Going Dutch

Well here we are, safe and sound on the ground in the Netherlands. Its also called the low-lands, seeing as most of the country is below sea-level. Maybe cancel the safe part...
Its a pretty village-postcard material-with cobblestone streets lined with flowers and typical dutch style houses. Most have a large picture window with a beautiful artistic arrangement designed to outdo the neighbours. The trees are green green green and the land is flat flat flat. This canal is in the centre of Strijen, and while it looks peaceful now, this foreshore is packed with people over the weekends pulling up in their boats to go the cafes. Very cosmopolitan! We haven't had a chance to see much as yet due to torrents of rain we only wish we could get in Australia, but tomorrow we head into the town to sort out plane tickets and mobile phones. Hopefully will get a chance to take some photos near Tims house besides the one below.


This is a path nearby Tims old house that leads to a nice walk along one of the canals that has little wooden fishing platforms all along it which are great for picnics. Its very peaceful as there is hardly ever anyone around, which is crazy because its so nice.
We have spent our days indoors mostly due to weather, also at the campsite. Its great weather for drinking coffee and tea (which the Dutch are great at) and long conversations during which Phoebe zones out after her dutch quota is reached. Phoebe had the chance to see the inside of the emergency ward on Wednesday night, after riding a slippery slide of mud on her bike, right into someones tent! Everyone was okay, but she was embarrassed and has had her arm in a sling ever since. Aside from a hole from landing on a tent peg, a few bruises (and dented pride) and having to navigate spiral stairs one armed, she is fine. Have been trying to upload picture of her in her sling but not working so far.
Its been good to see family, and its like no time has passed at all. Will be spending the next few weeks catching up with my brothers and sister (and sisters in law) as well as showing Phoebe around the countryside. Pray for her Dutch as my mum has threatened to stop using english so she has to learn! Phoebe did do a Beginners Dutch course, but says, no one here speaks beginners dutch!
I was asked to sing some songs in my parents church on Sunday, which was a great opportunity to minister. I did "Fruit Salad, yummy yummy" from the Wiggles. ;-P
The campsite was great, and the caravan we stayed in was surprisingly spacious. When we arrived my mum and sister had a welcome hamper of typical dutch foods (mostly the chocolate kind) and had even done little touches like a pretty bedspread (thinking of Phoebe). We got to meet our newest nephew, Tristan who is pretty cute, and see Phillip grown up and talking! We had only seen him stand for the first time 4 years ago. We also got to meet Anita, who is my oldest brother's bride. And we got to meet my 2 new foster brothers Davy (5 years old) and Jailson (7 years old).
Our stay here in the low-lands is only our first stop on the journey to England with destination Ellel Pierrepont, it feels a bit strange to leave everything behind in Australia and being 'home-less' for a while, but we know it's part of the stepping out in faith and following what we believe is the will of God for us at this point in our lives. Please keep us in your prayers, and feel free to drop us an email timandphoebe@gmail.com or place a comment on this blog-entry (we've changed the settings so anyone can comment).