Tuesday, 17 July 2007

Blueberries, Bonfires, Conversations, and Churches

With gas prices spiked, I was beginning to wonder if my getaway to Holland would really be worth it. As much as I love my Phantom and its respectable mileage, it does cost a bit to fill the tank.

My suspicions proved correct-it was easily worth it. The beginning was encouraging-I arrived to find Nate grilling a bunch of hotdogs, handing me the first ready one followed by a bearhug as soon as I walked up to him. Luke and Tim were already there and laughed as I complained that the driveway was all full... good to see Tim would still heckle me that fast. After dinner, I rolled my eyes as soon as Nate shoved a Frisbee at me. I got demolished at Frisbee golf (again), but it was where I finally found Jon and a bunch of other people such as Ryan and Travis. To my surprise, I also encountered Jeff. I wish I would have had more of a chance to talk to him, but it was good to at least say hello and exchange "How are you doing?" and "That's great." Thankfully when we finally came back to the house and settled in for the night, Stanley the friendly ghost dog (long story) seemed to not mind me. Unfortunately, the Holland Police Department DID mind me and gave me my very first parking ticket.

Mmm... breakfast. Tim and I learned very quickly how temperamental that waffle iron is that Nate and Jon have. Oh well, it was still enjoyable to aid in putting together a massive breakfast... a large pan of scrambled eggs, two pounds o' bacon, a plate piled with waffles and another loaded with pancakes. I guess then the next significant thing was playing phone tag with Laura. Luckily, she finally found me and brought me to see Noah & Kristen and Steven & Joanna, whom I was also thrilled to see (wow, I miss my friends a lot). I only wish Laura could have joined us in our adventure in the blueberry fields. It was great fun, although I could have gone without picking that spider. Luckily it didn't seem to mind too much, although I think that frog that Steven found may have minded a little more. After bidding farewell to my friends and returning to 16th Street, Jon unsuccessfully attempted to convince me to go geocaching, but we did finally find Nate's sand dune crew, so I got to see Caitlin & Morgan too. And then came the highlight... BURNING STUFF! I still can't quite believe I ate 4 s'mores that night, but Luke, Nate, Ryan, and Jon did a bang-up job building that fire from soggy wood and kindling. The late night discussion with Nate brought back memories of the late night convos at Hope in Phelps and Cook. I think I've missed that just about as the people.

And then came Sunday. Sunday! Sunday in Holland means church at Engedi! I hadn't been there since late April! I relished coming back, although I was slightly disappointed that Pastor Brian wasn't there since he made me promise I'd come if I was in Holland. I can't be upset, though-Micah's sermon about Acts 8 and evangelism was encouraging. And then, sadly, after finding lunch at iHOP, I had to bid Nate, Jon, and Luke farewell. Happily, Jon and I had some time to talk as well before I departed, so that was good too.

All my clothes from the trip don't smell like smoke anymore. My car has taken back its spot in the driveway under that awful locust tree. The parking ticket will soon be mailed, as well as that key I forgot to give Jon (oops).

I'm excited to return in August. But apparently I have visitors of my own coming soon... Ben and Ross, I look forward to seeing you guys!

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