Planes, lanes and automobiles (Home Assignment 2023)

When the clock struck 5am I (uncharacteristically) jumped out of bed and announced, “Time to get up!” The trip was beginning, after several days of trying to make sure that everything was going to be okay at the house, that everything we needed was packed and that we weren’t forgetting anything essential. Now it would all begin. Brother Alexander from the Maastricht church was picking us up in an hour and would take us to the airport. 

The first information I got after a quick shower was that our flight had been delayed by 2 hours. So that meant we didn’t really have to hurry, except that we were going to get stuck in Brussels traffic if we left much later. It meant that we would have plenty of time to sit in the airport in Brussels, but I was taking a book, so no problem. 

It also meant that we would be late to pick up the car I had reserved in Newark. I tried to call to see if we could let them know and adapt the reservation, but you know how ‘help’ desks are these days. After typing in several 1’s and 2’s to let them know what I needed, a friendly voice announced that they could not help me with that. 

I figured we would just have to see what would come. We knew that we would be likely to have all sorts of hiccups along the way, and God would help us deal with all of them. These types of things are good moments to re focus us on God and His good care of us through everything. 

We left the house a bit later than planned, thinking we had time, and got a little stuck in traffic to Brussels, but nothing terrible. We said goodby to Alexander, made it through all of the lines in the airport and sat down to wait for our flight. I was thankful for. Good book and that we had decided to travel with only hand luggage. It made the lines much easier and would mean that we needn’t stop at baggage claim on the other end. 

Although the space on the flight - which left even later - was minimal, that is not something I need to tell any of you. I=f anyone has flown in the last years, they know how seats have gotten narrower, closer together and more upright. But we survived without any trouble and were glad to be standing, finally, in front of the car rental counter and hearing that there were no worries with our rental. 

Our little warrior car for this section - a little Nissan Kicks (a kind of ’SUV’ if something this small can be called that) did a good job on the hills and highways getting us out of New Jersey and into New York. We had brought our gps, so finding the way was not a problem. And the scenery was beautiful. 

Often people think of New York as New York City. But New Jersey and New York is also beautiful rolling hills, much like the Ardennes. New Jersey is “The Garden State” and was wearing its name proudly, even on the highway. Green trees covered thick outcroppings of granite rock as the highway meandered between what I later saw were parks and swamps and rivers and lakes. 

When we finally made it to our first destination for the day - our hotel in Newburgh, New York - and were able to contact my Aunt Betty and pan for the next day, we headed out to get something to eat. A Denny’s just down the road welcomed us as it began to rain in the darkening evening. 

When we returned to the hotel we went to bed at what for us was an unbelievably early hour - 9 pm. But it was all our bodies could take at the moment and tomorrow was a new day. It would be a day for visits with family, drives through beautiful countryside and celebrating a birthday. That is the next story. 

As soon as we get a chance we will get some pictures up here.

Where Oh Where Wednesday: New York

This morning we headed out at 6am on our two month Home Assignment. As you are reading this we may already be in New York. We will do our best to keep you updated on our travels, but may miss some of our normal days, posting instead on a Thursday or even on a Tuesday. 

Just a quick review - here is our schedule for the time that we are in the US. We will be switching between church visits and family visits as we move around the country. 

Apr. 26-28 - Vist in New York with Scott’s Mom and family

Apr. 29-30 - Visit with Tornij family in CT

May 1-7 - Time with Woodbury church of Christ in MN

May 8-13 - Visiting Shirley’s family in Omaha, NE

May 13-17 - Time with Muscatine church of Christ in IA 

May 17-22 - Visiting Stephan and Natalie and Scott’s brother in Indianapolis, IN

May 23-24 - Visiting family in IL on the way back to MN

May 25-30 - Time with 3 families and 11th & Willis church in TX

May 31-June 6 - Visiting Scott’s family in CO

June 7-13 - Time with Long Beach church of Christ and family in CA

June 14-20 - Visiting with Sean and Jill in NYC

Our first stop along the way will be with Scott’s Aunt Betty. When Scott’ family first returned to the US after having lived in Germany, they moved to Colorado Springs. Around the time that he was 12-14 they traveled back to New York so that his Dad could finish up his military chapter and move on with new things. This visit was also a visit to family who were all in the East. 

Aunt Betty is Scott’s aunt on his father’s side - his dad’s sister. Scott remembers playing hide and seek in the high trees and corn fields, playing with firecrackers, shucking corn and racing buggies with lawn mower engines. This was all at Aunt Betty’s house. Now, as we were making our plans and planned on driving up to Rochester (upstate New York) to see Scott’s mom, the idea to spend the first night in Newburgh just made sense. 

Scott’s dad still had his sister’s phone number and she still loved at the same address some 50 years later. After a phone call it was arranged. Scott and Shirley will stop in Newburgh to meet and re-acquaint themselves with Aunt Betty. That is what family is about. 

After a short stop in Newburgh, we will drive on to Rochester to celebrate Scott’s mom’s birthday (along with most of The Netherlands who will be celebrating the king’s birthday - Mom was first). We are thankful to be able to make this trip and to celebrate 85 years with her. The last time she came all the way down to New York City to spend time with us and Sean and Jill, even designing special “warrior shoes” (see the story here). 

We may also get to see another of Scott’s aunts. Aunt Janet is the sister of Scott’s mom and lives in Buffalo, not that far from Rochester. If it all works out we will see her on the way to Rochester or perhaps during the visit with Scott’s Mom.

But we will do our best to get these tales out on time so that you can follow what is going on. Suffice it to say that we will see plenty of New York - the state itself at the beginning of our trip and the city at the end of our trip. Stay tuned. 

The body of Christ

A congregation, the church, as Paul talks about the church in 1 Corinthians, is a body. We all need each other. While we are gone to the US things will continue here in Maastricht because we are a body and a family. It is Jesus’ church. 

We are head out to the US on Wednesday morning early and we are looking forward to being able to see so many people we haven’t seen in four years or more. We will also get to meet lots of new people. But the last month has also given us the chance to see and welcome visitors from the US here. 

Raymond Blasingame, an elder in the 11th and Willis congregation that supports us from Abilene, Texas, dropped in for about a week. We were able to share our city, our village and the congregation with him. We also shared a great day with an old Belgian friend and got to see what our golf course in Maastricht is like. 

On Sunday Raymond shared the good news of being family in Jesus Christ and told us about brothers and sitters in other countries. This coming Sunday the congregation in Maastricht will have the opportunity to share financially with Sam’s  Place in Kenya. 

Not long after Raymond moved on to Kenya and the Philippines, we visited with folks from our supporting congregation in Minnesota. First Jared Hawley spent two days with us and we were able to share our Christian family here once again. He was able to spend a Sunday and spent the afternoon at a games day organized by our young Ukrainian couple. 

Last week we were also able to meet up with Dale and Vicki Hawley (uncle and aunt of) in Cologne for a few hours. They were on their way back from visiting with other missionaries in Greece and we were thankful to be able to see them as they passed through. We talked of life, family and how God blesses us in so many ways. 

As we plan to leave, the brothers and sisters in Maastricht have showered us with love and care making sure that we get to the airport on time, sending greetings to our supporting congregations, and covering some of the costs that we will have for this trip. It is good to kno0w that there are good brothers and sisters who will continue supporting one another and growing in faith. 

The body of Christ - it is not just symbolic. Together all of us as brothers and sisters in Christ work together, wherever we are, to accomplish His will in His Kingdom. It is amazing to be a part of this and to experience this daily. 

(Coffee time in Maastricht after worshipping together on a Sunday)

Whensday: Flanders in the past

When one first visits Europe, one is struck by the age of everything. Maastricht is built on Roman ruins. I explain to people that when the Romans were first settling this area, Jesus was walking the streets of Jerusalem. When walking around Maastricht or Brussels or Antwerp or Amsterdam it is impossible to escape the age of everything. 

And yet, if you were to ask how old Belgium is, you would get a technically correct answer that Belgium is younger than the United States - while almost everyone would say that the US doesn’t have much history at all. But it is true: Belgium became a country when their king was crowned on July 21,1831. This was 55 years after the United States of America were formed. 

So how can places like Antwerp, Ghent, Brughe and Kortrijk be so old? Because these cultures have been around a lot loner than the borders of the country were decided on. As a matter of fact, many might be quite familiar with various Flemish historical figures. 

Ini the 13th and 14th centuries the cloth industry boomed in the area of Flanders and this area became one of the richest in Europe. Think of lace and linen and brightly coloured silks. It was in Flanders that these were made into products being sent all over Europe. And it was this luxury that was at the center of several conflicts with the king of France in that time. 

The ‘Battle of the Golden Spurs’ is celebrated as an amazing victory of the Flemish militia against a large force of mounted knights in 1302. The Flemish, unexpectedly, won the battle and shocked the known world at the time. France quickly set things straight and regained control of the province. 

Before this time, back in the 12th century, Flanders was ruled by counts. Philip 1, count of Flanders might have a connection to some movies that have been made about the crusades. He was a cousin of Baldwin IV who was the leper King of Jerusalem. Philip I tried to change various political situations in Flanders and ended up being the dividing line of when Flanders was independent to when it fell under the power of France. 

It was Philip who built Gravensteen (the castle of the counts) in Ghent. It is an imposing structure meant to let the burghers (literally citizens) who were the economic power of the city and area know that he was the one in charge. This struggle between political power and economic power has continued in this area to the present day. 

In the 14th century Flanders gave England its queen in Philippa, who married Edward II. She brought the textile industry to Norwich, encouraging Flemish weavers to settle there. She followed a long history of strong Flemish female leaders. And in Flanders, these women inherited and kept their names. This is why still today women in Belgium retain their maiden names. In Belgium Shirley is officially Shirley Ann Walker, even if she is Shirley Ann Raab in the United States. 

Where are you going?

This past week my best friend’s father-in-law passed away quickly and unexpectedly. In my prayer time I have had two songs knocking around in my head and heart. The first is a song I heard as a new Christian, many, many years ago, and I am not quite sure what the title is. It says: “Where will you be when you get where you’re going? How can you know that you’re taking the right way?” 

The gentle man who is now Home with the Father was someone who knew where he was going. He took great pains to let those around him know where that was and how to get there. He did this with gentleness and clarity. And I only met him a few times, but I have followed him and know his children.

Our theme this year in Maastricht comes from John 14:6 where Jesus says: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me.” So we have been looking at the idea of following the way. We can know the way to go, because Jesus says that we simply need to follow Him. This is something Marty was always talking about and sharing in his life.

The song got caught in my head because it meant a lot to me when I was a young Christian. There were lots of voices trying to tell me which way to go. There still are lots of voices telling us all kinds of ways. “How can you know that you’re taking the right way?” Because Jesus died for me and rose from the dead to show that He knows the way. He IS the way.

And it was Jesus’ great love, which Marty knew so well and talked about in so many ways, that brought the second song into my head. When we know this amazing love, then we do not fear wherever we are. We know that God is using us at all times wherever we are.

Do you know where you are going? I am not trying to make you feel (too) uncomfortable. But it is an important question to ask. We do not know when our life here will end. So we want to make sure that we are on the right path, walking in the light with Jesus, going Home. Stop and think today, this minute if you can, about amazing love and where you are in your life. 

Here is the second song.

Whatsit Wednesday: Flowers

Everything is starting to bloom. In February we see the tiny purple crocus flowers at the back of our yard and know that Spring will arrive. In April a veritable explosion of flowers. trees, grass (and weeds) screams that Spring is here!One of the things that we truly enjoy about living here is how normal it is to have flowers all the time.
When people think of the Netherlands, they think of windmills, wooden shoes and tulips. And if you have ever been to Keukenhof, you will definitely remember it. This is where a sort of open-air museum cum flower factory welcomes tourists fro all over the world. In the park grounds you walk past various presentations of tulips. In the greenhouses you can explore the various types and names. And in the fields next to all of this you can be astounded by the depth of color of all the tulips being grown for sale.
When I first saw those colours I seriously thought that they had been painted - or that my glasses had somehow enhanced the colours. It just didn’t seem possible for some of those colours to be real. And I have since often thought of how wonderful it is going to be when we are Home with God and can really see color as He has made it. It will astound even more.
But these tulips are not Dutch! Yes, flowers of all kinds do very well in these countries and the Dutch perfected the flower market (as they perfected lots of other markets, selling being their strong suit). But the tulip came from Iran. The name ’tulip’ may have come from a word for ‘turban’ (although this is not certain). The cultivation may have begun as early as the 10th century in Iran, but the trade was taken over by the Dutch in the 17th century. One tulip bulb could at one time be used to by whole parcels of land.
But these days, I can go into the supermarket and purchase a bundle of 10 or more for less than 5 euro. And throughout the year I can purchase roses, carnations, lilies, or whole bouquets for under 10 euro. This is nice when I want to make sure that my wife knows how much I love her and to add a touch of color and Spring to the dark winter days. 

(The picture is of the flower auction in the Netherlands)

The second day

Today is the second day of Easter. Didn’t you know that Easter had two days? So do Christmas and Pentecost - at least in Belgium and the Netherlands. For Christmas people might be familiar with ‘Boxing Day’. Here, that is the second day of Christmas. Each of the major Christian holidays is celebrated with two days. Some are official: people get off work the stores and banks are closed, and people do family things or go on holiday.
It is interesting to see how much people want the holidays without much knowing what they are for or what they mean. At the same time, it is good to be able to speak of Jesus and his resurrection since people will be aware that that is certainly done on this holiday.
Here in the Catholic south of the Netherlands, or in Catholic Belgium, most would expect to go to mass on Easter Sunday. But most of the churches these days are struggling to find enough priests for the various churches. Our village celebrates mass weekly on Thursday. The village over on Saturday. The village up the hill on Monday. This because there is only one parish priest who has to spread his time around.
This is an addition to the disconnect that occurred during the corona years. At that time churches in Belgium were shut down, officially. In theNetherlands, although the constitution made it possible to still meet together, many churches closed their doors and tried to open internet windows. But people who were already separating themselves from religion in their daily lives found it even easier to do so.
So it has been interesting to see, now that these restrictions are no longer in place, how people have welcomed certain elements back into their lives. In Maastricht, there has traditionally been a procession on Good Friday. It was once again well-attended. In many places you can hear people saying “Blessed Easter” instead of “Happy Easter”.
In our conversations we often talk to people about being a cultural Christian. Many would say that they are Christians because they see this as a cultural distinction. They are not Muslim or Hindu or Buddhist. They are Christian. It does not necessarily describe any belief or faith on their part. It is their tradition, their family history.
And family is good. Even better when we truly know why we belong together. There is family that we are born into and family that we choose. We are looking forward to seeing our family all around the US soon - both our family into which we were born, and the family into which God placed us at our new birth.
And here, when we go walking on the second day of Easter and meet others walking, we may say to some: “He is risen.” Some will know what we are talking about. Others might even respond: “He is risen indeed.” Some still know this phrase. Many do not consider if they truly believe it or not. But for a day, for a moment, there is a focus on what is true and amazing, even on the second day. On the third day, and each day afterwards, we will continue speaking of this amazing love, hoping that people will see that this is more than a tradition or religion.

Whodunit Wednesday: Biblical names in society

The first two days of this week I was off with a group of Catholic kids and leaders and had the opportunity to talk about faith in work and about what we find in the Bible. Religion and faith are words on many peoples tongues, but concepts which are often far from the heart. As a matter of fact, the news stated this past week that trust in religion is in Belgium the lowest of all Europe. People in Belgium feel that religion is dangerous.
Faith, on the other hand, is something that most people still talk about. During these two days with these teens, they took a quiz (using QR codes and their phones). Questions popped up about how many apostles there were, what the name of Jesus’ father was (nice trick question) and more. Another activity looked at what they say to believe and if they truly believe it. A third activity looked at what the names of the children meant and where they came from.
In all of this it was amazing to me how important names are. Pontius Pilatus was a real historical figure. Some of the kids’ names came from names in the Bible: Mathis from Matthew, Thomas (with an ‘h’), Maria and Marit (both from Maria) and more. In Belgium and the Netherlands we have lots of names that come from this biblical history and culture, even if they do not always immediately sound like it.
Maria is, of course, a well-known and well-used name in Catholic Belgium. It may show up a bit less in the Netherlands (mostly in the south where we are), but versions of it will still show up. Remnants of the Roman past also show up in normal everyday names. Some are Roman and Biblical at the same time.
My younger brother’s name is Marc - with a ‘c’. This was very different when we were growing up. But here in Belgium it is very common. In fact, Mark - with a ‘k’ - jumps out immediately as different. This is because in Belgium they are working with the name ‘Marcus’ - the Biblical name of the 2nd gospel and a typical Roman name (i.e. Marcus Aurelius).
There are some differences between the countries. Take, for example, Luk or Luc. The Dutch will more likely use the ‘k’ where the Belgians will use the ‘c’. The Dutch language version of the name is ‘Lucas’ but this can also be spelled ‘Lukas’. And then there are all the varied versions of Peter: ‘Peter’ (pronounced ‘pay-ter’), ‘Pieter’ (pronounced ‘pee-ter’) and of course also ‘Pierre’. These kan all be shortened: ‘Peet’, ‘Piet’ or otherwise.
When we named our son, Sean, we thought to be right on track. Sean was born in Belgium (Stephan was born in Abilene, Texas, just before we moved here). There are various versions of ‘John’ here: Johan, Johannes (which can shorten to ‘Hannes’ or ‘Hans’) or Jean (the French spelling and pronunciation). You could also use Ian, John or Johnny (or Jonny) here.
We chose for more Anglicised version, but one we thought most people would recognise, since the actor Sean Connery was well-known. It turned out that many people pronounced ‘Sean’ as ’see-un’. The way we were pronouncing Sean was closer to the pronunciation of ‘Jean’. But it was even closer to ’Sjaan’ (pronounced ‘shaan’ with a long, open ‘aa’ as one would do at the doctor). This name, however, is a girl’s name, so it obviously did not fit Sean.
In the end, people get used to using your name if they get to know you. That is also what we try to get across to the young people we work with. It is possible to get to know the people in the Bible, even if we can’t quite hear how they might have pronounced their names. Then the question is whether we will share in their faith or not, live as they lived in trustin God.