Mission Safari: The Next Chapter(s)

Reflection of a Month in Belgium

We have basically concluded our month in Belgium for our Pre-Field Training. What follows is the Reflection Paper that I submitted commenting on some of the most important lessons learned this month. It is my attempt to be honest and accurate about the process here. Enjoy!
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How do you summarize an intense, challenging, thought provoking, emotionally difficult month into one 5-7 page paper? Is it possible in the midst of the process to accurately relate the impact of the month on our understanding of ourselves, other cultures, and missions? Although the month has been filled with some intense emotional times for me and my family, I am glad that we have participated. I am hopeful that my observations of the Belgian culture and observations of myself and my family will have important ramifications for our lives in Kenya.

Before we arrived, I was trying to understand how immersing my family in the Belgian culture would have any relevance for Kenya. However, I have a better understanding of the skills that are needed to do this more successfully.

It’s a Party!

Life is a paradox. In one 7 day span, we have rejoiced, mourned, and celebrated. Today was Marti’s birthday. Despite the recent pain, we were able to rejoice and celebrate the day she was born.

It started this morning with “breakfast in bed”. In actuality, she overslept and so we had to bring her some breakfast. But we decided to open her presents. Sarah gave her some beautiful handmade Belgian linen tea napkins and special teaspoons. The boys and I gave her a table runner and matching placements with napkins (also all handmade). She was delighted to receive them.

This afternoon, a few of her friends took her out for tea and coffee. They really enjoyed some girl time together. Because they had “too much” fun, we were almost late getting to the restaurant for dinner. We visited the café where I have befriended the owners. They gave us a special table in the corner, beautifully decorated. They then served us a specially prepared meal (it’s not on the menu). They even gave Marti a birthday card! They topped it off with a homemade “Belgian” birthday cake; it was a pie crust with vanilla crème topped with fresh fruits (peaches, strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, grapes, cherries, and apricots). They presented it with loud birthday music!

Although this had been a wonderful day of celebration, we were just beginning. When we arrived back at the dorms we have been calling home the past 3 weeks, we opened the door to our commons area to a candlelit room with all the participants blowing horns and singing “Happy Birthday”. It was Marti’s first surprise birthday party. She was overwhelmed by the gathering, the wonderful candles, the treats, and the presents. We celebrated with laughter and great fellowship.

It reminded me of one of the lessons we learned last week. One of our professors made this statement:

“The Christian life should look like a party.” John Leonard

Think about how many times we see Jesus sitting around breaking bread with folks. In fact His ministry was publicly started at a wedding feast. He told parables about feasts and parties. He invites us to participate in feasts. In fact, He tells us that if we are too busy with the concerns about life, we will be “dis-invited” - He will bring in others.

Think about it. How many of our churches look like parties?

Weep With Those That Weep

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15

No truer words could have been spoken last week. These became both prophetic and encouraging words. No sooner had Marti and I begin to rejoice, did we have to swallow the bitterness of mourning.

When I returned tired and dazed from 24 hours of travel last Sunday/Monday, I was greeted with eager smiles and hugs from Marti and the kids. I thought it was awesome. Then, I learned that Marti wanted to give me a gift. I thought that a bit odd, as I am usually the gift-giver when I return from a trip. But nonetheless, she had a special card for me. What I learned was so delightful and renewing after the long period of travel from New York City to Ghent, Belgium – I learned that she was pregnant again; she was about 5 weeks pregnant. We were so enthusiastic and hopeful, despite the fact that she had her third miscarriage last summer.

Tuesday morning, during our worship time with the other missionaries, we proclaimed the good news of Marti’s pregnancy. We asked for prayers for the baby and Marti. The others shared in this joyful news. However, it would not last for long.

On Wednesday, Marti started to have some spotting and cramps. I was “forced” into the dual role of concerned husband and optimistic physician. I did neither well. Marti became very discouraged, very upset. I tried to encourage her, but felt half-hearted in my attempts. I did not want to go through another miscarriage.

On Thursday, Marti woke up with lots of bleeding. She was miscarrying for the fourth time. Of her seven pregnancies, we had now lost 4. We had a “losing” record. We began to weep. We were thousands of miles away from home and our friends, and were surrounded with people we barely knew. Or so we thought.

As Marti stayed in her room, I forced myself to go to the meetings. As was our custom, we huddled in our “region” areas for a time of prayer. All I asked was that people pray for Marti – she was bleeding. As my new friends began to pray, I began to cry silently. The reality of another loss reopened the wounds of the previous losses.

Sarah went up to the room. She had an important time with Marti to share her hurts. She wept, as did Marti. Sarah was greatly saddened by this. She wanted to know why this was happening. She wanted to know why God would take our baby – again.

During our morning sessions, our teacher (a professor at Westminster Theological Seminary) taught on contexualization. He talked about how we as Americans need to be aware of how our “rugged individualism” impacts how we view and experience church life. He talked about how we tend to focus on the individual and the spiritual, leaving out the community and the physical. He challenged us to find ways to make the Gospel more tangible.

It was during the rest of the afternoon that I experienced what he was teaching. During lunch, we met again with our regional group. By that time it was clear that Marti was having a miscarriage. The group wanted to pray again for us. This time I began to weep. Tears of pain and discouragement flowed. I could barely breathe. My “community” laid their hands on me and lifted me and Marti up to the Lord. They began to weep.

When I checked in on Marti, I found that some other women had already come by the room. Some had brought flowers, some brought candies, some brought cards – they all brought hugs and tears. They all took time to weep with us as we wept.

Later that afternoon, another friend brought us a small lace handkerchief and two cold sodas. Sarah was with us. As Marti and her friend hugged, they wept together. Sarah was curious.

“Why is she crying too,” she asked.
I answered, “She is being a tangible expression of the gospel.”
“Huh??” Sarah replied.
I explained, “By bringing by special gifts, cards, candy, and drinks, our friends are telling us that they love us. This is how we understand that God loves us.”
After a few moments, Sarah said, “I guess I am glad that we were here when we had this miscarriage so that we can know that God does love us.”

Yes, Sarah, I am glad too. I don’t understand all the “why’s” of the situation, but because the body of believers around here wept with us, I know that God does love us.

Decadence, Not Diversity

My last few hours in New York City reminded me that we do live in a darkening culture. In the past few posts, I have gushed about what is “right” about New York City. Overall, I have found the folks and city kinder and easy going than the reputation it has. However, on my way to the airport I was reminded that it (and America) has a dark side.

New Yorkers are proud of their pluralistic and diverse communities; and they should be. There are literally communities from all over the world represented in their city of 8 million people. New Yorkers also place a high premium on tolerance and acceptance. However, sexual practices and orientation do not make a place or culture “diverse”. New Yorkers (and again America) have mistakenly taken that notion of sexual diversity equals cultural diversity.

The tolerance of sexual deviance is “loud and clear.”

Christian Spirituality

Today at Redeemer PCA in NYC, they started the service with this excellent quote by Eugene Peterson.

Christian Spirituality, the contemplative life, is not about us. It is about God. The great weakness of American spirituality is that it is all about us: fulfilling our potential, getting the blessings of God, expanding our influence, finding our gifts, getting a handle on principles by which we can get an edge over the competition. The more there is of us, the less there is of God...we are not the subject. Nor are we the action. WE get included by means of a few prepositions: God with us (Matt. 1:23), Christ in me (Gal. 2:20), God for us (Rom. 8:31). With, in, for: They are powerful, connecting, relation-forming words, but none of them makes us either the subject of the predicate. We are the tag-end of a prepositional phrase.... The prepositions that join us to God and God's action in us within the world - the with, the in, the for- are very important, but they are essentially a matter of the ways and means of being in on, and participating in what God is doing.

WOW!

Friends

I spent the day in New York City. Did you say New York City? Yep, N.Y.C. I flew back from Belgium yesterday to take my Family Practice Boards tomorrow (Saturday the 17th for those of you so inclined to pray!). Anyway, I flew in yesterday to give myself two nights of sleep to try to adjust back to 6 time zones. But, not wanting to waste an opportunity to take in some sights, I spent the day visiting around Manhattan.

I started the day with a short 25 minute jog up 7th past Times Square and then over to 5th avenue. I showered, grabbed a bite of breakfast at Starbucks and started my tour. I ended up taking the subway down to Staten Island Ferry just to ride across and back so I could see the Statue of Liberty and the Financial District from the water. After that journey, I went over and caught a walking tour of the Wall Street area - that was very interesting. I then caught the subway up to Grand Central Station and met up with a friend who recently moved here. At that point it was supper time and I caught a bus down to Little Italy and found a place to get some Open Fire cooked Pizza.

While there, I looked down the street and recognized the restaraunt that my former business partner and I ate with our two sons when we visited NYC last summer. It brought back a bunch of good memories. I so enjoyed the moment of eating outside looking at the other cafe that I called my friend and told him where I was. We spent the time remembering the trip last year and catching up on current news with each other. I am glad I called.

And it got me to thinking about how special friends are. I mean, here I was in a city of over 7 million folks, with thousands of other tourists, and while I was eating by myself, I wanted to share the moment with someone who would appreciate the setting of the moment.

God is good to give us friends. He even tells us in Proverbs that "there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." We can not understand that text unless we know the beauty of friendship. Neither can we understand the Last Supper unless we grasp the depth of friendship that Jesus shared with men around the table. And neither can we agree with the hymnist who writes, "What a Friend we have in Jesus". He is our God, our King, our Saviour, our Brother, and our Friend.

So thank God for your close friends. They not only help us process, endure, and enjoy the present day, but they help us to understand the community of the Trinity and the relationship that we can enjoy with Jesus our Friend.

Why Do We Expect So Little of God?

-Ghent, Belgium
-July 14, 2004

I wonder why so often we expect so little of God? Why do we go about some of our tasks in life and ministry as if so much depended on us and so little on Him? Or why do we think that He is not interested in the details of our lives? Why?

Today, I have learned once again that I expect so little of God. Because Sam was sick last night, up with a cold and cough, I stayed with him during the morning sessions (Marti stayed with him yesterday). I decided to use the time to pack for my quick 3 day trip back to the States for my Family Practice Board exam on Saturday. Although it seemed mundane, it did give me and Sam some one on one time. I am thankful for that.

This afternoon I headed back out for my field work. But before I share what happened, let me give you an idea of what our “field work” entails. During this Pre-Field Training period, we are receiving training in “how” to learn a language and a culture so that we will be better prepared to do so once we get to Kenya. To do this we have been having lectures in the morning and then “field” exercises in the afternoon. Hopefully the practical application of the field sessions will give us some confidence in putting into place the knowledge we receive in the mornings. Still with me?

Anyway, our assignments in the afternoon are to go around this city and start connecting with the Flemish and the Turkish communities that live here. We have some data we are to collect over the next couple of weeks that will be distilled and passed on to the missionaries and national pastors here. So although they are “exercises” they are for “real”.

Now, let me resume my story from this afternoon. Marti stayed with Sam while he napped and I took Ben with me. We went back to the café (the one I described in “A Belgian Café”). The name of the café is Michele’s. The owner, Patrick, was happy to see us again. Although he had other customers, he came and sat with us for about 45 minutes. We first discussed bringing some of our group (there are about 40 adults here) for a dinner date to get a taste of Belgium. After that we discussed family life and the attitude of the young people here; sadly they face the same problems here as we do in America. As he was getting a bit busier, we said our good-byes and we promised to visit again next week.

I then decided to visit one of the hospitals here. Across from the church that the missionaries are working with was one of the larger hospitals in town. I took Ben inside to get a bird’s eye view of the place. After about 10 minutes, I decided to approach the Information Desk, introduce myself as a physician from the U.S., and ask if I could arrange sometime a tour of the hospital. The friendly lady asked to wait a moment and she would try to do this. About 10 minutes later, a gentleman approached me and kindly introduced himself as the Medical Director of the hospital. I was stunned and surprised. To make an already long story short, he spent 45 minutes telling me about the hospital, showing me the Emergency Room and Radiology Departments, and explaining the Belgian medical education situation, as well as the medical reimbursement and malpractice situation. He then invited me back.

Even as I write this, I am still amazed at how the doors seem to be all ready for me to walk through and engage in some meaningful conversations. But why should I be amazed? Haven’t I asked my prayer partners to pray that God would prepare the way this month? Haven’t I asked God to guide me and give me wisdom for the tasks? Why do I doubt? Why do I have such little faith that He would answer these prayers? Why do I expect so little from a Sovereign God?

I am humbled and amazed. I cringe when I look back and see all the answered prayers in the past that I did not recognize. God is interested in the details of our lives. He is interested in opening doors. He is interested in seeing His name glorified because of what He has done in our lives.

A Belgian Cafe

-Ghent, Belgium
-July 12

We started our "field work" yesterday. We were divided into groups based on our language learning group from last week. Somehow I was chosen leader of our group. My first question to the group was "what was your preference type on the Myers-Briggs". Somewhat to my consternation, I was not the only Introvert - our whole group of 5 scored in the introvert preference(I know some of you will not believe that I am an introvert but it is true) . I realized right away that we would need to take the next two week project a bit slower.

I decided (with the groups consent) that it might be best to "test the waters" in a situation where it would be natural to engage in conversation; I thought we might do best just going to a cafe, ordering a coffee, and eventually ask the waitress a few questions. Everyone thought this was a good idea. It was "safe" and we would enjoy ourselves.

Having spent Sunday in the central part of the city, I thought of a small coffeehouse that might be ideal. It was right next to the castle we visited. We arrived at the cafe around 3:30pm. There was only one customer. The waitress came and took our orders. However, in the typical European style she did not check on us much at all. Just when I was contriving to get her to come to our table, the owner came out of the bathroom situated near our table.

We told him how we liked the cafe. We inquired when it had opened. He told us "three days ago". We were amazed. He then talked about his cafe, asked why were there, and so on. He ended up sitting down with us for 1.5 hours. We were amazed.

He told us a lot about the Belgian and European mindset. At one point he said that Belgians did not dislike Americans. He said that they even look up to America and want to be shown the way - just not the wrong way. Then He shared about why he opened up his shop. He shared why the Belgians were so opposed to the war in Iraq. It was extremely insightful to hear his perspective. He then said that he would be happy to help us in our "studies" this month. His wife even joined in the conversation and invited to come daily at 3pm to learn Flemish (or Dutch).

We were amazed at God's provision. Our group had been anxious about going out and "meeting" people. God lead us to this cafe. We were just hoping to "get through" our first day. We were hoping for a teaspoon of water but God provided a 2 liter bottle of our favorite drink.

Pray for us as we develop this relationship. Pray that it will lead to conversations not just about American ways, but about "THE WAY". Pray that this will lead to other opportunities to influence this community for Christ. Pray that the information will be useful for the missionaries and pastors here.

Culture Adjustment

- Ghent, Belgium
- July 11

As good as Saturday was, Sunday was difficult. It started well, but as the day wore on, I struggled. I think it was really the first time that I had time to stop and “think” about what life is like here. I understood better why some folks describe Europe as being the dark continent.

After breakfast, we decided to spend the day in Ghent (church was in the evening). We got on the bus and connected with the tram and ended up near the center of town. We easily found our way to a 12th century castle. The boys were excited to go to “guy” place since we spent Saturday at “girl” places (romantic Italian restaurant, lace shop, and chocolate shop). It was indeed very interesting with all kinds of preserved swords, knives, guns, and suits of armor. We went up into the castle through tight spiral staircases and ended up on the lookout areas. However, the realization that this was indeed a castle from the dark ages became manifest when we visited the torture chamber.

There in this castle was a room full of “tools” used in torturing people. It was both fascinating and revolting at the same time. I had an overwhelming sense of darkness come over that did not resolve for the rest of the day. It definitely impacted me in a significant way. It really impacted all of us as we all became a bit more edgy and irritable.

As the day wore on, I began to look around at the folks around me. I realized that many folks walk around with a blank stare. Very few folks make eye contact. Voices are low. There is very little animation in their voices or actions. People are very reserved. Then I began to notice that there were not very many families out and about, just adults.

Although it was a bit of a bummer, I am glad that I had a “bad” day. It helped me appreciate the need for missionaries here. It is easy to understand why “third-world” countries “need” missionaries when poverty and need is so obvious. It is harder to understand the need initially when a country is “modern”.

Lord, help us to understand more fully that despite modern advances countries are dark without the presence of Your Son.

More to the World than just America

- Ghent, Belgium
- July 10, 2004

Saturday was a pretty good day for us. The morning was spent doing a few “team dynamics” exercises. They were very enlightening about ourselves personally as well as MTW corporately.

The afternoon and evening were spent in Brussels. After Sam took a good nap (a necessary ingredient for all of us to have an enjoyable day!) we ventured down to the train station and caught the train to Brussels. It was a short 25 minute ride with no stops.

We got off at the Brussels Central station and walked a few blocks to the Grand Place. It has been described as the jewel of the city. We got our bearings and then decided on Italian for dinner. We walked into the Napoli Italian restaurant. We were greeted by smiling faces and delicious aromas. The atmosphere was superb; it was warm and we felt at home. In fact, near the end of our incredibly tasty meal, Sarah said, “This restaurant would be a great place to come for a honeymoon!” Although I am not quite ready to hear such statements from her, I at least welcomed her understanding of the importance of atmosphere, ambience, and good food.

After that we wandered around the Grand Place. We first visited a lace shop where Sarah picked out her doll. Ever since she was born, I have always bought her a doll from whatever country I have visited. It was fun to let her pick this one out with me. She picked a doll that was sitting making lace. She had a red velvet dress and was adorned with handmade lace. It was gorgeous.

Walking out of the Lace Shop, we visited the Godiva Chocolate Shop next door. They had some fresh dipped chocolate strawberries. Umm, I can still taste the sweetness. We continued to mill around Grand Place for another hour or so looking at the buildings and architecture.

It was a great family day. It was good to “get away” from the campus where we are lodged. The best part of the day was hearing Sarah these words,

“You know, I think when I grow up and have kids I am going to take them to different places in the world and let them experience that there is more to life than just America.”

Yet Another Use for Duct Tape

- Ghent, Belgium
- July 10

Duct tape. The universally revered and reviled adhesive tape. It has been the butt of jokes. It has appeared on TV commercials. It even has numerous websites (check out Duct Tape Guys and Duct Tape Fashions ). It even has studied and beneficial uses in medicine (which I have used). But never did I think that I would ever use it to treat an Ankle Sprain.

Earlier this week I mentioned being on call and having to take one of our participants to the local physician to get her plaster splint removed. She has been making pretty good progress. Today, however, she was wanting to go do some sight-seeing which would require quite a bit of walking. She asked if I would "tape" her ankle so she could ditch the splint. So....I said "sure".

As you have already imagined, we did not have the "appropriate" supplies for a good sports medicine ankle taping. However, as all good missionaries do, we decided to IMPROVISE. It was a fun experience. And it seemed to be rigid enough; she didn't have much motion in her ankle laterally which was the goal.

So, I guess we can chalk another victory up for Duct Tape! And another missionary story of how to improvise with the supplies that you have.

Lessons from the Street

-Ghent, Belgium
- July 8, 2004

I met Jim while standing in front of the IPSO wassersalon (Laundromat) in Ghent. Jim is an American living abroad. He came to Europe in the late sixties before he received his draft notice for Vietnam. In the short half hour that we talked I learned quite a lot about language learning that underscored the lessons that I have been learning this week.

When Jim came to Europe he didn’t speak any other language. However, he knew that he would be hear a while. I asked him how many languages he knew. He said he was fluent in Flemish, Dutch, German, Spanish, and French. He also knew Greek and Latin quite proficiently. I was amazed. Standing on the street was not a well kept scholar, but a disheveled blue collar fellow who had learned these languages. Obviously I was interested in his “secret”.

What I learned was interesting. It was if he had been sitting in on our lessons the past several days. He said the first thing to do was to write down a few key phrases that would go a long way; phrases such as “Hello”, “How are you”, “good bye”, and “thank you”. Then he said to get a small notebook and write down all kinds of phrases and questions. Then he suggested that I try to listen to people in public – on the bus, in the grocery, at the market. He then said that he liked to read the paper in the foreign print and ask someone to explain what certain paragraphs meant. Finally he suggested watching TV and listening to the radio broadcast in the language I wanted to learn.

These were the same exact lessons we learned today. We were encouraged to “think outside the box.” We were challenged to immerse ourselves in the language. Talk to people. Ask them to help. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

I decided if Jim, a blue collar guy could learn 6 languages fluently, I could certainly learn at least one. Thanks Jim, I will take your advice.

Technology Dependency

-Ghent, Belgium
- July 9, 2004

Today was an interesting day in Belgium. There are about 50+ missionaries here at this training facility. Until today there was no internet connection available on site. Most folks did pretty well the first couple of days without it. But soon there was a clamor for directions to the nearest internet cafe. Many of us made the 20 minute trek by bus and tram to the computers. However, most of us were not satisfied. Through the work of our training leaders we were able to construct a wireless system here in the dorm.

I thought about the advantages and disadvantages of technology in missions. Obviously I think there is an incredible upside to all of this. I mean really, here I am 5,000 miles away from home and I am able to connect to the internet and write this blog. I have sent and received all my email. I have kept up to date with all the great letters of encouragement.

But I have realized what a potential downside it has. Earlier this evening, the wireless system wasn't working well. The IT guys were working on it. I was in no great hurry. So, Marti and I took the kids to the park next door. It was so much fun. The weather was cool and the grass was freshly cut. We then had a meal together. After that we went to the game room and played ping-pong together. Then we sang some songs together as I played on my guitar. It was so much fun. It was our best time together yet this week. But as the network got up and running I really felt an urge to "get on" and "get some real work done."

Wow, how sobering that realization was. I did have some legitimate correspondence to attend to. But I was scared to realize how many other times before that I might have let technology rob me of a day in the park. How many times did I let technology get in the way of relationships? How many times in the future will time on the computer win out over time with the kids?

I realize that I need to be God-dependent and not Technology Dependent. God in Heaven, help me to love as you have loved!

On Call

- Gent, Belgium July 7
One of the things we have done here at Pre-Field Training is to divide into “service teams.” Being one of two doctors here, I was asked to be on the Medical Team. Well, part of that means that I am “on call” half the month. But, don’t worry, there are only about 50 of here so it shouldn’t be too bad. In fact, it has been interesting so far.

The other day I decided to go to a local pharmacy to see what meds would be available in case one of my patients got sick. I had to go to the pharmacy because there are no over the counter meds in the grocery stores or “Wal-Mart” type places. Interestingly, there are very few meds available without a prescription here. However, after talking with the pharmacist a bit, to my surprise I discovered that I could write a prescription here and it would be valid. That is such a blessing.

Another interesting opportunity I have already had here, is that one of the participants had a severe sprained ankle which she suffered on her way here (she didn’t enjoy the planes, trains, and automobiles as much as I did!). Anyway, she had a plaster splint on that was to come off yesterday. She asked me to go with her to the doctor here. Since I was on call, I happily went. I am glad I did. I learned a lot about the practice of medicine here.

The physician we went to was a Family Physician. His practice was in his house. We entered a back door and sat in the tiny waiting room a few minutes. Then, he called us in. We sat at his desk while he interviewed my “patient”. Then, he invited her to sit on the exam table that was also in the “L” shaped office. Next to the table, he had a counter and shelves that was filled with equipment and supplies. Once done, he went back to his desk where he used his Electronic Medical Record on his computer.

I asked him about his office and hours. He told me that he saw about 20 patients a day and had about 6,000 visits a year. I also learned that he did house calls. I also learned that he enjoyed being the doctor, nurse, and receptionist. He told me all of his patients have National Insurance and that the patients only had to pay 12% of the costs. He proudly stated that he thought Belgium had one of the best health care systems in the world. From my brief encounter, I didn’t disagree.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

Ghent, Belgium – July 6

Planes, trains, and automobiles. No, not the movie, but our modes of transportation. Add to that list taxies, shuttles, trams, and walking. That pretty well sums up our first few days of July. It was especially interesting adding in the challenges of one parent traveling with younger children, an overnight trans-Atlantic flight, and one piece of lost luggage. But all in all a safe and hassle-free trip. In some ways it was a fun trip, but I will stop short of calling it delightful.

Besides traveling to get to Belgium, I am finding it interesting to get around in our new city (for the month). I imagined that we would be in a more central location where we would do a lot of walking. However, we are a bit south of the city center. So, waiting for buses and trams (and taxies if we miss the bus) adds to the experience. However, it is not so bad, especially since a lot of folks speak English and the transport system is pretty efficient.

Our other task this past few days has been to adjust to “dorm life”. We are living in a dorm with the kids. We have four rooms, only I share a room and it is with Sam. That has worked out well, except the one time Sam woke me up from a nap saying, “Daddy, no you snore so loud!” Sarah of course has the “coolest” room. She brought several small knick knacks including a calendar to fix up her room. She has even bought a very small plant at the floral shop to add to her room.

Our only real problem at this point is the time the sun goes down. Given that we are in Belgium and a bit more north that we are used to, sunset does not occur until around 10:00 p.m. It is pretty difficult to first recognize that it is later than usual and second to convince the kids that it really is bedtime, even though the sun is up. So, our sleep is off a bit.

We thank God that we have had a pretty smooth transition for this month. It is such a short time with much to accomplish that getting settled in quickly has been a blessing. Planes, trains, and automobiles – a fun way to get around.