We arrived in Amsterdam exactly on time and met up with the other singers who had travelled to Europe before this, in one of the smoothest and fastest airport exits that our tour guide had ever seen. All people, all luggage! The only thing missing was adequate sleep, but for now adrenaline would have to do.
We boarded a beautiful new coach along with our guide, Lothar Moehlmann who together with his wife Ingrid Riesen, couldn't be a better match for this excursion. Lothar is Friesland-born and has guided extensively in Europe.
As the bus wended its way northeast, we were treated to the history of this fascinating part of the Netherlands, two thirds of which is below sea level.
We hear of the masterful engineering of the area through dikes and drainage which allowed the fertile land to be exposed and cultivated. The story of Cornelius Lely ("Cornelius the Genius"), the Mennonite architect who designed and oversaw the building of the 30 km dike that reclaimed the land is fascinating and we stop to walk along the dike and to take pictures of his statue. The wind turbines are everywhere, sheep dot the fields, salt water on our left, fresh water on our right. We pass Harlingen, where all Wiebes come from. It's true!
We arrive at our first destination, Sneek, in record time. The architecture, the landscaping, the boats in canals, it all seems magical and we're all rhapsodizing, especially those who have not traveled in Europe. We find our church, where members of Doopsgezinde Gemeente Sneek are waiting enthusiastically. They usher us in and we are introduced. We sing together .... "In Christ there is no east or west".....how fitting. Our hosts have provided the words in both Dutch and English, and the mix is beautiful. The meal provided is beautiful too, and so delicious with indigenous Dutch dishes, like huzarensalade.
Many of our hosts speak English, and we enjoy experimenting with its similarities to Plautdietsch, as we knew we would. Our hosts also understand the power of jet lag, and we are whisked to homes and hotels as the first day draws to a
peaceful and happy close.
Submitted by: Millie Hildebrand
1 comment:
Hi everyone! Glad you hear you have arrived safe and sound! What a fabulous experience ahead for you all! Having recently returned from a Motorcoach Tour of the Maritimes, I have become a fan of traveling this way. My 2 sisters, Mom and I travelled with 43 others and had a great time time! How much better to travel with people you know (and are getting to know better!). Thank you Sarah for including me in the email giving this option of traveling with you! I am currently on Day 7 of a knee replacement and being sorely tested (insomnia being a side effect!). All has gone really well so far and am so thankful to God for this option. I know it will be worth it in the end. In the meantime, I eagerly look forward to more posts. Blessings to each one of you as you serve God through song in Europe!
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