We landed in the Netherlands at the beginning of September. For Marco, it was only a brief stopover, because after two days he traveled on to Paraguay. There, he had two weeks of training with a team that specializes in Cross-Cultural Ministry. The city is located at a tri-border point with Brazil and Argentina. A large free trade zone creates a unique mix of cultures and a bustling atmosphere. A visit to the Iguazu Falls in Brazil was a must on this trip. The water crashes down with thunderous force over several plateaus, truly a breathtaking sight.
After a busy week of training, Marco had the opportunity to spend time with each of the participating couples separately, eating together and getting to know each other better.
After returning to the Netherlands, a midweek trip to Germany was on our agenda. A week in the Sauerland together with good friends. The weather was beautiful, we enjoyed wonderful walks, took in the scenery together, and reminisced about more than 45 years of friendship.
Marco then traveled to Canada for the annual meeting with the Global Leaders of World Team. It was a special meeting, as the International Director was stepping down and the new director was being installed. What makes this special for us is that the new director has worked closely with us for the past 10 years as the leader of our team in Brazil. So we know each other well and are grateful that he is now able to fulfill this role. At the same time, his departure from Brazil presents us with the challenge of continuing to guide the team there.
The last weekend of September was marked by the 50th Bible Conference in the interior of Suriname for the Trio and Wayana. It was a big celebration in Palumeu, the village where the first conference was held back in the seventies. With great gratitude, we reflected on the past 50 years during which these meetings have been held.
During Marco’s travels, Marjolein was busy with all kinds of visits in the Netherlands. She gained a lot of driving experience on Dutch roads. She assisted Jiska during the annual meeting of MemberCare Netherlands and, together with her father, attended a special MAF day in Teuge where an airplane was presented that had been purchased to work in Madagascar.
In the coming weeks, we will be celebrating our 45th wedding anniversary (October 3, 2025) at various times. First, a day with brothers and sisters in Ederveen, then a weekend with our children and grandchildren in Vlissingen, and then a special evening with supporters in Veenendaal.
We will also be visiting various people. We look forward to seeing many of our family and friends.