March 2012
It is not only Jurgen who studies hard and makes progress, the children also work hard. Apart from their normal school curriculum, Issa and Vanya go swimming every week. They enjoy their swimming lessons very much.
In March both Vanya and Issa were awarded their first swimming certificates and badges. They proudly show them on the photo above.
Vanya was awarded the Octopus 3 Certificate and Issa the Octopus 1 Certificate.
February 14, 2012
The first trimester of the academic year 2011 / 2012 has largely been spent on getting adjusted to our new situation, environment and roles. After having taken our first steps, it is time to move on and aim for the goal for which we have come to the UK: to prepare ourselves for cross cultural missionary work.
We have already gathered much information about the possibilities on the mission field and from many mission organisations. For us, one organisation stood out from the others: Africa Inland Mission (AIM). Since AIM has its nearest office to the Netherlands in England, it seemed obvious to await our arrival in UK before embarking on further enquiries.
On Saturday the 4th of February Jurgen has attended an AIM seminar, titled ‘Into Africa?’. Much new information was given by various speakers. It was a very useful and encouraging day. As Jurgen put it: “It makes me want to leave ‘ NOW!”
During the seminar some explanation was given about the procedures involved in going out with AIM. A first step would be applying for membership, which alone could take 3 months or longer.
The coming time we hope to prayerfully consider applying for membership of AIM. We shall also take the time to talk about and discuss this with our supporters, friends and family in the Netherlands.
January 28, 2012
It is now the end of January, and the second trimester in University has started 2 weeks ago. Jurgen has two new subjects: ‘Studying the New Testament’ and ‘Evangelism Into the Future’. The first trimester has been a time of intense study, but this trimester wil probably ask even more of his capabilities and time. Not only are 2 written assignments required, there are also 4 placements to be completed. Happily Jurgen had made much progress in his first assignment. With the experience from the first trimester he now knows better what is expected of him.
The children’s home education goes well. After one trimester it is easier for Katja to plan the days and the appropriate amount of work. She has changed the schedule to meet the children’s needs of more time to play (all), more time for individual instruction (Issa) and more time with mommy (Abbey). The good thing is that both Vanya and Issa say they like being taught at home. They enjoy learning. What else could we wish for?
Now that learning has had it’s attention, it is time to press on towards discovering God’s will for our lives. At the beginning of February Jurgen hopes to attend a one day seminar of ‘Africa Inland Mission’ (AIM). He expects to get some answers to questions about the organisation, aswell as an idea whether or not the possibility of joining AIM needs to be further investigated. To be continued…
December 8th, 2011
Jurgen has received his grades for his first 2 essays. He is very relieved to have scored 55% on his essay for ‘Spirit and Church in Mission Context’ and 61% for his exegesis. Not bad for a Dutch student in his first year!
Writing the essays cost Jurgen quite some time. He hopes to gain more proficiency over the coming trimester, starting in January.
From December the 16th Jurgen has his Christmas holiday. Katja and the children will also take a few weeks off to enjoy the Christmas season together.
November 13th 2011
Jurgen is now halfway through his first trimester at Trinity School of Theology. This trimester his modules are: Spirit and Church in Mission Context and Studying the Old Testament. He is very happy to receive education at this college and he is given a lot of help in his studies. The lessons take place in small groups, which enhances the learning process.
For both modules two papers have to be written. The first two essays have been completed, grades have not been given yet.
For whom is interested: below you can click on the essays to read them. The essay for the module ‘Spirit and Church in Mission Context’ illustrates the role of the Spirit in New Testament Times, during the Reformation and contemporary time. The essay underlines that the heart of the church is mission.
The second essay is an exegesis (explanation of the Bible) on Genesis 12, where Abram received his calling. We hope you enjoy reading the essays!
In the meantime Jurgen has started working on his portfolio of the church we visit for the module ‘Spirit and Church in Mission Context’. He is also thinking about the subject for his second exegesis.
Saturday the 8th of October 2011
We are getting acquainted in Aston Eyre. We have now found our way to the supermarket, the church, school, the library and so on. We feel comfortable to know our way around a bit.
The harvest feast have given us a splendid opportunity to get to know our neighbours in our little hamlet. At the end of September the Harvest Evensong in the ancient Anglican church opposite our house gave us a first taster of village life. About 30 people attended and afterward we shook hands with the vicar and some of our new neighbours.
Yesterday we joined in at the social event of Harvest Supper, communal with Morville. The supper was followed by a ‘Ceilidh’. This means, as we now know, having fun together on the dancefloor. We had a very good time.
Later this month there will be a special harvest service in the Baptist church in Bridgnorth. This is the church we visit on Sundays. We are getting to know more and more people in this church and the children are making friends.
After Fresher’s Week in the last week of September Bible College is going to start for Jurgen on October 3rd.
During Fresher’s Week much practical information has been given on various topics, including the school, studying, the subjects and culture shock. It was very useful and intense.
On October 3rd ‘normal’ studying will begin. Every week Jurgen will go to Rugby on Monday to return on Tuesday after suppertime. He will spend the night at another student’s house. The distance from our home to Rugby makes it a better choice to stay over.
The first term 2 subjects will be covered: ‘Studying the Old Testament’ and ‘Spirit and Church in mission context’.
Your prayers, especially during the first term, will be most appreciated since studying at university level is new to Jurgen, as is communicating in English all day. Thank you!
After a week of unpacking boxes and preparation school has begun for the children on the 12th of September. We are not travelling full speed ahead yet, but in three weeks time we hope to have a full school week.
Home education is new to us, so we need some time of adjustment. Apart from the different setting, the books are different from what the children were used to and they have more subjects. Apart from their Dutch subjects Math, Dutch and Handwriting we also offer them the English subjects Bible, History & Geography, Language Arts and Science. Apart from that we hope to have enough time for some purely practical subjects, such as PE.
Sofar we enjoy our school journey, especially the time spent reading together!
After travelling for 16 hours bij car and boat we have safely arrived in Aston Eyre. We left our Dutch house on September the 3rd at half past eleven to arrive at the cottage on September the 4th at a quarter to two at night. We had even already received post!
We are very happy to be here, we feel quite at home – despite all the boxes! Jurgen is busy assembling furniture. He is also looking for an English car. Katja is busy putting things in the right places and preparing for the children’s home education that starts on September the 12th.
The children are finding their way on the farm and look forward to being schooled. Jurgens education will start in the last week of September.
After 9 years of advocacy the work is done: Katja has ended her work as a lawyer in the first week of August. Katja is thankful to have been so privileged as to have been a lawyer. Much (and many kinds of) knowledge has been gained.
On August the 4th Katja had her last court hearing at the Court House. On that day she showed her family around and played out an almost real case with a familiar suspect …
On August the 18th there is a smal farewell party with her collegues.