We left the capital of Global South this Thursday morning at about 10:30 after arising at 6:30 so as to make certain we’d arrive at the airport on time. We just checked into our hotel here in Amsterdam after a very long day traveling. It is now midnight back in Global South.
We flew over Afghanistan, over the Caspian Sea, and over Moscow, landing briefly in Helsinki to change planes, before landing in this land of my ancestors.
Either tomorrow or the next day Luana and I will visit Campen, Overstillel, Netherlands, the land from which my paternal ancestor came to New Amsterdam back in 1650. I don’t know what, if anything, we will find there. I do know, in this land of windmills, canals, dikes, and tulips, that the clerk at this hotel, upon reading my obviously Dutch name on my USA passport, did not say, “Welcome home.”
Oh well.
It’s good to be back in the West.
Thank you for the update. I’m sure you already know – this is not the Dutch country of your ancestors. A friend was there on a mission trip this summer and said “Anything goes” is the best description she had. Hope you find some signs of your relatives, and praying for a safe trip home.
By: Dan Poppe on August 4, 2011
at 7:09 pm
Yeah, Dan, sad to say, I do know that the Holland my ancestor Garret Janzen left in 1650 no longer exists. But there is much beauty her, and this is the home of Corrie TenBoom and many others who were friendly to God’s people 60 years ago. Met two Israeli girls here in the lobby last evening.
By: pastorafrank on August 5, 2011
at 6:29 am
Thank you for keeping us posted! We were gone to MN for a family get-together at a cabin where we had no internet access, so we missed several of your postings. Now we are home, and we read every one of them.
We have been praying for you, and we are rejoicing in the way God used you in Global South, just like he does here in the US! We will keep praying as you complete your journey.
Your blogs are great, both of you have great literary ability. We can’t help but be led to prayer as we read about the people’s needs, and also to praise for the way God is working there!
Kay and Della
By: Kay & Della on August 4, 2011
at 7:40 pm
Welcome home, you two.
By: pastorafrank on August 5, 2011
at 6:29 am
Using some of your posts this Sunday to make Peter’s ministry in Acts 9 applicable to our ministries today. I wrestle with the miracles that give us a glimpse into the future Kingdom and the continued reality of disease, depression, and death that are definitely part of our present cursed world. Thanks for sharing both the light and the tough darkness. Going to another funeral of a young woman this afternoon. Hope the Dikes hold while you and Lu seek to discover there all that Dutchness comes from. I love every bit of it.
By: David Booth Wyrtzen on August 5, 2011
at 4:15 pm
I meant “where” all that Dutchness comes from.
By: David Booth Wyrtzen on August 5, 2011
at 4:18 pm
I know what you meant, bro. Spent today touring Amsterdam via canals, walked through the Jordaan district, took a bus to Velandam, a fishing village 15 miles north. Tiring day. Tomorrow we go to Campen.
By: pastorafrank on August 5, 2011
at 7:51 pm
Have enjoyed following along on your travels to a very special place. Praying as you make your way to central NE.
LD
By: Anonymous on August 5, 2011
at 8:35 pm
Thanks, Larry. See you soon.
By: pastorafrank on August 6, 2011
at 5:14 am