Day 2: Settling in and Exploring

For a few of us (Jeb, Nathan, and Stephanie), this is our first time in Belgium; consequently we are learning a lot about the culture even in our first two days.

Realization #1: Belgian cars are very small!  As we have several tall people in our group, it can get pretty squishy.  Nathan has experienced riding in the trunk a couple times which ironically gives him more room :)

Realization #2: Belgian food is to die for!! Both of our hostesses, Jeannine and Vivianne, are excellent cooks.  Yesterday Milt, Val, Nathan, and Jeb along with Vivianne and Ivan went out for waffles and pancakes topped with chocolate and ice cream. Below is Sheri and Stephanie's dinner.

(Brief update from the gang at Vivianne and Ivan's house from yesterday): They also played Mexican Train dominoes, a favorite game of those in the Diepenbeek church and took a stroll in the countryside.

Despite being still somewhat jet-lagged, we had a great time this morning at the Diepenbeek cell group meeting.  Milt challenged everyone to be salt and light in our various communities and to share the love and hope we have in Jesus Christ. Valerie demonstrated how to share the Gospel using Dean Collar's gift cube, and everyone was given time to practice.

This afternoon, we drove to Vaals, Netherlands which has a point where you can stand in the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium at the same time. We also climbed stairs/rode an elevator to the top of a very tall tower overlooking all three countries. One of the highlights of Vaals is the Labrynth, an extremely difficult hedge maze (picture Harry Potter in the Triwizard Tournament).  We split into pairs to race against each other. It took most of us 2 hours to find our way to the end, but our astute and wise leaders (Milt and Val) navigated to the end 37 min. sooner than the younger generation (naturally this comment is of our own free will and we are under no coercion whatsoever).  We ended our trip with waffles and naps in the car ride back through part of Germany.

On another note, Jeb and Nathan got stopped by the local police while out on their walk.  Check back tomorrow for the full story!

Tomorrow, Milt will be preaching from the Psalms. Please pray for the Holy Spirit to speak through him and the translator.  Another prayer request is for the Belgians who will be helping with the VBS.  Our Bible teacher for Wednesday and Thursday (Gospel days) has had to step down due to a family emergency.  Please pray for a replacement teacher and interpretor for those days.  Also, please continue to pray for children to attend during the week.   

Sheri & Stephanie