Whensday: 250, 200, 150, 100 years ago

We just returned to Belgium from our Home Assignment trip I the US. This is a trip of about 2 months where we visit our various supporting congregations and supporters as well as family. We returned on July 1, just before all the big celebrations in the US, because on July 4 the country celebrated its 250th birthday. This was concurrent with all of the celebrations during the World Cup games, which we mostly saw while at our last stop in New York City. 

As we returned home, we were able to renew our joy in where we live on the canal behind our house. This canal is celebrating its 200th anniversary. It was first dug and used back in 1826. For all those 200 years ships have been plying the waters going to and from Antwerp or Rotterdam. The little “bridge-watcher’s house” down the way (there is no bridge any more) has been turned into a cafe and is well attended all summer. 

Across from our house, our neighbor, Cecile (who watched our house while we were gone) will be celebrating about 150 years of her house. Her farmhouse is a monument in our village and she keeps it up very well. The kitchen, bedstead and more are authentic. Every year she invites the village and any other visitors to a birthday celebration in her gardens where fold musicians perform. She herself plays the accordeon. 

Our house was built in 1936 - not quite 100 years ago, but almost. This house was originally a cafe which served the village. It is in the street of the church, so people leaving the church could find something to drink fairly quickly. When we bought our house in 1992 it had not been a cafe for quite some tie. The original door into the cafe had been bricked up and the separation of the front room from the rest of the house had already been removed to make a living room and dining room. 

Time marches on, wherever we are. Even things that last a long time change, whether it has been 250 or 50 years. The house next door (from 1910) is being remodeled for a young couple, but they have to retain the outside walls. Some people will remember the old couple who lived here. Others will be amazed at the new house. Time moves on. We have lived 34 years in this house. It will soon see some more change again, although it will remain. 

(Photo - birthday celebration of the house across from us)

On the Family Side

The end of the year is family time: Thanksgiving and Christmas are all chances to catch up on what is going on and to share time together. We are thankful that we live in a time where technology makes much of that possible. When we were young, being way for the holidays meant not seeing family at all. We have the luxury of being able to connect with family through technology. 

Since we got to visit our granddaughter in the summer, we have looked forward to every single moment we can share with her (and with Stephan and Natalie). Stephan has changed up his time to video call so that this has become even better. In the past, Stephan would call at his lunch time, which was out dinner time. It worked out perfect as we could share a meal and a conversation together. When Sophia arrived, she was usually sleeping at lunch. And who wants to wake a sleeping infant? Certainly not a new parent. 

Now, Stephan calls us in his morning, our afternoon, when he is sitting with Sophia getting ready for the day. She babbles with us, shows us her toys and we get to share time with both her and Stephan. If we sing one of her songs, she lights right up, recognizing the song. We have been sending some video’s off songs with new items - in Dutch. That way she also learns that she can speak that language. 

We also enjoyed following both Stephan and Natalie running a Turkey trot on Thanksgiving. We get a link to their route and can see how they are doing (even their heart rate). At the end we were sent a picture of everyone together. It is amazing to be able to share in these kinds of moments - live and in the moment. We are so thankful for the technology that is now available. 

Over in New York Sean and Jill are also thankful for technology, but in a different way. We have enjoyed seeing pictures and videos of their new apartment which they were able to move into at just the right moment. Sean tore his ACL back in September and was able to have it operated on this past week. So he needs to be taking great care of his leg. Their previous apartment was on the 5th floor, without an elevator. Now they live on the first floor. 

We look forward to being able to say hello, even if it is briefly, to both Stephan and Natalie (and Sophia) and Sean and Jill on Christmas. As it suits young families and couples, they will be busy with their own plans on that day (as will we), but being able to jump on a call together will keep us bound together. We pray that you, too, are able to enjoy your time with family in these days - either because of the wonder of technology, or because you are able to get together. Savor each moment.