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Sunday, August 6

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This is what Sunday morning looked like as we waited for the time to leave for morning worship.

We drove to Dilbeek, Belgium, where this group of protestant Christians worship in a school cafeteria. I took this picture before I know which door we were entering. It was the door on the left – between the tree and the bush.

Worship began at 10 am with music and singing.

They sang one song in English to honor us.

The rest of the service was in Dutch, for that reason Hans asked Hilde (blond) to interpret for us.

This was Hilde’s reaction when she saw my camera. 🙂 She did a great job.

The song leader (right) was Hanne (the preacher’s wife).

Albert was the preacher today – rather unplanned for him, because the man who was supposed to preach got sick the night before.

Hilde told us that the sermon was from Colossians 1:19, 11 Peter 3:18, Ephesians 2-4 and Romans 2:4.

Summary: Because of Jesus we have hope. Be strong. Be steady. Be rich in mercy.

It was wonderful to worship with those who believe in and serve the Lord in another country and language. We enjoyed meeting many of Hans and Anneke’s church friends. They were warm and welcoming. Some asked questions about the United States and if it is difficult to be a Christian in our country.

Back home we had the ovenschotel that Anneke prepared the day before. In English it translates to oven dish or casserole.

After visiting with the family and having a relaxing afternoon. Hans and Anneke watched Sienna while Sem’s family and the girls went to a nearby fair to get Smoutebollen. Smoute (the fat used to fry it in). Bollen (balls).

It reminded us of the funnel cake we get at our fairs.

When Noah and Alma went outside to play, the goats and chickens (from next-door) came to watch.

Later in the evening there was a lot of sweet talk and kissing going on between this pair of doves.

These are the birds that Hans considers pesky. I told him that it didn’t look like the dove family was going to diminish anytime soon. 🙂

We didn’t travel very far today. It was good to have a relaxing Sunday.