we leave. “I will come by your church in January. I really want to see what kind of group you are.”

- good news in Maastricht -

- The concert in Antwerp is held in a LARGE, modern cathedral. After the concert a man in his 70’s explains how touched he was. “That you mixed the two stories – Christmas and Easter. Yes, of course they belong together, but this is the first time that I have heard them put together. And suddenly I realized – of course they belong together. Wonderful!”

- concert in Antwerp -

It was great in Maastricht to see how the whole church got together to make sure that everything went well. We decorated, prepared, and set up the building before the concert. During the concert the young people helped out where needed and talked to the visitors. Everyone kicked in on this cold Saturday evening. On Sunday morning several of the visitors to the concert were present in our worship to the Lord. We all pray that God will continue to use us as He wants here.

- Joël and Sean help set up in Maastricht -

This coming weekend we have two more concerts coming up. Both places in the past have brought people who are seriously searching for God. We look forward to what God will be doing on those days (Friday evening and Sunday afternoon).

Concert rush

This weekend Listen Up! (the singing group I sing with to preach the gospel) starts its Christmas concerts. It's Saturday and we have already finished two concerts - one in The Hague and one in Haarlem. By the end of next week we will have sung 6 times and covered most of Belgium and the Netherlands. While it is extremely stressing to get everything ready, it is so good to see how such a concert can help touch people's hearts!
We originally planned these concerts to let people see (and hear) that this season, when we hear a lot about Jesus, is about more than a little baby. So we sing about "CHRIST" always - about his birth, his life, his death and his resurrection. So many of the people we know in our various cities (the five members of the group come from four different cities) would not usually come to listen to someone speak about Jesus. But they will come to hear us sing. And you can see and hear how the message touches them.
Tonight we will sing in Maastricht - our home turf. Please keep this in your prayers. I'll come back with some pictures and more news in a few days - after I have had a chance to sleep a little bit (glad I can talk to you like this without having to use my voice!)

November Newsletter

Light in the Lowlands
Reaching out to the people of Belgium and the Netherlands

November 2005
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:8-10

Dear brothers and sisters, family and friends,
For “current” news
Those of you who have a computer and would like to keep up on what’s happening we have begun a blog at: ravenraab.blogspot.com I am trying to update this at least once a week and it often includes pictures. We look forward to “seeing” you there. For those without computers, I am so sorry that we cannot be closer, but we so enjoy all of the contact we are able to have through your letters, cards and phone calls.
Preaching and teaching
We are so thankful for the opportunities that God continues to give us to talk about how great He is. I have mentioned before that I have never considered myself a preacher. I am trained as a teacher and enjoy that type of contact and interaction. But God has been able to use me here as a preacher as well! I always have to think of Mozes and his reluctance to speak. God said that He, God, had made Mozes’ mouth and knew whether he could talk or not. This month I trusted God once again as I spoke at “home” in Maastricht as well as one Sunday in The Hague. I am not often gone on a Sunday, but it was good to see the members in the Hague once again and be encouraged by their faith as well.
In Maastricht my studies with Gerard, Cor and Titia and Mieke continued as did the Wednesday studies with the members and regular visits to the Bible study with the international students. It has been exciting to see how the young people are growing in knowledge and faith during our Wednesday studies. This month has also been a time of prayer - it is sooo good to hear young people pray when they know what is going on. Please include them in your needs! God has taught me so much through them.
Church news
You have also been praying for Ruud and Karla. Ruud was finally able to come home after about a month in the hospital. He now has several more pieces of metal in his hips and may be getting more soon. Continue to pray as he continues to struggle with the pain and the desire to do more - which he cannot do.
And still, it is this family’s love for God that has continued to shine. Ruud knows his priorities and doesn’t want to miss any time with God’s family. So he is present, even if it takes some extra effort. His daughters realize that it is now time for them to lend their strength as well (and that they have strength!) None of us would say that we want adversity, but it is so amazing to see what God can do with it.
It was also exciting to see how Nel used her birthday as an opportunity to show people God’s love and grace. She invited friends and family to worship with the church here. We sang, prayed, worshipped, drank coffe and tea, had a great lunch together and shared as a family does. This continues to touch the people in Nel’s life who do not know God.

- Nel's birthday -

Preparation
Most of the month has been spent in preparation for the concert on the 10th of December. We have five other concerts in addition to the one in Maastricht, but this one is of course special for us.
It has been especially exciting because we know that several of our neighbors will be attending. This is a real opportunity to speak of the good news. We pray that this will continue into the new year as well. Continue to pray that we will speak as God gives us opportunity, not only in word but in all that we do.

PRAYER WARRIORS
Please keep the following in your prayers.
- Continue to pray for: Cor and Titia, Mali and Desiree, Mieke, Gerard and Angelique. Yvonne and Roger continue to come regulalry. Pray that they can seriously consider putting their trust in God who continues to help them. Pray also for Noël and Anita.

- Cor and Titia -

- Continue to pray for Ruud and Karla. Ruud had back surgery but is struggling with the rehabilitation. He may need some more pins put in. We thank God for the strength that they are to us and the church here.
- Pray for the contacts that will be made during the concert on December 10. Many of our friends and neighbors will be present and will hear the gospel in song. Pray that we can continue to present this good news.

KID’S KORNER
Hit it!
Both Sean and Stephan are in a ping-pong club (‘table tennis’ to be formal). They practice twice a week and started competitions this Fall. Both of the guys are non-ranked players. The next rank up is an E6. When the guys go to a competition, it may be with kids their own age, but it could just as well be with adults (who are either non-ranked or Esomethings).
In the most recent competition Stephan was able to win all of his games. He even won two against two E6’s., so he is pretty happy. Sean has also started winning and is enjoying the competitions.
What sports do you play in a club? What sports do you like to play at home? Lte us know.
e-mail Stephan at: waab4075@tiscali.be
e-mail Sean at: dudeis2cool4u@hotmail.com

On the family side . . .
It didn’t seem possible, but some of November was better, weather-wise, than the summer months. We were all walking around with short sleeves and enjoying the beauty of the Fall colors at the same time. But this is Belgium and it is November, so of course we finally landed in Fall (and almost fell directly into Winter ;-). We have also watched anxiously as the weather has hit some of you quite hard and have prayed for your safety and strength. It is so encouraging to see how children of the King reach out quickly and completely - thanks for the example!
This month Scott got an opportunity once again to read a book at the community library. He is one of several “readers” who on special days read book sout loud for children who come to the library. This time he chose a book about the Fall and one about givng. Since ‘Sinter Klaas’ was just around the corner (St. Nicolas’ birthday is December 6 and is celebrated as the day to give gifts to children), a book about real giving was fun. Don’t know if it is in English, but the story was called “The red package” and was great fun to read for the kids.
Stephan regularly visits the library and gets some books on any new topic that has taken his fancy. Recently he has renewed his interest in chess once again. He watched “Searching for Bobby Fischer” (great movie if you’ve never seen it). borrowed a computer chess player fromRuud,and got out the chessboard to play with Sean. Not that he has much time right now. Both he and Sean are rounding up and getting ready for exams in December. Lots of homework and studying. Still, one has to take a break every once in a while.

- study time -

When Sean takes a break it is to play soccer. We have always beenthankful for our livingroom. It is actually two rooms which, since we have our furniture in such a way as to create a long section, is perfect for simple soccer games. Of course a real ball is of limits, but a little, soft ball only helps develop your dribbling skills. So whenever he gets a chance (and Papa can make the time) he shoots a few goals or plays a quick game. He is still planning on becoming a professional soccer player. At the moment, however, he is enjoying livingroom soccer (don’t try this at home unless you have your parents’ permission!)

- home soccer -

Since Europe doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving, it takes some doing to get it done over here. We usually get together with Americans and Canadians (who also celebrate Thanksgiving, but on another day – even another month!) and anyone who likes the idea of Thanksgiving (which is a surprisingly? large group of people). Since most of us can’t get off on a Thursday, it is usually a weekend in the neighborhood of Thanksgiving – which usually ends up being in December. But this year it was only two days away from the “real” Thanksgiving.
Even more exciting for us is that we were able to visit with family on the very day. We called Scott’s sister where most of Scott’s family was congregated and talked a good while on the phone.
We have learned how good it is to have family all over the world. That is an amazing gift and we are going to enjoy it tremendously – even after Thanksgiving!

THANKS!
- For the comments and emails on the blog
- For your prayers encouragement
- For your continued support without which we could not continue!

What’s coming up?
DECEMBER
Christmas concerts
Church family get-together
JANUARY
Concert follow-up
Youth weekend in Haarlem
Camp meeting

Thankful

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. Most holidays have been hijacked by merchandising (talk about terrorism!), but Thanksgiving doesn’t have that much to sell. How can you sell thankfulness? I wonder if Europe will soon try to do something with it. Lately Halloween has made its entry into holidays here in Belgium and the Netherlands. It’s a bit like Carnaval and you can sell costumes, gifts, books and food. Not that anyone pays attention to what the holiday is for – it is just an opportunity to sell or buy.

In the Netherlands and Belgium we celebrate “Sinter Klaas”, the birthday of St. Nicholas on 5 or 6 December. This is the time to give gifts to children. Or at least it always was. Christmas was not a time for gifts, but was purely a religious holiday (and two days worth!). Now the stores have adopted Santa Claus (although they politely wait until after December 6) and sell gifts from Halloween until Christmas. I know that most of you in the States have to put up with this on an even greater scale. At least we have Sinter Klaas to slow some of it down for a bit (am I sounding like a grumpy old man?).

Thanksgiving was always a time for family and good fellowship as I remember it. We would play badminton outside (Fall wind making it nigh to impossible, but still somehow fun) and visit with family and friends while sharing food and football. Since Europe doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving, it takes some doing to get it done over here. We usually get together with Americans and Canadians (who also celebrate Thanksgiving, but on another day – even another month!) and anyone who likes the idea of Thanksgiving (which is a surprisingly? large group of people). Since most of us can’t get off on a Thursday, it is usually a weekend in the neighborhood of Thanksgiving – which usually ends up being in December. But this year it is only two days away from the “real” Thanksgiving.

Even more exciting for us is that we were able to visit with family on the very day. We called Scott’s sister where most of Scott’s family was congregated and talked a good while on the phone. We are very thankful for telephones, for houses where everyone can get together, for cars that get people to where they need to be – oh and for all that good food. We didn’t get to see (hear) everyone – Mike and Amy and the kids couldn’t make it due to sickness, we had to call at a “normal” time for us which was 10:30 p.m. and not everyone had arrived yet (only 2:30 p.m in CO) – but it was good to talk to some.

We have learned in our years together how good it is to have family all over the world. We will be spending time this year on Thanksgiving with our family as well, brothers and sisters. That is an amazing gift and we are going to enjoy it tremendously – even after Thanksgiving!

File!

Do you want to test your faith, test your relationship, test your bladder? Then have I got the thing for you. For many, the title of this article won’t mean quite the same as what it screams to anyone who speaks Dutch (or Flemish). You could call it “opportunity” if you were an optimist. Most people just call it frustrating.

On the way to a church get-together in Antwerp (a short hour’s drive away), which would be combined with a youth get-together and film before a sleepover, we experienced the wisdom of road works (this is the one thing that seems to work the same the world over – why can’t this kind of synchronicity be achieved for world hunger?). Those who can (and do) decide, decided to resurface a section of highway precisely where two highways merge. So traffic was cut from six lanes to one and we were offered a unique opportunity (wanting to be an optimist) to work on our faith and relationships (the bladder work was for free). The last 20 minutes of our journey took three and a half hours.

You know the thoughts:
“Who does that guy driving down the shoulder think he is?”
“Why doesn’t this guy in front of me move faster?” (followed by the question from the backseat, “Why aren’t we moving faster?”)
“Why are we stopped – what could they be doing?”
“Why didn’t I get in THAT lane?” (followed shortly by the question from the backseat, “Why don’t we get in that lane?” )
“So glad we stayed in THIS lane!” (approximately 5 minutes after the previous question)

And of course the various attempts to keep things going – games, conversations, music, jokes (What color is one white refrigerator? What about 5000 white refrigerators? And 50? And two? What does a cow drink? – GOTCHA!). And finally we start moving. At this point – as we are zooming past the other cars because we are able to exit - the comment comes, “I bet they all now wish they were going to church!”

We were glad to make it safely, together. Learned a lot too. (Next time stop at the toilet when you get a chance!).

Daily blessings

We are so blessed! This morning as we went walking along the canal we were accompanied by a beautiful impressionistic sunrise welcoming the day. Within an hour the the clouds had covered up, the temperature dropped and the rain began to fall – all part of Autumn weather. That glimpse of sun, the peace and beauty along the canal, are like all the seemingly inconsequential glimpses of God in our lives that remind us that He is still there, still working and still making things beautiful and complete.

- Shirley and Mieke -

It is this realization that we try to share regularly with some of the people we study with as well. Scott and Shirley both offer English lessons reading the Bible. It is so exciting to see how God can speak through these simple words, the story of His life on earth.

- Cor and Titia at English lessons -

And it’s exciting to wonder how God is going to use us that day as we talk about the things we have read. We are not only sharing God’s word, we are also sharing our lives. It’s so good to know that God is mighty, because sometimes we feel so incomplete.

- Ladies study -

But at the end of the day we are able to enjoy the time we have together. Isn’t it amazing how good it can be to just eat dinner together? Sean can laugh up a storm and infect you with his giggle. We can share a bit of what is happening in the day and know that the next day is going to be good – because God will be there again. It’s just a day, just little things.

- 'Don't try this at home!' -

Birthdays

Although blogs are for current news, this one wasn’t started until recently, so for this once we will give you some old news. Both the boys have had their birthdays and are enjoying the new year that God has blessed them with.

In September Sean turned 12. His birthday always falls on the first day of school and this year was no different. What was different was the school. Sean has left elementary things behind. He is now going to high school. (Here the middle school and high school are combined). He used to walk to school, now he bikes – in wind and weather, rain and sun. Thankfully he travels with some friends and we know that Stephan has survived this trip for the last four years.

- Off to school -

On his birthday Sean got his “gsm” (a mobile phone) that he had been wanting for a while. This one has a camera and ringtones and all those nice things. He is not allowed to use it while at school (from the school rules), but enjoys looking at it with his friends. He pays for the calls and is already aware of how quickly your bell credit can disappear.

- Sean's gsm -

In October Stephan celebrated his 16th birthday. Everyone who calls our home has long noticed his voice change. Recently one of our friends was wondering which strange man was calling for her daughter – but it was Stephan. His braces have come off and we are at times astonished by his brilliant smile.

- Stephan's guitar arrives! -

While Stephan has a variety of interests, he has most recently been working on learning to play guitar. One of his school friends plays electric guitar and Stephan wanted to get started. So with some birthday money and working hard he was able to get a guitar and amp for a great deal. It arrived after his birthday but still during the vacation (we have a week of vacation the first week of November). Although we all enjoy hearing him play, we are also glad that he can plug it into headphones to play – keep the neighbors happy.

- Jammin' -

Fall Camp 2005

-The whole group-

The last weekend of October is always our Fall Camp weekend. We warn everyone coming that they will have to be prepared for some cold weather and wet conditions. This year we were treated to three days that were better than some that the summer camp weeks had! Beautiful temperatures and wonderful colors – and that all with a great group!

- enjoying wonderful weather -

The theme was “Real answers for real questions” and it was a real challenge to get things ready. It was so interesting to see what questions are really important to this group (all older than 12 years old). This weekend also brought us quite a few new faces. Some of them were familiar with the Bible, but others were completely unfamiliar. It has been exciting to see how our young people are also excited about bringing others along to their activities, learning about God together.

- getting to know one another -

Luk Brazle and I worked on the first major questions of “Why did God make me?” and “How can God exist in a world with so much suffering?”. Later Paul Brazle looked at where heaven and hell are and how to trust God with your worries. All good questions that touch a concern with the young people who were there.

In between questions and answers there was plenty of time to hang out, play some ping pong, take a walk in the woods or enjoy the fields. We spent some time getting to know each other (with toilet paper!), and a campfire was attempted and lasted for about 5 minutes. When I returned to pick up some of the young people I saw them rolling down a hill and simply enjoying the time together. We are so glad that we have this opportunity to work with our young people. God can do so much in seeking hearts.

- building on relationships -

Thanks for your prayers. Keep asking your questions and looking for the answers where they can really be found. Like we told the young people in these weekend: Don’t be afraid to follow the evidence and be honest.
In Him, Scott

September-October Newsletter

LIGHT in the Lowlands
Reaching out to the people of Belgium and the Netherlands

Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:43-45

Dear brothers and sisters, family and friends,

As it has turned to Fall, so our activities change. The young people all go back to school, but the youth activities continue. Church members are back from vacation and we can meet and plan more regularly. All of Scott’s regular studies start up once again and some are added. These past two months have been no different.

It has been exciting to see how all sorts of activites can be used to let people know how good it is to be a child of God, to have God fully in our lives. Our annual street barbecue was such an opportunity. Our neighbors know that Scott is a sort of “priest” and are now also willing to listen to some of what he has to say. Church members invite their friends and family to birthday celebrations, but they also invite their spiritual family. This always brings up some interesting questions. At a concert for Karla Verheijen’s choir, she introduced Shirley and Scott as her brother and sister. This immediately led to a good discussion of what family means in the church. Several of the members of this choir have been watching Karla for some time, wondering about her faith. It is great to see how God uses his children, even when they are not aware of it.

It has also been great to see the church growing closer and encouraging one another through some difficult but exciting times. In September we all got together down at camp (in the Ardennes) for an afternoon of good fellowship. The weather started out fantastic and ended up in rain, but everyone concluded that it was definitely worth repeating. Our Wednesday evening Bible study has gotten fuller as the young people attend. Recently we decided to meet in two of our sister’s homes so that they are also able to take part. The first Wednesday “away” brought a very full livingroom to Geesie.





- water rats -








- enjoying time together -




You have also been praying for Ruud and Karla. In October, after having sent Ruud home with instructions to exercise and walk, the doctors discovered that his injury from the accident was worse than thought and that he shouldn’t have been walking and exercising! Thankfully, this has now been corrected with an operation to his hip and spine. Please continue to pray for a quick recovery.

I would like to take just a little space to tell you a little about Ruud and Karla. As mentioned above, Karla sings with a local choir. They know that she is different because when they sing for the local mass, she does not. In their village, everyone knows the troubles they have had with Ruud’s health. And still Ruud and Karla are positive, faithful people. This is something that is confounding some who know them and convicting others.

It is so important for us to continue being the children we are, to continue serving in all we do, no matter what is happening. We thank God for the opportunity to work with such examples of trust and faith in the face of such difficulties.

A few quick moments that typify the past two months:
- Stephan and Shareya, our “teen” members who have gotten 5 young people (their friends) to attend the upcoming Fall Camp on “Real Answers for Real Questions” (most of them have no church background)
- The young people asking good questions during the Wednesday study and offering good answers
- Gerard, one of Scott’s English studies, struggling with the idea of who he belongs to
- Singing with Listen Up! for a benefit concert where we were the only group to present the gospel - and seeing joy, frustration and confrontation in the audience.


PRAYER WARRIORS
Please keep the following in your prayers.
- Continue to pray for: Cor and Titia, Mali and Desiree, Mieke, Gerard and Angelique. Yvonne has been coming regularly - also to the ladies studies. Roger is struggling with his job situation. Pray as Ruud and Scott visit with him.
- Continue to pray for Ruud and Karla, our co-workers, as they struggle with Ruud’s rheumatism and pain. Ruud had a back operation in October and is recuperating. We thank God for the strength that they are to us and the church here.
- Praise God that our sister Shadira has found a school for her daughter, Camby. Now Shadira is also looking for a better job to help support her family.

KID'S KORNER
Is this it?
Changing school can be pretty stressful, especially when you are moving up a notch. Both Sean and Stephan have had to shift into another gear in school this Fall. Sean is now in High School, studying Latin, Dutch, French and English alongside maths, sciences and history. Every once in a while he gets some P.E. At one point at the beginning of October he cried out, “Is this it? What’s the point to my life?” Stephan is in 10th grade, which adds a good bit of homework to the other years. Both have been able to settle into the routine just in time to enjoy the Fall holiday.
Have you just changed schools or classes? What difficulties have you experienced? What helps you make it through? Share your thoughts.
e-mail Stephan at: waab4075@tiscali.be
e-mail Sean at: dudeis2cool4u@hotmail.com

ON THE FAMILY SIDE . . .
September and October are usually very busy months with all sorts of activities with the church, youth, camp and neighborhood. But we still find time to enjoy the beuaty of the season as well. At the same time we are struck with the images of what many of you are enduring. We are glad that we don’t have to experience that, but we hurt for what is happening to you. Still, we see the amazing love and strength that you have as well, helping one another as you recover from these disasters. It is so easy to become a bit immune to some of the images (especially this year with so many different disasters), but we don’t want that to happen. We try to make sure that we, as a family, do not forget that we can help, or how much we really have (while we sometimes complain).

Stephan is glad to finally have his braces off (yes, it has already been two years!). The first couple of times that we saw him smile we were absolutely shocked - he has teeth! His smile has always been absolutely wonderful (Scott has a song about him as a baby with a “slimy smile”, still wonderful) and it is great to be able to see it again. As usual he is interested in lots of different things including: anything Japanese, breakdancing, guitar, bmx bikes, samurai swords and computers. His teacher at school even gave him a cd-rom to learn Japanese. He has tried out some moves for breakdancing and is working out almost every day tobeef up. His guitar playing has already progressed pretty well (as he is teaching himself, learning from Scott, from friends and from the internet ) and he can play some 12 chords.

Sean started out the school year with braces and a really tough time (see Kid’s Korner). He still needs to have four more teeth pulled before his mouth is completely ready for the braces, but he has already started on the top. He is still crazy about soccer and uses every opportunity to play. Most recently he has really become interested in being the goalie. When he plays with his school friends at “the field” (a field in the neighborhood with some goals), none of his friends can get a goal past him. Even when he plays Scott in the backyard (as if that were more difficult!), he dives into the air to stop ever shot. We have stopped being surprised by the color of his knees when he returns from “the field”.

Both boys are continuing their ping-pong. Stephan has had several tournaments already and is progressing up the rankings. Sean has had fewer opportunities, but is also doing quite well. They are both still bothered that they are “non-classified”, but their time will come.
Scott and Shirley have also been keepng themselves healthy. They walk five kilometers every morning together along the canal behind their house. They now know every boat that usually travels those waters, as well as aal the bikes that usually pass them while walking. They have even helped a fisherman twice to photograph a huge fish (32 kg.) he had caught in the night. More importantly, they also get some good exercise. This is nothing new for Shirley, who has always walked, but it has helped Scott quite a bit (who usually sits: behind the computer, with people in a study, in the car on the way somewhere etc).

EXTRAS
What’s coming up?
OCTOBER
Fall Camp
NOVEMBER
Youth activities
Preparation for Listen Up! concert
DECEMBER
Christmas concert
THANKS!
- For the communion cups - we have been able to use the traveling set when visiting Ruud in the hospital
- For your prayers and emails to encourage us in our work here.

It is VERY good to be healthy and in such a beautiful place. Please look at and enjoy all the fantastic blessings you have in your life, no matter how small they may seem.
Love in Him,
Scott, Shirley,
Stephan and Sean Raab

Welcome!

Here we go! This is our attempt at helping keep some people up to date on what is happening with our family. I will try to get things going as quick as possible, including some pictures.