We made it back to the Netherlands!

On November 22nd, we kissed our kids goodbye and left them in the tender care of my mom, who was armed and ready to be "super-grandma" for 10 days, while we gallivanted off to Europe in final preparation for Brant's doctoral promotion at the VU!  This trip had been a long time coming, and even with the utmost planning, list-making and organizing I had accomplished, it was still a significant feat to finally make it to departure day.  

After a sleepless, movie-filled, 11-hour flight, we arrived safely in the Netherlands, greeted by Brant's parents who had arrived just shortly before us from Oregon.  Bleary-eyed and excited, we found our dear friend who was there to pick us up and take us back to Kampen.  The 1.5 hour drive through the lowlands was so picturesque and like a dream; did we really just arrive in Holland?  Were we actually back?  Well, the moment the Kampen clock tower and church steeple appeared on the horizon, my heart burst and I broke into an ear-to-ear grin; yes!  We had made it back!!

We spent 4 wonderful days in Kampen, occasionally venturing past the city gates and exploring a few nearby destinations.  Our time was filled with reminiscing, coffee dates, cycling, happy reunions, dinners with friends, long conversations over wine, and brushing up on a few key Dutch phrases that had become a bit rusty.

First time out on the bikes -- no sleep for close to 30 hours!

An all too familiar route.  It was second nature to be here again. 

A glance down the canal that I rode along each and every day to take Maddie to school.  My favorite scene. 

We rode by our old house (the door is right next to the maroon wall in the center of this picture).  There were people outside, so I took this from a distance as I was pedaling, so as not to disturb them (and, let's be honest: I didn't want to look like a creepy foreigner either!).

"The Bridges," as this was fondly named by Maddie.  We would walk out behind our house to this place, multiple times a week, and tromp around in the muddy grass and over a few little dams and bridges, exploring.  It was a favorite!

Christmas cheer against the clock tower.

A trip down Oude Straat (Old Street) was definitely in order.  Throughout our visit, it truly felt as though we had never left.

We visited the charming city of Elburg, with our friends, Nelleke, Reinier, David and Annamaryn, who were also our amazing hosts for the duration of our stay in Kampen. 

Our first day -- very jet-lagged, but still managing to get right out and explore the country!

Such sweet friends!  David is Maddie's age and they were in the same class at school when we lived there.

So many beautiful boats in these harbors.

You can't miss God's beauty.

On our second full day, we went to the Kröller-Müller Museum, which is an art museum and sculpture garden, located in a National Park within the Netherlands.  There were several amazing paintings to enjoy, and we found particular interest in the Van Gogh collection.

Next to the road, scattered throughout the park, you would see these giant wooden frames, that were intended for photo-ops!  Naturally, we took advantage...

...but what you don't see in this picture, is the sky spitting rain and snow down upon us.  This was the only time we got out for such a photo-op. ;)

After the museum, we enjoyed a cozy lunch at a nearby restaurant, and continued along, touring more of the local towns as we made our way back to Kampen.  

A stunning castle, located in the smallest town in the Netherlands.

A shot of our ride, and the other 5 adults who wanted nothing to do with getting a picture of the castle.

Later in the afternoon, Brant and I enjoyed a delightful coffee meet-up with several friends and colleagues from the TUK (the Theological University of Kampen), and made a stop by his old office for yet again, wait for it...another photo-op!

The following two days were filled with much of the same: touring Kampen, visiting with friends, and just taking advantage of being back in our home-away-from-home.

Ready to go!

It was a beautifully crisp, clear morning.

Quaint alleyways.

Not sure how we missed this before, but our friends showed us the smallest house in all of Kampen.  I used myself as a point of reference...I mean, I know I'm tall, but seriously -- this is a tiny house!

The waterfront of the IJssel River.

The clock tower and the old city hall.

The mantelpiece of the council chambers in the old city hall.

The beauty of Kampen.  Simplistic, serene, stunning.

Biking through the tunnel of one of the city gates. 

The TUK, Brant's school. 

Looking back on the city gate.  On the right side of the street, where you see the white walls, was the house we lived in for the first month.  Across the street is where the TUK is located.  

We also had a chance to walk around the inside of the old church in the city, which is a marvel to be seen and enjoyed. 

We also made sure to enjoy an afternoon coffee at de Einhoorn, our most favorite in all of Kampen.  

My favorite father-in-law, enjoying his cappuccino with me!

Such a beautiful sight at dusk.  What the picture didn't capture was the delicate stream of smoke, puffing from the chimneys.

Our sweet friends, Janneke and Hans, opened up their home and table to us, on Thanksgiving nonetheless!  We enjoyed a traditional Dutch feast of boerenkool and stamppot, surrounded by family and friends, and it was picture perfect.

 

How rich my life has become, by growing friendships all over the world.