The umbrellas were out today, not to keep out the sun, but to deal with the ongoing rainy season in Paris! We were scheduled to have a picnic on the lawn of the Eiffel Tower today, with friends from Holland, MI: Bruce and Carla Masselink and their friends, Arnie and Hazel DeFeyter. The week previous they enjoyed a canal/bike trip in the Netherlands (with decent weather), only to put up with rain showers while in Paris!
They brought sandwiches and pastries, and we had animated conversation, especially doing the Holland crossword (who's related to who)...... They wanted to get a couple hours in the Louvre Museum yet, so on they went on bus 69, to meet up with their son Reid.
Reid and his wife, Nathalie, (French) are expecting their first child in August. Reid and Nathalie are both in the art "business" Reid is a painter, and Nathalie buys and sells paintings. We had dinner with them earlier on in our stay here.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Thursday, May 24, 2007
More Michigan visitors!
On May 9, we welcomed Chic and Nancy Broersma, long time friends from seminary days. They presently live in Cadillac, MI, near their son Steve and Sally and family. Chic was able to be our guest preacher here at the American Church in Paris, so that was special for all of us.
Quite soon into their visit here, we took the train to Chartres,
a delightful hour's trip from Paris by train. We had just a spectacular day, enjoying that beautiful cathedral, and then walking the historical streets along the river, 
and finally finding a charming place to enjoy lunch. We noted how much less expensive it was than eating in Paris cafes!
Quite soon into their visit here, we took the train to Chartres,
a delightful hour's trip from Paris by train. We had just a spectacular day, enjoying that beautiful cathedral, and then walking the historical streets along the river, and finally finding a charming place to enjoy lunch. We noted how much less expensive it was than eating in Paris cafes!As well as the typical tourist sites here in Paris, they enjoyed strolling along the Seine, watching people on the bus, participating in our church's coffee fellowship, taking in a flea market, shopping, etc.
Chic kept daily tabs on how the Detroit Tigers were doing! We played lots of setback, with the guys having the winning record. (...this time!)
I am including some photos of flowers, which has become kind of a hobby for me....Hope you enjoy them! 
John is keeping very busy with wedding matters, and will also participate in a weekend retreat at the Taize center....He preaches here June 3, and then we'll be keeping active with a visit from our Aussie family, eager to spend time with them, especially Ben (5) & Tessa! (2)! We'll be preparing for our sojourn back to the States, then on July 1.
Till later! Sharon (and John)
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Fast Train to Brugge, Belgium
What a welcome change of venue to view rolling countryside, farms, small towns, and colorful fields from the window of our TVG fast train trip to Brugge. We changed trains in Brussels, and arrived in Brugge in the middle of a holiday, so it was lively and loud in the main square.
Brugge is a charming city, now with a vibrant tourist industry; filled with medieval, historical buildings and churches,
quaint architechure, cobblestone streets, canals, parks, and hundreds of bicyles that can be rented. Lacemaking, chocolates, and beer are trademarks of this town! In 2002, it was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.
quaint architechure, cobblestone streets, canals, parks, and hundreds of bicyles that can be rented. Lacemaking, chocolates, and beer are trademarks of this town! In 2002, it was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.Although one can walk the city, we did rent bicycles one day, and cycled to Damme, a lovely village about 4 miles from Brugge, along a canal, with a bike path on either side. Before we took this trip, we bought fresh strawberries and cheese at the open market.
We passed a windmill, and later viewed a 14th century church in Damme.
I took a picture of the sign "Kerkhof" by the church, which is the "church cemetery," (and is also part of my maiden name, Van't Kerkhoff). I also found a tombstone of a couple whose name was "Timmerman", which was my mother's maiden name! Brought back a lot of memories.
I took a picture of the sign "Kerkhof" by the church, which is the "church cemetery," (and is also part of my maiden name, Van't Kerkhoff). I also found a tombstone of a couple whose name was "Timmerman", which was my mother's maiden name! Brought back a lot of memories.I did have one fall, meeting another bicycle, and my bike tire hit the edge of the path, and down I went into a bunch of stinging nettle plants!!!! OUCH! My arm was full of the little stingers, and was very uncomfortable until the next day, when itching set in! At least I didn't fall into the canal, I thought, cheerily!
We stayed two nights at the Novatel, which was very lovely and had a scrumptious morning breakfast. On our third day, I did some shopping, and John climbed the 366 steps up the bell tower, and visited some museums.
With wonderful spring weather each day, we made our way back to the train station, and 3 hours later, we were back in Paris!
Monday, April 30, 2007
More Visitors!
Mid April we welcomed Sharon's sister, Aletha and Will, her husband. They had to think long and hard about what they wanted to do and see!
The perfect spring weather found them enjoying a Seine cruise, visiting Notre Dame
(and having great ice cream at the Berthillon), visiting the Rodin Museum, and spending some time at the Louvre Museum. Another highlight was enjoying a day at Versaille, with it oppulant chalet of Louis XIV, the beautiful grounds, the fountains, and taking a ride in a rowboat on the lake! 
Then we took two days, by train, and rental car, to visit Normandy and southward near Mont St. Michel. Our host at our B&B was an Englishman, with whom we had delightful conversations. The morning we planned to visit Mont St. Michel, it was totally fogged in, so we headed up to the Normandy area, finding a newly opened and recently discovered very large German battery at Maisy. Walking around the bunkers , the remains of buildings, and the Howitzer gun platforms, was very sobering. Here it was that the U.S. Rangers drove out the German army further back into France. This discovery at Maisy is very significant since now the history books will have to be rewritten. It was thought that LaHoc was the largest contingent.
Then, driving our hybrid Prius (lots of trouble), we made our way to Omaha Beach,
and the American Cemetery. 
Again very sobering to think of the lives lost, and given for their respective countries. We made it back to Caen for our train back to Paris.
Another highlight of lesser importance, was to pick up our Pinocle competition, which again, the women were dominant! Baguettes, Paris pastries, and the sights will always be remembered!
The perfect spring weather found them enjoying a Seine cruise, visiting Notre Dame
(and having great ice cream at the Berthillon), visiting the Rodin Museum, and spending some time at the Louvre Museum. Another highlight was enjoying a day at Versaille, with it oppulant chalet of Louis XIV, the beautiful grounds, the fountains, and taking a ride in a rowboat on the lake! Then we took two days, by train, and rental car, to visit Normandy and southward near Mont St. Michel. Our host at our B&B was an Englishman, with whom we had delightful conversations. The morning we planned to visit Mont St. Michel, it was totally fogged in, so we headed up to the Normandy area, finding a newly opened and recently discovered very large German battery at Maisy. Walking around the bunkers , the remains of buildings, and the Howitzer gun platforms, was very sobering. Here it was that the U.S. Rangers drove out the German army further back into France. This discovery at Maisy is very significant since now the history books will have to be rewritten. It was thought that LaHoc was the largest contingent.
Then, driving our hybrid Prius (lots of trouble), we made our way to Omaha Beach,
and the American Cemetery. Again very sobering to think of the lives lost, and given for their respective countries. We made it back to Caen for our train back to Paris.Another highlight of lesser importance, was to pick up our Pinocle competition, which again, the women were dominant! Baguettes, Paris pastries, and the sights will always be remembered!
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Petals, Parks, and Playgrounds
It is springtime in Paris, and we have been overcome with the beauty of new flowers, trees leafing out, and observing so many people (and tourists) enjoying the out of doors! There is a saying that "the parks are the lungs of Paris", meaning that with so many people in apartment accomodations and small spaces, it is necessary to "get out" and breathe fresh air and open spaces. Baron Haussmann and some others were fore-sighted enough to plan for plenty of "green space" and parks. I hope you enjoy some of the beautiful photos.
Then on 14 April, we went way to the east to the "Bois de Vincennes" (BOIS means "woods") There is also a large carnival there, lots of green space, and a lovely lake , lac daumesnil, featuring two picturesque islands which we walked all around, stopping often to watch people of all kinds, young and old: sunning, boating, bicycling, picnic-ing, reading, and just relaxing.
We took two busses to the Bois de Vincennses,
* * * * * * * * *
Giverny is the fabled home of Claude Monet, one of our favorite impressionist artists. He lived here for many years, established his home, gardens, and his retreat, the "lily pond". We were able to be there for a wedding early in April. It is about an hour NW of Paris.
These flowers are from an area just east of the Champs de Elysee, near the Concorde.
We have taken two major park outings in the last week: One to the "Bois de Boulogne" to the west, where there is a fabulous playground for children (for Ben and Tessa when they come!), a carnival, small zoo, and lovely walking paths.
Then on 14 April, we went way to the east to the "Bois de Vincennes" (BOIS means "woods") There is also a large carnival there, lots of green space, and a lovely lake , lac daumesnil, featuring two picturesque islands which we walked all around, stopping often to watch people of all kinds, young and old: sunning, boating, bicycling, picnic-ing, reading, and just relaxing.
We took two busses to the Bois de Vincennses, #42, then #24 all the way, picked up some lunch take out at the local Monoprix. We returned on the #8 and 9 metros. We shook off our dusty shoes when we got back, and a quick shower was most welcome!
Wish you were here!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Spring Weddings
Being a part of the wedding ministry of the American Church in Paris is such a joy!
Most ceremonies are held in our beautiful sanctuary. However, during the month of April there were two "off site" weddings in which we were privileged to participate. The weather was ideal for both weddings , with an infusion of spring flowers, fragrance, and sunshine.
The first one, April 5, 2007, took place at Giverny, the fabled home of Monet, where expansive flower gardens blanket the landscape !
Most ceremonies are held in our beautiful sanctuary. However, during the month of April there were two "off site" weddings in which we were privileged to participate. The weather was ideal for both weddings , with an infusion of spring flowers, fragrance, and sunshine.
The first one, April 5, 2007, took place at Giverny, the fabled home of Monet, where expansive flower gardens blanket the landscape !
Suzanne and Brett Woellner solemized their vows, April 5, along with members of their families, along with many onlookers, with a string quartette adding to the venue.
It was not only a memorable occasion for them and their families, but also for John and me to enjoy the beauty of this place!
Then just two days later, Kevin Scott and Landa Acevedo were married on "le Quai", a boat/restaurant moored on the Seine very near the Orsay Museum.
They met here in Paris, on April 7, a couple years ago, and so wanted their marriage to be here. Many guests and family members celebrated with them in this unique setting. We had the privilege of meeting with them in London, where they both live, and also enjoyed a light lunch with them here in our apartment when they came to finalize plans.
We pray for these two young couples, along with the many others who come to the American Church in Paris for a wedding blessing, or a renewal of vows!
Friday, March 30, 2007
Visit to Cyprus; 26-30 March, 2007
Early Monday morning, we left for the airport to fly to Larnaka, Cyprus, via Athens. We were picked up about 9 that night by Lew & Nancy Scudder. We arrived at their home in Apaisia
(Ah-pa-sha) Village north of Limossol, and spent a restful night in their guest house. Sunny, warm weather welcomed us the three days we were with Nancy & Lew.
Lew Scudder III, and Nancy, his wife, have long been involved in mission work in Lebanon, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Turkey-- pastoring, tutoring, writing, supervising, and teaching. In 1998, Lew wrote a comprehensive book, The Arabian Mission's Story, an informative and intensive history of the R.C.A. 's mission work in the Middle East. They have now "retired" in Cyprus, where Lew isa consultant for R.C.A. mission workers in the field and Nancy contributes to their roles in their church and other outside activities.
Cyprus is an ancient land, with a torrid history of different rulers and domains. It is now a prosperous independent republic, but not united, as the Turks rule 37% of the island. (Northern part). Nicosia, the capital, is the only remaining world capital to be under divided rule.
On Tuesday, Lew and Nancy took us to Pafos at the west end of the island. On the way we passed a beautiful area along the Mediterranean, the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite. In ancient times, this goddess of Love was worshiped in Pafos.
It was to this city of Pafos (Acts 13:3-12) that Paul and Barnabas met with the governor, Sergius Paulus. Here, a Jewish wizard tried to divert the governor from becoming a believer. The spirit was expelled from the wizard, and the governor embraced the gospel. Some time later, Barnabas returned to Cyprus with John Mark.
We walked thru the entire ruins and remains of Pafos, with it mosaics, and remains of the temple to Apollos.
It was a thrill to remember the lives of Paul & Barnabas in this very place.
Nancy & Lew have a beautiful place they call home in Apesia Village.
Their yard abounds flowers and fruit trees--orange, lemon, grapefruit, plum, lime, apricot, peach, in addition to grape vines which produce both seedless, and seeded grapes.
We thank them for the animated conversations, delicious food, and good relaxation, and getting some cat "lovies" from Charlie!
(Ah-pa-sha) Village north of Limossol, and spent a restful night in their guest house. Sunny, warm weather welcomed us the three days we were with Nancy & Lew.
Lew Scudder III, and Nancy, his wife, have long been involved in mission work in Lebanon, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Turkey-- pastoring, tutoring, writing, supervising, and teaching. In 1998, Lew wrote a comprehensive book, The Arabian Mission's Story, an informative and intensive history of the R.C.A. 's mission work in the Middle East. They have now "retired" in Cyprus, where Lew isa consultant for R.C.A. mission workers in the field and Nancy contributes to their roles in their church and other outside activities.
Cyprus is an ancient land, with a torrid history of different rulers and domains. It is now a prosperous independent republic, but not united, as the Turks rule 37% of the island. (Northern part). Nicosia, the capital, is the only remaining world capital to be under divided rule.
On Tuesday, Lew and Nancy took us to Pafos at the west end of the island. On the way we passed a beautiful area along the Mediterranean, the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite. In ancient times, this goddess of Love was worshiped in Pafos.
It was to this city of Pafos (Acts 13:3-12) that Paul and Barnabas met with the governor, Sergius Paulus. Here, a Jewish wizard tried to divert the governor from becoming a believer. The spirit was expelled from the wizard, and the governor embraced the gospel. Some time later, Barnabas returned to Cyprus with John Mark.
We walked thru the entire ruins and remains of Pafos, with it mosaics, and remains of the temple to Apollos.
It was a thrill to remember the lives of Paul & Barnabas in this very place.Nancy & Lew have a beautiful place they call home in Apesia Village.
Their yard abounds flowers and fruit trees--orange, lemon, grapefruit, plum, lime, apricot, peach, in addition to grape vines which produce both seedless, and seeded grapes.We thank them for the animated conversations, delicious food, and good relaxation, and getting some cat "lovies" from Charlie!
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