We just returned from a sad time in Holland this year, ... the funeral for Elly's mother, Jette van der Pols, who died suddenly, but restfully and peacefully, at 92. In this time of sadness, there was joy, however, visiting many relatives and friends of Elly's, even visiting the delightful Keukenhof, which is Holland's showcase of flowers - a themepark of the best of what Holland gives the world in terms of flowers.
You will see some fotos I've selected from a past visit to the Keukenhof in 2001 [marked on foto] as well as some taken during this visit. The beauty we were able so share @ the Keukenhof on our last full day in Holland and the sunny day (rare in March for Holland) helped to brighten the sadness we felt at the passing of Elly's mom.
First you see three lovely images of the famous tulips of Holland - the first is the largest tulip in the world (amazing, a full 10 inches from tip-to-tip). Then two of our favorite varieties on display inside (the tulips don't bloom outside until May). Then, after the poster for "The Keukenhof," you see yours truly, taken in mock wooden shoes, first in 2001 (on left) and then last week in the same type pose. ... Fun!
Then you see Elly and a dear high school friend, on the left taken this week and then you see the foto of the same two friends taken in May, 2001 [labeled], where the tulips were in bloom more in May, 2001 then they were in March of 2008. But as I said above, the day in the sun with the flowers of Holland from God's creation was a real bright point during this sad time.
We will not likely be going back over to Elly's native land as often in the future since Elly's main reason for going is there no longer. However, we have great friends and a number of Elly's relatives there to visit when we do go back over. Holland is very much a part of the Berry Patch! ... wrb
3 comments:
Bill...the pictures are lovely!!! I wondered if you took them or got them off the internet they were so beautiful!
Hey Bill! I've been to Keukenhof! I was there in April 1992, and it is incredibly beautiful when all of the tulips and blossoms and spring flowers are all in bloom. The way they designed the flower beds is so artistic. I found Holland to be a very beautiful and CLEAN place. They are so far ahead of us when it comes to water conservation and recycling etc.
My sympathies are with you and Elly on the loss of her mom. Although we can celebrate when our loved ones go on to be with Jesus, it's still sorrowful when they leave us. May the Lord comfort you as you mourn her passing.
In Christ,
Cate
Thanks Audi and Cate ...
Audi --> I took the pictures with my little digital camera. Thanks for the flattering remarks; but I just shoot what I want to capture.
Cate --> The Keukenhof in May (better time to go than in March) is stunning. And it's simply essential to go in the sunshine to see all those wonderful displays to which you refer. Yes, Cate, Holland is a fascinating culture; but it is a prime example of what the culture of "tolerance" can do to a people. Spiritually, the Dutch are a sea of lost souls because of their cultural belief in allowing for the "tolerance of all faiths" and their collective rejection of the One and true avenue to hope and heaven.
I could go on and on about this; but we see this every time we go over there. With the exceptions of pockets of evangelical Christians here and there (we see a few), there is a massive independence to reject any/all faith, especially the exclusivity of Christianity. We hear it over and over again: "We think it's fine that you believe in Christ; but we just don't need that in our lives." And it's sooooo difficult to break through that - even with testimonies and witness, to which we've exposed so many of Elly's friends/family. It's so sad!
But we see Holland; and yes, they are ahead of many cultures socially; but spiritually their social consciousness is causing them to be blind to the truth of Christ and Christianity. So sad!!!
<'BB><
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