It Never Rains in Amsterdam

NOT

Each day we would get up to the tune of

"Today's gonna be more of the same!"

Yeah....it rained a lot. Like everyday.

It was also cold. We never got above 75.

The average was the low 60's.

Generally the rain came in spurts,

but I have to say that there were a good many

downpours that we soaked up.

We spent the week drying out our belongings

and

basking in every ray of sun that came in-between.

The Dwaze Zaken

This is The Central Amsterdam Train Station
As you can see, it's a bit of a mess as it's under construction....
Most people arrive at this location.















This is the first thing that you see when you leave the Amsterdam Central Train Station. Pretty cool, huh? This building is owned by YWAM and it actually borders the beginnings of the Red Light District. It's cool to think that someone took the time to be a voice to the people for the city of Amsterdam.

This means "God is calling you"

Below, on the lower level of the building is our favorite Cafe, The Dwaze Zaken!

We were here on a daily basis for one reason or another.

Love the chai tea. Mint tea is made with a glass full of fresh mint, hot water and a splash of OJ.

We made friends with Gerard, the coolest server ever.

On the inside

Our favorite Mosaic Wall:
"Praise the Lord all you Nations.
Praise Him all you people of the Earth"

Even the bathrooms are a mosaic.

JAZZ NIGHT
Else treated us to a great evening.

2 M 5 cm

This is Herman VanVuren (pronounced "Er mon").
Our team met with Herman at the Dwaze Zaken and it was a huge highlight for us.
He is a part of the “Jesus Freak” movement in the Netherlands which is planting house churches across the country. He has already planted a house church in Utrecht and is now looking to plant additional house churches in other cities including Rotterdam and the Hague. What our team thought was so cool about Herman is that he does not have any formal seminary or theological training. He simply has a heart for God and a desire to see the lives of his friends and neighbors changed by Jesus Christ.

Team Effort

This one's for Drew.

Afterall, he's the inspiration for our top 15
(well, most of it anyway)

Amsterdam
Summer 2008

Fear the Bell

15. Get it on like a house on fire
14. I woke up with a polka dot on my face
13. Acts 17: 22 - 28
12. It has to rain in order to see a rainbow
11. Just put Nutella on it
10. Everything is subject to change
9. How do you say Dwaze Zaken?
8. Stop at Professor and Funke
7. Stoop Waffles
6. Dial up some Dutch Goodness
5. 2 M 5 cm
4. Ya Hoor!
3. Sinaalsappelsap
2. You’ll have plenty of money
1. It Never Rains in Amsterdam

Tourists

First Sights of the City

We've Finally Arrived!
No Jet Lag Here.....

Bowling Fundraiser

Thanks to everyone who came out and supported us last night.
We had a great time hanging out with you
and we are deeply blessed by your generosity!

Our team is excited and ready to go.
Can you believe that in less than a month
we'll be on our way to Amsterdam?

Please continue to pray for us as we raise the rest of our support
and prepare to be immersed in a different culture.
Pray that we would each have many opportunities to share God's love,
serve the people and the city,
and see Him at work as He reveals Himself to us.

-The Amsterdam 8