Holiday in Holland

We just got back a couple weeks ago from our Easter break in Holland. We were invited by our Dutch neighbors down the hall to go home with them and spend our break in the Netherlands with their family. We had the most wonderful time with them, and their family was so gracious to us, serving us for nearly two weeks.


Our Dutch friends and their loving family in their beautiful garden.

Our friends took us all over their beautiful country, and it was the perfect time as the sun was shining and the tulips were blooming and the windmills were...winding (?)


The tulips under the trees.


The variety of colors was amazing.


A typical Dutch landscape with sheep, flowers, and a windmill.


View of the tulip fields from the top of a windmill. The colors were even more brilliant in person.

After our break, we had some friends, who had been serving in Northern Asia, come and visit the training center here. They were the couple we met with on a regular basis when we were first dating and were interested in what they were doing. They came to the training to teach several classes as well as share the needs of Asia. We had a great time with them and, perhaps, we may work with them in the future.


A traditional Dutch reformed building


"Hey Jonathan, you think we should work somewhere cold?"

We are amazed at the wonder of our creator and how He reveals His love to us: through His creation, through His Son, and through His children, which includes you! Thank you so much for your continued thoughts and love and support.

All our love,
Jonathan and Robynn

Spring Fever!

The cherry blossoms are blooming and daffodils line the paths along the road (spring pics coming soon). Spring is on the way, though we may get one more good snow before its all over. He sends the rain and sun in season to the land, and is faithful to His people.
Robynn and Jonathan dancing to the music in the antique market. (picture above)


We were blessed to spend some time during our February break with dear friends Heather and Jeff. They are living in Europe right now and are only a short plane ride away. Our time with them was refreshing and restful as we took a break from another 2 months of intense study. They were gracious enough to take us around their new city, and spend the evenings together talking about theology, our future plans and enjoying each other's company.



Inside one of the ancient gothic style structures.



Jonathan found a lovely statue that he seemed to really enjoy!



In England, we are truly at home with our fellowship. Recently, they sent us along with several other youth workers to a children's work training day. We learned about puppets and how effective they are in communicating a message especially to kids. Also we are now officially trained in the British version of First Aid, and ready to use our new skills and knowledge to enhance the children's program.



In March, Robynn had her birthday, the "Big Birthday Bash", and many students and staff came with us to celebrate at a local Italian restaurant with an inexpensive all-u-can eat buffet. It was probably the largest gathering of all our classmates in a place outside of our training center ever, we basically took over the entire town! However, we had a great time and Robynn was blessed by the kindness of her new friends and family. Also, many of you who remembered that she turned 21 (again), thank you so much for the cards and gifts!



Our British home is made up of two rooms, one that is our kitchen and dining room combined, and the other our bedroom. It's amazing how cozy and content you can be once you are settled, even with limited space. Here are some recent pictures of our bedroom (notice the shadow), and our kitchen/dining room with flowers (for Robynn's birtday).




We love you and thank you once again for standing with us and remembering us always. Our time here is going quickly and we have to remind ourselves to make each day count. We would love to hear from you anytime.


All our love,
Robynn and Jonathan

Snow Days

Sometimes it does snow even here on the coast of England. We were amazed to see snow flurries outside of our classroom window. At coffee break all the crazy Americans ran outside and tried to catch snow flakes. The Europeans laughed and called it "icy rain" but we were not dissuaded. The very same day we were able to go the nearby ice skating facilities for a birthday party. We had so much fun!







During January we were pleased to welcome a couple who has served overseas for many years to our home for lunch. They gave us first hand stories of their experience and the opportunities in the country and surrounding area where they have lived and worked. They are an amazing couple, who encouraged us to keep our eyes focused on our father and that he would direct us in his timing. It was a great encouragement to meet them and share about life.

This is the month for birthday parties, and so far we have been invited personally to several celebrations where the guests of honor are under 5 years of age. Our many family friends here have welcomed us into the lives of their children and so we are quite busy playing and entertaining our young friends at these social events. Jonathan, of course, is always able to capture the attention of many with his artistic abilities and creative ideas. We love our little friends (and their parents too!)



We love the letters, emails and phone calls from all of you! It's amazing how we feel so connected to you, though we are far away. Thank you for remembering us in your thoughts and we can't stop being thankful for you and your influence in our lives.

All our love,
Robynn and Jonathan