My memories of the day are surprisingly sketchy, considering its special significance. I remember nausea and exhaustion. But these are pretty typical feelings on any day following trans-Atlantic travel. I remember the sensation of chills. They were caused by adrenaline and … Continue reading
Our H2O Production Team arrived at 7AM this morning to set up for today’s worship gathering in Bowman Hall. Shortly after starting, they encountered an elderly man in the lobby, just outside the room where we meet. He had long … Continue reading
We were already a family when we moved to Amsterdam in the last week of January, 2003. Marci and I had been married for almost five years. Elliot was ten months old. Still, we really grew as a family during … Continue reading
Have you ever observed the Dutch obsession with speed skating? Most Americans would only encounter this during the Winter Olympics, if that. But it’s definitely a thing. I’ve heard at least one sports announcer suggest that the Dutch care so … Continue reading
I’m still reflecting on the fact that it’s been twenty years since our family moved to the Netherlands, in late-January 2003. Our Amsterdam years included so many formative experiences. But even more than formative experiences, I’d say we were shaped … Continue reading
It’s easy to idealize our Amsterdam years. Marci and I were so full of youth and ambition when we moved. We truly learned how to be a family, there in the Netherlands. And I suppose it often felt idyllic because … Continue reading
This week marks twenty years since the period in our family’s life which I sometimes call our “Week of Destiny.” That was the week in which we raised the last of our financial support. It was the week we closed … Continue reading
I love trend-spotting. There’s something about a new year and a new semester at Kent State University that makes for ideal trend-spotting conditions. Maybe it’s the Winter Break, where we all had some extra time to rest and reflect. Maybe … Continue reading
Athens has its Acropolis. Rome has its Coliseum. And Akron has its Rubber Bowl. Ancient (and not so ancient) ruins pointing to earlier civilizations: haunted, yet imbued with beauty and intrigue, as well. Cor and I finally got to visit … Continue reading
What do you see when you look at this? It’s a minimalist, modernist take on a famous scene. But can you guess which scene is represented in this modernist wooden puzzle? If you guessed “Nativity Scene,” you are correct! I … Continue reading