We arrived safely in Amsterdam over 16 hours after leaving our home – a little wrinkled, but glad for the opportunity to be here to do a packed schedule of creation teaching! Our hosts met us at the airport and took us to our hotel to freshen up and get a short nap before heading to church for a time of introduction, fellowship, and a taste of Chinese hospitality. Following that, we experienced some of the “fringe benefits” of a traveling ministry.
First we were treated to a delicious Chinese dinner. Then we spent the afternoon sightseeing in downtown Amsterdam with a group of friendly and enthusiastic young people from the church. A scenic boat tour and a couple hours of walking on the cobblestone streets introduced us to the diversity of cultures and languages in Holland – and taught us to be alert to avoid being run over by bicycles, trams, cars, and other pedestrians! Following the foot tour, we were treated to a dinner of traditional Dutch pancakes.
We arrived back at the hotel shortly before 9:00 PM – almost 30 hours after leaving home. Although that was only 2:00 PM (“naptime”) in Colorado, we were ready to hit the sack for a good night’s sleep – grateful to God for giving us strength and energy to overcome jet-lag and enjoy the new people and experiences on our first “long” day in The Netherlands.
Mary Jo Nutting
