Back at RUC (story so far)

I was going to write an average little updat on my life, however while I was listening to my Memories playlist, several songs came by that made me realize how much had changed since I left Holland on July 26th 2005.

I would like to therefore take this opportunity to kind of share my journey that brought me here. Being raised in a Christian family with a Canadian mother who met a Canadian Dutch father in Holland, Canada was a part of me from my early years on. As a result of that I spend many of my summers in Ontario with my family that lived and still lives there. In 2000 my father past away after fighting cancer for several years. This switched my life and the life of my family around completely. Luckily God blessed me with a group of friends that really helped and supported me. In 2001 my middle brother went to Calvin college, he loved it. This was one of the things that got me thinking about leaving for a College in Canada to. However, I was only in my 2nd year if high school and there were still some years left. When my oldest brother got married I became the only one left in my house besides my mom. This change turned out to be harder than anticipated. In several years 3 of the 5 people that I had lived with all my life were not there anymore.

After 5 years of high school which is normal in Holland, I decided to go to college in Holland for one year. I really wanted to go to Redeemer, however, I was 17 and felt that waiting for another year could not hurt. However, I missed my high school environment, I was in a new place and my attitude was set on leaving the Netherlands and going to Canada. This resulted that in April 2005 I was already trying to disconnect from all my friends in Holland. I was trying to leave quite and not be a bother to anyone, I was afraid it would hurt to much. In may 2005 exactly one year to the date ago, I saw Redeemer for the first time. The day before my brother had graduated from Calvin College and on the way back to Barrie where all my family lives we stopped at Redeemer. The same Korean church weekend that was going on last year is going on again this weekend, and now I am serving them lunch.

It was also in that may of 2005, that my mom made me realized that I was trying to disconnect from my friends, she made me realize that this was not good for me and not just towards them. The last to months that I spent in Holland were truly great. I was anticipating going to Redeemer all the time, however, it did not get in the way of spending time with friends and family. I left Holland on July 26th, I came a bit early, I guess to prepare going to Redeemer.

Now Redeemer has changed my life, actually God has changed my life through Redeemer. I have written many stories already about the great times I have had at Redeemer. Nevertheless, the main difference Redeemer has made for me, it has managed to let me fully use my talents and gifts that have been given to me by God’s grace. Throughout my first year at Redeemer, there was a point around February where people (you know who you are) were a bit worried that I would have some sort of a burn out or break down. Although, I really appreciated this thought and concern, being at Redeemer has given me a new force. Most of the changes that have happened since I have left Holland have been very positive. God has given me a drive for him and his kingdom, and at the moment I know that he is providing for me, he has showed me how to open my eyes and to see his work, love, people, creation and power in a new light. And that can keep me going for a very long time.

Now don’t get me wrong, I miss Holland! I would love to be able to spend time there again and just be around friends, family (my oldest brother and his wife still live there), culture and congregation. However, I can only praise God for the blessing in my life. To God be the glory now and forever, Amen.