BELGIUM
During our planning for this trip in February, one of the mission teams from Belgium was in the Dominican and insisted that since we were already going to be in England….we had to come see them too. So our second focus was to go to Brussels where there is a large Italian connection to the Samaritan Foundation through its founder Elio Madonia. Even though our gracious and kind hosts, Biago & Cristina could not speak English…somehow we were still able to communicate. The primary languages in Brussels are French, Flemish, German and in this case Italian. The team provided us a very full itinerary enabling us to speak at 3 Italian churches and in a International Christian school assembly where children come from 25 different nations. Thankfully 2 team members, Michel and Paolo could speak English. They took time off work to be our guides for the week. After the first evening service, we were treated to a pizza dinner with all the members of the Batista d’Espoir (Ambassadors of Hope) team and organizing committee. Picture this…28 of us in a tiny ristorante pizzeria served one of the finest Italian meals ....antipastos, pizzas, & tiramisu. Michel explained that to the Italians in Brussels...…eating is a sport; you must pace yourself because more food keeps coming and coming.Brussels and Brugge are probably two of the most beautifully, historic cities in Belgium. Centuries old and home of the historic chocolate quarter and fine Belgium lace where almost every shop sells one or the other. Brussels is also the home of a long time favorite children’s book called Tintin. The magnificent town square dates back to the 12th century. Brugge is considered little Venice due to the canals that wind through a portion of the city streets. We climbed a tower 366 steps high to get an amazing view of the city. On our last day in Belgium, Michel & his wife offered to take us on a day trip….it was a 2 ½ hour drive to Amsterdam or 3 hours to Paris. Never having been to Europe before and wanting to explore a bit of our Dutch heritage made the choice rather simple. So off to Amsterdam as tourists the 4 of us went. Avoiding the numerous bicycles, trams and many, many tourists (John thought there was no one left elsewhere….they all went to Amsterdam that afternoon) we saw canals, heritage buildings and the infamous red light district. No windmills, dikes or wooden shoes but that beg to answer the infamous question…would you go back? And the answer is definitely yes, but next time to the countryside.The next day immediately after church we rushed home to have a quick lunch (a delicious 5 course meal again) and then depart for the airport to return to England. The men of our host family were all flying to Sicily from a different airport in the opposite direction that same afternoon to vote in the Italian elections so a cousin who speaks very limited English took us instead. 4 countries in 4 days….Holland, Belgium, back to England, and then Canada. Whew. What a whirlwind trip but would we do it again? ABSOLUTELY. We feel very privileged and thankful to have had this opportunity to spend time with so many mission volunteers on their home ground and sharing God’s work in our lives.