Disrupted

It is probably nothing new to you. You probably already know. I did, but I had forgotten. When things just go along as they should, or as I think they should, when everything is normal, we tend to fall asleep. I remember traveling with a recruiting group from York College called “Friends”. We would often travel from a summer camp in Wisconsin or Minnesota to a camp in Kansas or Texas, driving through the night to get there on time. We all shared the driving duties, but the night shift was for our manager, Scott Lambert and Brett Osborne, who was reliable. We didn’t want anyone falling asleep at the wheel. 

“Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” (Ephesians 5:14)

It is interesting to see that when God is saving His people, He never does it the way that they anticipated. As a matter of fact, it is almost always in a way that no one expected and most have difficulty accepting. The people fleeing Egypt ask Mozes why he brought them to this sea where they are caught between a watery death and death by Pharaoh. But Mozes hadn’t brought them there, God had. 

When the disciples finally come to Jesus and ask/plead to send the crowd away to get something to eat, Jesus has other plans. He is the one who talked so long and knew that it would come to this. He knows what He can do with a young boy’s lunch. And when the disciples tell Jesus about his friend Lazarus who is sick, Jesus decides to wait a bit longer because he knows what he is going to do. God likes to surprise us. Or is it that we simply have a hard time expecting what God can do and are thus always surprised?

It is not God’s purpose that we all have a nice quiet life together. That is not why we are here. We have come to Jesus to join his kingdom and fight to free ever more people from the slavery of sin and death. Paul tells Timothy, “No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.” (2 Tim. 2:4). So I shouldn’t be surprised when my life gets turned upside down. I should hunker down and move the direction God is taking me. After all, that is why Paul mentions the footwear of the Roman soldier in Ephesians 6 - the gospel of peace. 

God is the Master of using disruption for good. Satan likes to disturb and destroy. There are all sorts of ways that Satan keeps us busy. And sometimes he just wants us to fall asleep. But that is not why we are here - and God makes sure that we know that. So I am trying to see best how God can use me in this time. Wait a minute - let me rephrase that. I don’t need to see how He is going to do it. I don’t need to understand. I simply need to keep doing what I know He desires and trust in His strength and might. Then He can use me mightily - however He wishes. 

We still cannot get across the border, where most of our work was going on. We are trying to keep in touch with seekers in other ways - using computers, phones or good old snail mail. The church has jumped into the silence, stirring up the ‘everyday’ with all sorts of ‘unique’. We are talking to each other more now than before, concerned with each others spiritual health and growth. We are praying not only for the good health of those around us, but are more than ever aware of the need to pray for spiritual salvation. 

The sun is shining outside and has been for the last several weeks. We have started to get used to the way we do things in these corona days. Each day often looks like every other - so much so that we sometimes have a hard time remembering which day of the week it is. Time for this to be disrupted. The government here has communicated their plans to move out of isolation. I am excited and wondering what God will do next. No matter what, I am trying to remain faithful and ready to follow wherever He will lead in the coming days. 

Maybe we will go back to some of the activities we had before. We are still hoping that our summer Bible camps will be allowed to continue. Maybe we will be forced into some completely new ways of doing things. But no disruption will be able to take me away from Him who has conquered and makes me a conqueror. 

It is time to wake up, O sleeper. Walk in the Light, every day. Here is one of my favorite songs (written by my colleague) expressing this mighty passage: Romans 8:31-39.  

A Robe and a Crown

It has been more than a month now since we started taking care to keep our distance in social situations. Belgium went into ‘lockdown-lite’ on March 12, but we were already looking and planning how we would meet digitally that coming Sunday. Now we are old hands at meeting together and have become a place where others in the country can also meet. We have members joining us from around Belgium and even from Prague. 

But corona (the crown) has definitely changed our work. When the borders closed, it severely hampered our ability to help our members in Maastricht (since we live in Belgium, just across the border) and meant that all of our planned activities in the Netherlands had to be cancelled. Of course most activities - including a concert at the end of May with Harding University and three other choral groups - were cancelled anyway because of the government rules. 

So, instead of meeting with people in the Netherlands, we have been spending more time encouraging members via internet and telephone. I have never been a big fan of phone calls - I tend to like email better - but we have several people who are non-digital, so telephone is the only way to really reach them. It is amazing to see (or hear) how much a voice can mean to people. Especially as this time of self-isolation grinds on. 

It strikes me that Jesus suffered for us - accepting the mocking robe and crown of thorns before dying on the cross. Peter says that we should follow his example (1 Peter 2:21). And Paul tells Timothy that we will receive a crown from the Lord if we are faithful (2 Timothy 4:8). But he also mentions that we will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). These are persecutions and suffering in connection with following Jesus. So in times of this crown that may feel at times to be so thorny, I am reminded that this is not really that hard. And we can endure, knowing that we have a future that is certain and confirmed. 

And since we have plenty of time on our hands, we are using other ways to reach out. I am writing some articles for a site that is being developed by two young evangelists in Eindhoven. The site is focused on those seeking God and presents answers to all sorts of questions. And we continue some of our Bible studies, but then digitally, of course.

For the church I have been working on getting more songs available for all members in various forms. There is a new app for the phone developed with a brother in Haarlem. I have added lyric video’s to the song website for the Dutch churches (geestelijkeliederen.nl) and we are working on putting more songs together with a virtual choir. Not a video choir, but one where we can all sing together and present the songs again to the churches for use. 

We are waiting, somewhat impatiently, to hear from the government this week if activities in the summer will be allowed to continue or not. This will impact our summer Bible camp. We pray that all will be allowed to go forward, but if it is not allowed, then we will start figuring out how to do things digitally. Nothing can stop the word of God and God has made us creative and given us all sorts of tools. We pray that we ill be able to use them well. 

Above all, we have been so very thankful for brothers and sisters who have clearly shown how important it is to join together and encourage one another. Some might have thought that members would slack off, since no one could really see if they were not attending or not. But we are seeing people wanting to gather even more - and using every opportunity to get together. It is exciting to see this spirit. 

How has God been blessing you in your faith during these times of thorny questions and blessings for the future? 

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8

Conversations

1st Friday conversations

Isn’t it amazing how God loves to talk? Look at the Bible. It is full of amazing stories. God has been telling us His story for a long time. But He also loves to listen. He is constantly asking us to talk to Him (pray) and has promised us that He is listening - very closely. Listening and talking are part of being with God (goes along with that walking bit I talked about recently). 

Our lives have changed a bit in our most recent season of life. We (Shirley and I) have more possibilities to go together and listen to conversations, take part in conversations. I am so thankful that we have these chances. Sometimes we are meeting with members from the congregation in Maastricht - on Wednesday evenings, Thursday mornings with the men or Friday mornings with the women (or Monday evenings further away). Sometimes we are singing and speaking to one another in spiritual songs - on first Fridays or third Wednesdays. 

But more recently I had also added some other options. On Tuesday morning and evening I hold a consultation for those who have questions about God or the Bible. The Dutch allows me to make a play on words and offer a “Speaking hour” when they can come talk - about any question they might have. Mid-March I was going to start with a Bible study group in the city. That has been put on hold for a bit (corona), but we will see how that works out in the coming months. Modern technology and social media makes these kinds of meetings possible. 

But everyday we notice that there are opportunities to listen and speak - if we pay attention. And technology also makes this possible. And even necessary in ‘Corona” times. We call a member of the church who is housebound at the moment. We email or whatsapp other members who can use an encouraging word. We get a text message from people looking for help, or offering help. Everywhere, people are speaking. I hear the cashier repeating her litany and try to remember to look her in the eye and wish her a good day, thanking her for her work. I wave at the car behind me that just let me in, thanking them for their kindness. I listen to the young one tell all about the funny story (that he told me yesterday three times already). 

God wants to talk to me and you. He is always listening to me and you. And we are made in His image, made to be able to listen and speak. What conversations have you had recently? How has ‘social distancing’ affected your conversation?

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.                 Hebrews 1:1-2

Walking in the rain

Yesterday I took the dog out. I do that every day. Twice. In the morning it is usually a wonderful time to think, to pray, to be aware that it is a new day with God. In the evenings, especially now since the days are getting longer again, the sunset might remind me of the blessings that continue daily. Chester’s joy and simply running around, sniffing, putting his ‘signature’ everywhere he can, lifts my heart. 

But sometimes it is raining. We live in Belgium, after all. I almost always take the umbrella with me, whether I think it is raining or not - because it might start after I get going on the walk. And the wind might be blowing. Hard. Which doesn’t always go well with carrying an open umbrella (and why would I have the umbrella shut if it is raining?). Water streams across the path and my socks get wet. I pull down my cap over my ears on the mornings that it is still freezing (which are quickly passing away). 

But I am just thankful that I can be outside, walking. I know people who cannot go outside and they really miss it. People in these days are being asked (told) to stay inside. Don’t get together with others. Don’t meet. Don’t greet. Don’t touch. But I live in a place where there are not that many people. I can walk. I can put a coat on and go outside and walk. And I am with God, wherever I go. 

I am thankful for how blessed I am. And I am thankful that no matter where I go I can walk with the One who created me, who knows what is happening in my life, who guides me and gives me strength each morning as the sun rises (even when I do not see it) and calms my evenings with a beautiful sunset and a night of rest (if I am willing to accept it). Isn’t it amazing that the one thing God did with Adam and Eve in the garden was take a walk?

Take a walk today, even if you can’t. Spend time with Him and be thankful for all the good that He continues te provide. Some days are going to be harder than others. But He is walking with you. And that is what He has always wanted to do. 

If we are walking in the light ,as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus, his son, purifies us of all sin.  1 John 1:7

Chewing on meat

How precious it is to sit and share together at the table! This past week I was blessed again to spend a few days at ABSS - Advanced Bible Study Series in Gemünden, Germany with people from all over Europe. The lessons are always challenging on various levels and there is time and opportunity for real conversation about spiritual topics. It is also a time to meet new people and where young and old gather to learn from each other. 

I usually also go hoping to see and experience some snow, but that was certainly not to be this year. Instead, I was able to play some good, energetic basketball with a good group from Marseille. In the past we have played in the snow, we have played when we only had three and we have played with anyone - even those who don’t really know anything about basketball. This time we had at least 4x4, but the challenge was to play with a ball that was almost flat. Lots of passing, very little dribbling. 

As mentioned, the lessons challenge. This year brought questions about what third-culture leadership looks like. It even reminded me that anyone who is in Christ is essentially third-culture, as is anyone who is married. Another series asked us to look at our bias and consider how we approach others with the word of God. For me it was nice to get some lessons on Judges, since I will be teaching this at our Teen Camp this summer. It is always nice to get some information and different viewpoints at a week like this. 

Shirley and I are always apart during this study week. We cannot easily find someone for Chester for those days. At the end of this week (Thursday), Shirley heads out to the Ladies Retreat in Germany, so it will be her turn then for the challenging lessons, conversations and good fellowship. We are thankful that we have these opportunities and that we are able to take advantage of them. 

How has God been challenging your heart and mind around the table with others recently? 

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Ephesians 2:14-18

Winter Light

As usual, time flies by when you are not looking. And suddenly we are in the second month of a new year, having rushed through the last days of a decade (or do we still have one more year?). Although, to be honest, we did not really rush through December. We especially did our best to enjoy the few days we had with a Christmas visit from Sean and Jill. They could only spend a few days with us, but it was so good to enjoy meals together, laugh at some game times and just be able to hug on them before they headed back to the Big Apple. 

The end of December was a beautiful segue into the new year with Winterkamp in the Ardennes. In a weekend of winter sun, a intimate group of young people examined the powerful reality of silence - being quiet so that we can hear God and being silent so that He can do His work. It was a needed reminder of how mighty God is and how wonderful it is that He wants us to walk with Him. 

And suddenly, we were walking into a new year, a new decade (unless we have another year). But as always, this means simply taking one day at a time and giving that day to our King of kings. After a month of special get-togethers and activities, we returned to our ‘normal’ schedule of studies and days of service. As we have mentioned before, our week is never really quite ‘normal’, but it is an exciting flexible challenge where we are confronted with questions: What do you believe? What keeps you going? How do you serve? Who is on your team? 

I want to pay some attention to some of those questions in the coming days here as I find time. But for now, we are preparing for a Spring concert with Harding University chorus and looking at how we can help members from one of our supporting churches (Muscatine) serve while visiting us here and in Ghent. 

In the meantime, the crocuses have popped their heads out, down in the yard under the walnut tree. It froze this morning, after several weeks of warm weather, so we will hope they survive. Sunday is supposed to bring a storm (and many of you have already experienced challenging weather). But we walk in the light, as Jesus mentioned to His disciples. There is plenty to do. Thank you for your support and encouragement of us here, and thank you for your faithfulness in serving Him where you are. 
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  John 8:12

There are a few pictures up about our end-of-year activities (and some of Chester) if you are interested. 

Leave your jug behind

We have been reading through the gospel of John in our weekly study with the church here in Maastricht. This past Sunday the topic at the Lord's Supper mentioned the woman at the well (John 4). It was an interesting point I had not often stood still by: she left her jug. This woman who already had a difficult existence and was going to all this trouble to get what she needed that day (water) left her water there at the well after talking to Jesus.

This is the question for each of us as well. Is what we are running after, the ways we are trying to get what we think we want, really working for us? Are we willing, like the woman at the well, to give it up in favour of what Jesus is offering? Even more, do we truly understand, like that woman, that what he is offering IS much better? And that it is so important that we have to go tell others?

We have contact almost every day with people who are looking for love, looking for happiness, looking for fulfilment or acceptance. In their search, they end up in all sorts of places and positions in their lives that only make things worse. We know how it goes, because we have been there too. But we know better now. We know that what Jesus offers, really IS better, because He really is who He says He is. So we share this wonderful gift of grace - living water. A strength to be completely created anew - not into something we are not, but into that which we were meant to be.

Not everyone can see the reality of this gift. Some are too lost in what they have been doing all along for so long. "If I leave my jug, how will I get water again?" "If I leave this running-after-these-things that are supposed to make me happy, how will I be able to be happy ever again?" Some people have heard and go running, like the woman at the well, to proclaim to their neighbours: "Listen! This is important!" For us it is simply important to keep presenting what Jesus is offering: living water.

Jesus was simply himself, connecting with this woman. He offered her what is true, but unbelievable to her. We are offering what seems unbelievable, but is true. When she had questions, he answered honestly, without being politically correct. And he was clear without being judgemental when he let her know that he knew her real situation. He did not pretend it did not exist, he named it and left it with her. 

We are so very thankful for the people God brought into our lives to speak clarity and truth to us so that we could see the offer of Jesus. And we are so thankful that God wants to and is using us to do the same for others wherever we are. We keep praying for people to be willing to just leave the jugs behind.

Sweet Fellowship

We are so blessed to be in a place where so many countries come together. Geographically we are at the nexus of three countries and four language groups (the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium with Flemish and French speakers). We look forward to any time we get to gather with brothers and sisters from around the area. This builds us up and encourages the whole church. 

At the end of September we held our annual Family Day down at camp. Ardennen Bijbel Kamp is situated in the hills of the Ardennes where not too long ago soldiers died to defend democracy and justice. These days we gather as members of the church to encourage one another in living for truth and justice every day in the Lord. The congregation in Maastricht organized the day this year and it was great to be together with French-speakers as well as Dutch- and Flemish-speakers for the day. 

In October we spent time with our French-speaking brothers on our first Friday singing. Then, the very next day, we gathered in Cologne, Germany, with brothers and sisters from the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany for a day of fellowship and singing. How good is it to get to know and be encouraged by the family of God from all around us. We love using every opportunity to get together. 

Later in the month we got together again, this time in a more sportive atmosphere. The COPA Benelux is organized every year by members from the church in Ghent and is for all church members in the Benelux. This year I got to play on a team with members of the church from The Hague, Haarlem, Sint Niklaas (Belgium) and Maastricht. But we were also a mixture of Russians, Ukrainians, Dutch and American-Belgians. 

God has an amazing view on who we are and what we should and can be. We are made in His image, made to give, to share, to be together because we are created by Him. People are people, no matter where we are from or live. We are all able to become children of the King, no matter what we have done in the past. And then, suddenly, we are family. That is exciting news! Look around at the family God has in your neighborhood, at the family He has placed you in where you are. Be encouraged and be an encouragement. 

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.   Ephesians 3:14-21

A friend and brother

At Bret's wedding

Today is my brothers’ birthday. My older brother Chris and my brother from a different mother. Not that I have a half-brother. Bret is not really my brother. But he is truly my brother. He is the one who introduced me to Jesus and showed me what it means to do just that (introduce others to Jesus). 

Bret and I have been best friends since 9th grade. We have shared a love for science fiction and tastes in music. We have played in bands together, driven all over the country together and grown in faith together. He loved me enough as my best friend to tell me something that cut me to the core. And because of that I was able to go to God’s word and find out that I really did need forgiveness and salvation. 

We don’t see each other in person very often. Ever since meeting up again at our York College reunion in 2017, however, we DO see each other almost every week. We share a video call each week, touch base and pray for each other. I can talk about how God is using us and challenging us here, about our kid's lives, or about the newest story idea I have heard or book I have read. He can talk about his two little girls, his pregnant wife, his writing or his work with the congregation where he preaches. Across the miles (or kilometers) we remain not only best friends, but truly brothers. 

Cherish the people God has put in your life. Be for those around you the grace that God has brought into your life. I am so thankful for how God can change lives completely using such imperfect tools (us) in such amazing ways. Then again, this is God, who through Jesus calls us friends. He knows what it means. 

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.You are my friends if you do what I command.I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:12-15

A Campful Summer

Bible camp was a major influence in my path to faith in the Lord. That is why we are so thankful that we have the opportunity here to be involved in Bible camp with the youth of Belgium and the Netherlands as well as church members and families. As we returned to Europe we were just in time for several challenging and amazingly encouraging weeks of camp. 

Just two days after returning from our travels in the US, we were headed down to the hills and forests of the Ardennes for our first week: Jongerenkamp. This is the week for those 15 and older. Scott was to share camp director duties with two young men learning to be directors, but Ivo ended up welcoming his second child to this world – a much more important event compared to camp. 

That meant that Scott shared directing and teaching duties with Gijs Bardoel. On the mornings that Scott had the lessons, Gijs was director and vice-versa. Talking about the reliability of the scriptures led to wonderful and open conversations with the campers. It was so encouraging to see how everyone not only struggled honestly with the information presented, but that they were also willing to ask questions. 

Every evening we gathered around a fire outside and discussed difficult questions that came up during the day from the lessons, or just questions that popped up in normal life (like how to deal with a broken leg just before planning on helping with a week of camp). Everything was on the table. This was a group willing to consider and reconsider, willing to listen and willing to help one another. 

The end of the week was bittersweet as usual after such an encouraging time together. Shirley and Scott were thankful to have a week to recover from travels and a week of camp – even if the week at home meant temperatures well above 95 degrees inside the house. We just moved very slowly and tried to survive; not many have air conditioning here. Down at camp the Benjamins (8-11 year-olds), directed by Paul Brazle, also had to survive.  

The next week saw Scott at Teen camp (for 12-14 year-olds) teaching and sharing directing duties with Pieter Good from Ghent. As with the earlier week, a good team is invaluable. Although there were fewer campers at this week, the lesson material was challenging. We went on the travels of Paul through Acts to see what it should mean for us as followers of Jesus. Each day we actually traveled and discussed what we read in the text. 

The third week for us  (4th total week of camp) was Family camp, directed by Paul Brazle, and we were starting to feel the drain on our bodies. So we slept at home and drove down to camp in the morning (about 50 minutes away) to follow the lessons. Scott brought two days of lessons as well on the Gospel. This camp week is an amazing grouping of families, singles, young people, kids and even some dogs. Christians from various congregations and non-Christians were all there to hear what the good news really is. 

Although camp is open all year to all the congregations, the formal camp weeks are four weeks in July and August. But in September we also hold a special day: Family Day. This year it was organized by the congregation in Maastricht. Our colleague, Ruud, together with Gijs from Jongerenkamp, brought two lessons on Colossians 3. Scott led the children’s class and Shirley with the ladies from Maastricht took care of lunch, coffee and cookies. We welcomed people from all over Belgium and the Netherlands, including our French-speaking brothers and sisters for a truly family day. 

This coming weekend will see the end of the camp season: an evaluation and planning meeting. Here we evaluate the past weeks and look ahead to the coming season (starting with Fall camp at the end of October). Ardennes Bible Camp has been influencing people since 1965 and we are so thankful that we can be a part of this history. 

If you are interested in seeing pictures of the various camp weeks, check out our picture site, but you can also go to the official camp website (in Dutch) where we have tried to gather some of the pictures from various photographers through the years (including some really oldies but goodies). 

The Tale of the Passe-partout

Passe-partout: something that passes everywhere or provides universal passage, OR a simple picture frame. 

We had hoped, after our troubles from the middle of our trip in Denver when we discovered Shirley’s passport missing, that we could get things solved in California. The red tape in Arkansas tangled us up in that case and we had to have our marriage certificate sent to New York. We had been able to make the last appointment available on the day before we were to fly back to Belgium. We had no idea if we would be able to get a new passport for Shirley in one day or not, but the adventure had begun and we had to carry on. 

As we said goodbye to Scott’s mom, we looked forward to our last day together with Sean and Jill in New York. We had an appointment at the passport agency, but had no idea how long it would take. Pictures of the DMV rose in our minds, especially since they specifically warn those with an appointment to come “at least” 30 minutes prior to the appointment to make sure that you get in on time. 

Arriving at the address we saw a line already posted outside the building, snaking its way to the entrance where guards helped the line to enter in an orderly manner. When we approached, they asked if we had an appointment and then waved us in in front of those who were standing in line. We passed through security (remove belt and all metal, place everything in a basket, walk through the metal detector) and went on to the elevator which took us to the 10th floor. 

Upstairs we joined a room full of people sitting patiently and a line of people crawling around the room until they came to the windows at the front behind which someone was telling them something. We got in line and crawled. When it was our turn we were given a paper to fill in (even though I had filled this paper in online) and told to return with the paper filled in completey and correctly. 

The form said it could only be filled in in black ink. My pen was blue. I didn’t know if I should wait in line again in order to ask if I could use blue or not. I skipped in line and asked quickly at the window and was informed that blue was fine. When we finally returned to the window with our filled-in form, we were given a number for another room and told that it might be a few hours. 

We did not want to leave and run the chance of not getting back in, so we found a place to sit and wait. This was easier said than done. Both rooms were filled to the brim, as was the hall and all the available wall space to lean onself against. Thankfully, a younger woman and her mother saw us and squinched together to create space for one to sit. Later, someone was called up, leaving space for me to sit as well. 

These rooms were filled with all sorts of people and I longed to know some of the stories. Some were there with their children, others with what must be a new spouse. Some spoke foreign languages to one another. Most simply stared ahead and waited to hear their name called off. The mother and daughter next to us were Spanish-speaking. A later group of ladies spoke Creole and I recognized the bit of French in it. There was an Asian couple with their young son. A young anglo man waited. Perhaps a student or getting a passport for the first time. Everyone had a story. 

As the people exited the room to our right, the room we waited to enter when they would call our name, they mostly left with smiles on their faces. They each had a blue piece of paper and most were clutching their new, dark blue passport. Some were met by those who were waiting for them in the hall or adjoining room. Some were simply in a hurry and left quickly with concern and stress grimacing their features. And then we heard Shirley’s name. 

This meant that we could now join the line crawling to the front of the second room where people behind glass were talking to those approaching and handing out a blue piece of paper and a passport. As we got closer to the window, a man approached with his daughter. He simply walked up to the window and stated that he had to catch a flight in 90 minutes – could he skip the line? The person behind the window informed him that many people were waiting and also had urgent appointments. Several in the line informed him of the same. Still, he was able to get someone to allow him in front. I wonder if he made his flight. The passport was for his daughter. 

We arrived at the window and received the blue paper (it held our important papers, including our marriage certificate) and the passport for Shirley. It was done! We had made it. We understood completely the looks on the faces of all those who had preceded us out of the room. An involuntary smile was the least that would happen, simply because the stress was over. We smiled at those we passed as we went to the elevator and exited the building. 

The sun was shining outside, we were joining Sean and Jill for dinner and we were finally, formally at peace with the world of administration and bureaucracy – for now, in this country. We enjoyed the New York City sunset in a picture-perfect evening, thankful for how we had been blessed, not only with the outcome of this adventure, but with the experience of being carried along the whole time.

The Tale of the Big Apple

New York, New York. New York State of Mind. Feelin’ Groovy. Yes, we made it to the Big Apple, New York City. All sorts of preconceptions and expectations which are met by reality and true experience. Our arrival was no let down, in any case. As befits a city of this size, this tale will trail on longer than most. But we did not have to rush anywhere, so we could simply sit back and experience things as they came. 

Our first Lyft ride ever went surprisingly well, considering we only had wifi (and therefore contact with the service) until we stepped outside the airport to wait for our car. Thankfully, the info on the car was loaded before we stepped outside. The drive to our AirBnB was a journey of sights and sounds of city, highway and neighborhood. Our temporary home was a 10-15 minute walk from Sean and Jill’s place in a row of brownstones in a mostly Puerto Rican neighborhood (or so it seemed). Lots of sounds and smells and life. 

After meeting our hosts and getting installed, we were able to hug on Sean who had come to take us to his place – a sort of warehouse where they live together with some others in a sort of communal arrangement. This means that they have an amazing home atmosphere with a private space for a reasonable price in the city. It even includes a garden area where Jill was already growing cucumber, zucchini, eggplant and more. We enjoyed a meal together, catching up on the time we had missed. Simply being able to sit together, to touch, to laugh or be concerned as parents will be, thrilled our hearts. The dinner in the garden with fairy lights shining in the late New York city evening seemed the perfect atmosphere for another song. 

Plans were made and adapted. Scott’s mom was to arrive from upstate New York that evening, but things went a bit awry. Still, all worked out for a couple of days exploring in the concrete tourist-teeming jungle of The City. It worked out extremely well in the end that Scott’s mom (Patty) had her hotel right downtown on Times Square. This turned out to be our Headquarters, watering hole, rest place and cooling-off spot. Sean and Jill met us at the metro near our place and we headed out to Manhattan, meeting up at Patty’s in Time Square. 

What is it like to see your son after years? How do you first react to meeting your granddaughter-in-love for the first time and seeing your grandson? How good is it to hold on tight and take the time to share thoughts. Suffice it to say that we spent plenty of time before heading out into the city, but it was a wonderful homecoming. We talked excitedly about our plans for the day – a bus tour to all the sites so that we could see plenty and still save some energy. You can see our pictures here. 

The Chrysler building, Macy’s, a bit of Chinatown and Little Italy, the UN and much more. The fun of the bus tour was being together, hearing some history and getting to see so much more than we would have if we were to have tried to walk. Scott was intrigued by the repetitive ‘zorro’ slash of the fire escapes on many of the buildings. Of course we were tourists, but we were also family together. 

Visits often revolve around food. We have to eat, after all. And eating together is a way of sharing. But Sean and Jill are vegans. Scott and Shirley eat gluten-free. And all of us want to eat something delicious. We were blessed by Jill considering and finding good compromises. So we stopped at Chipotle in the city for lunch and headed out for the cable-car to Roosevelt Island after taking a side trip to Trump Tower. It began to sprinkle a bit and Patty was reaching the end of her energy, so Jill sat with a monkey umbrella protecting grandma while the rest caught a glimpse of ‘Manhattanhenge’. 

After returning to Patty Headquarters, watering up and leaving mom/grandma to rest for the evening (but she has her own very intriguing story if you are interested), we visited Grand Central Station, picked up some food at a street vendor and ate it in the rain in a local park before heading back home for the day. Amazing how much can be packed into one day in an amazing place with people you love. 

The following day we met Sean and Jill and worshipped together with the church in Manhattan before searching again for a good place to share a meal. This time it was a place with more vegan options and gave us a good opportunity to discuss the morning’s content in depth. The sun continued shining as we walked through Central Park, enjoying climbing rocks, listening to a cappella shooby-wap and wondering at some strange bird habits. We picked up Patty at headquarters and marveled at her Warrior Grandma Shoes. She was ready for the day (and they truly helped). 

Adventure is around any corner, wherever you go. That always depends on your attitude, not the circumstances. So we met the adventure of the metro (and all the stairs that one needs to climb in order to participate in this activity) as we made our way to the Staten Island Ferry. Scott is his mother’s son – both spent much of the time either meeting new people or taking pictures – of Lady Liberty, Ellis Island, of the city in the background, sprouting from the water. And this could be repeated once we made it to the other side and returned. 

From the ferry we were just around the corner from Freedom Tower and the 9/11 monuments. The setting sun glowed solemnly as we considered the history of this spot. So many thoughts and considerations tumbling around in our brains as we watched the tears streaming down the monuments. It had only been two days, but our time was almost ending.

Back at headquarters in Time Square we decided on a place to eat and sat to table together for the last time – at this time. Jill had an appointment the next day, so Patty would say goodbye to her granddaughter-in-love. After returning to Patty headquarters one last time we got some pictures at Time Square and headed home for the evening. 

The third day was a day of tasks and trips. Scott, Shirley and Sean took Patty to Penn Station where she would catch her train back to Rochester (another exciting adventure, but that is not our story to tell). We then stopped at the food court for something to eat (this time from a very vegan restaurant) before we headed off to the conclusion of The Passed Port: picking up Shirley’s passport. But that is another story to be told next time. Our time after that episode – several hours later – was filled with pizza, people-talk, strolls along the river in the sunset and ice cream in the evening glow of the city. This was our goodbye to our daughter-in-love, since we would not see her the next morning before we left for our flight back to Belgium. 

After an amazing walk the next day over the Brooklyn Bridge and lunch in Chinatown, our visit to the Big Apple ended as it had begun, with a Lyft and the airport. The city had been all that we had heard. It had wooed us, intrigued us, wearied us and shooed us on our way, leaving us with the taste of more and a desire to come again. If our children remain there, struggling to fit in and make their mark on this behemoth which swallows grateful inhabitants, then we will return and enjoy once again the adventures that we encounter along the way. 

Tales of a marriage entangled in red tape

We have been married almost 35 years. We know that for sure. We have never really needed our marriage certificate in order to prove it, we remember the ceremony, the people who were present. Even on this trip we were able to reminisce with Daniel who sang that day, with Tonita who was maid-of-honor and with Bret who was best man. We don’t have a lot of pictures of the day (We left that very evening and took the film with us; it later died in our refirgerator before we got the chance to develop it), but we all remember the day. 

We remember looking into each other’s eyes. Saying our vows. Listening to Ron (Bret’s dad) pronounce us “man and wife”, and signing the cretificate. We were married on Friday, December 21, 1984. It was just before Christmas, which ended up playing a big part in this tale, although we did not know that until now. By Sunday we were in Abilene, Texas, beginning our life with the congregation of 11th and Willis (which you can read about in The Tale of the Old Friend). We still remember that afternoon in the church building of Cloverdale church of Christ in Searcy, Arkansas. We know we have been married for almost 35 years. 

Several years back, when we “moved” internally in our house here in Belgium, we somehow lost some of our important papers. We have been looking for them ever since, but thought it wise, since we would be in the US, to get copies. That is why we picked up a copy of Shirley’s birth certificate in Omaha and ordered a copy of our marriage certificate while in Minnesota. We ordered it online, since we would not be visiting Arkansas. No problem, everything is done digitally these days. As it turned out, it was good that we order this, since it was also the only piece of paper that could prove that Shirley was actually named “Raab” (see the Tale of the Pssed Port”). 

We had gotten news that all would be sent to Long Beach (which is where I knew we would be long enough to pick up mail). We even received news from the secretary at Long Beach that mail from Arkansas had arrived. Now all we had to do was pick it up. We had an appointment planned at the passport agency in Los Angeles for two days after we arrived in Long Beach. Then we would have everything solved. 

This, of course, did not account for red tape, Christmas, a story we have not yet heard (and may never hear). You see, what was waiting for us in Long Beach, the letter from Arkansas, was not our marriage certificate copy which would help us at the passport agency appointment early on a Wednesday morning in LA, it was a leter stating that they could not find any record of Scott Patrick Raab marrying Shirley Patrick Walker on December 21, 1984 in Searcy, Arkansas. I still have no idea how they gave Shirley my middle name. But I understood immediately that this meant that we would not be able to go to the passport agency on Wednesday morning. 

Rescheduling for the passport in Los Angeles was not possible. The only opening was in New York City on July 8 (the day before we would fly back to Belgium). More on that story later, what we were mostly wondering and needing was information about our marriage certificate. We still needed this piece of paper. How could they have gotten it wrong? And what were we to do now? 

We re-applied for a new certificate copy and made sure that all information was correct. We called to see how quickly this could be sent and found out that it could take up to two weeks (longer than we were in Long Beach). Within a few days we had notice that our new request had been processed – a letter arrived at the church building…. Stating that there was no record of a marriage between Shirley Patrick Walker and Scott Patrick Raab. Once again, the digital demon had done its work. Or at least that is what we thought. How could they keep getting the name wrong? 

We called Little Rock to get more information and that is when I met Tywanna. In the next few days Tywanna would come to know my phone number and name (“Well, hello mr. Scott”) quite well as we tried to get things worked out. In the end she stated, “I am glad it all worked out. Now I don’t want to hear from you again.” It was only because of her perseverance that we really are (officially, according to Arkansas) married. 

Through several days of telephone tag, calling to Searcy, back to Little Rock, and back to Searcy we weer able to find the correct record (which could not be found in Little Rock). It was Monday, July 1 at almost 4:30 pm. July 4th everything would be closed and we would leave Long Beach on July 5th. This was our last chance. Tywanna made sure it all got off on time. What arrived was incorrect. 

We found out that: 1) the person who filed our information at city hall in Searcy did a sloppy job. Our names were incorrect, our birthdates were all the same, even the date that it was filed was impossible (filed as January 1, 1984 – when the marriage date was clearly stated as December 21, 1984). That is a story we may never hear, but the filing was made on December 24 – Christmas eve and a Monday. What it meant was that we had to call Tywanna again. She was not happy, but she got right onto it. 

We called the clerk in Searcy again and she fixed everything while I waited on the phone and then faxed it to Tywanna. Tywanna had to go to another part of the office to find the person to Fed-Ex it to us, but by now it would not make it to us in Long Beach. It was already July 3rd. So we had to have it sent to Sean’s address in New York City. He lives in a warehouse. We prayed that all would go well and arrive on time. More importantly, that it would be correct. 

Before we arrived in New York on the 5th we received notice from Sean that all had arrived safely. We were finally officially married! Mind you, we had had a marriage certificate which was correct since the day we were married. Somehow, that offical piece of paper, which we still hope to find, never made it into the archives of Searcy or Little Rock, Arkansas. But it’s there now. We are so thankful for Tywanna (she went above and beyond) but we are more than thankful for the almost 35 years we have been together – with and without red tape. 

The Tale of the Long Beach

Where would you like to escape to on vacation? Many people think of sitting in the sun on a snady beach, enjoying the sun and sea, listening to gulls and the crashing of the waves. Others imagine climbing a mountain and tasting from crystal clear mountain streams while calling out echoes from the mountaintop or hearing the eagle cry in the distance. We have been blessed by how God has supported us in our efforts to serve Him through the years in that we get to travel all over the US, visiting our church homes who for so long have supported us and love not only us but those we work with as well. 

This means that we also have a home in Long Beach, California. The last time we were here in 2016 was the last time that Sean would travel with us, so we made a road trip (as we had done with Stephan’s last trip with us in 2010). In the begin years, our visits here (Long Beach has supported us from the beginning in 1990) included visits to Disneyland and all sorts of fun places for the boys (provided lovingly by members). But this year we were traveling from an empty nest to the city on the beach. 

Now we had time to spend with so many who have been family and have become the deepest of friends. And we also were blessed to make new friends, as often happens on our trips, since we are visiting a congregation that we have not seen for three years. New people arrive whom we have never met. In this case that included the new preacher and his wife and the other missionary family supported by the congregation. 

We knew the Brittons, who have worked in Uganda for 13 years; we simply had never met them. For years we and they would be back on furlough, visiting in Long Beach, but always at different times, often missing each other by a matter of a week or two. This was the first time we finally got to sit down together and share stories and get to know one another. Most of this was done around good potluck-style meals, of course. We even shared good fun at a church party around the 4th of July. 

Our home time here for the past 12 years has been the beuatiful home of Kerry and Marisol Jablonski. From their home just around the corner from the church building (by California standards) with swimming pool, putting course, precious cats and more, we have always been welcomed as family from the first moment. Stephan and Sean have helped prepare for and serve at a family wedding, and we have all been welcomed by all the members of the family. 

This year was no different. After spending an evening together watching the sun set behind the Queen Mary or visiting with other church family, we would come back to the house on the golf course, be welcomed by the cat and our family who has adopted us with whom we could sit comfortably on the couch and discuss the day or any other topic. Ice cream or some other snack in hand, feet tucked comfortably under our legs, we would share the day and plan the next. 

We shared our frustrations with red tape (another tale coming up), our joy in visiting our sister-in-love and nephew in San Diego, tears or worries about family concerns on both sides, and laughter at how we are getting old. Our time in California came to a close after a wonderful evening at a 4th of July party and fireworks, almost as if it were sending us off well on our way to our next stop – the Big Apple. From coast to coast, we are thankful for God’s good care through His wonderful family in so many places. 

Enjoy the pictures of some of the people in our lives in California. And enjoy the people God has brought into your life today, remembering that He has also brought YOU into other people’s lives to touch them with His love as well.