Psalm 27:4

One thing I ask of the Lord,
   this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
   all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
   and to seek Him in his temple. 

 

What have I been up to in The Netherlands?

For the last three weeks, I have been in Kruiningen, The Netherlands, which is in Zeeland, the most southwestern province. I have been visiting my second cousin and his family. Some of the things I've been doing:

Helping with website and editing projects for the ministry with which my relatives work.

Lots of cooking and baking, and I've learned some new ethnic recipes, which I am excited to take home with me.

Seeing lots of beautiful scenery!

Bryony and I

We made, wrapped, and decorated over a hundred of these brownies for the town fair. 

I think these are the best brownies I have ever eaten! Moist, dense, and just a little crispy on the outside. Is your mouth watering yet???

I finally found a practical use for these origami butterflies that I like to make.

I've been trying lots of new foods lately, and I thought tell you about one of my favorites!  These are Speculaas, which are crispy cookies that are a little sweet and made with delicious spices, such as nutmeg and ginger. They remind me a little of gingerbread cookies, but much better. There is also a Speculoos spread, which tastes the same but looks like peanut butter.  Personally, I think beats Nutella any day, because it's not as sweet. No offense to any Nutella lovers out there. :)

Can you tell I am loving it here? :)

Another poem....

So quick to stray,

to walk away;

Where are You, Lord?

No, truly, where am I?

So quick to turn, 

so slow to learn;

How is it that

I've run from You again?

Quick to forget

Your face, and yet,

What else is it

that I am looking for?

Don't let me go

for Lord, You know

It's You I want, 

though I may wander so. 

Picturesque-ness in The Netherlands

The church next to the building where I am staying

Journal entry from 8/24

I am learning to appreciate the process of living, instead of just wishing I could fast-forward to the end result.

That's what life is-- a process and journey of learning and growing, and getting to know my Creator in a more true way.

It takes a lot of time and work, but much of the richness is in its unfolding.

The tide comes in right up to the buildings in Bosham, England.

A lovely footpath in Greatham, England.

Guess where I've been!

Before I headed off to The Netherlands a few weeks ago, I spent one whirlwind day in a very famous city.   From the pictures, it shouldn't be to difficult to tell which one I mean. :)

Note to self:  one day is hardly long enough to experience anything, especially such a bustling and diverse metropolis. Rumor has it that there is plenty more to see, including a lovely palace. Oh well, I think I did pretty well for one day. 

A certain famous bridge, which bears the name of the city. 

The fountains at Trafalgar Square

A very well-know clock tower

Westminister Abbey
The highlight of the day was Evensong at 5:00 pm.

One of the "back doors" of Westminister Abbey