Our entire group arrived safely from different directions today. We spent all morning greeting groups and shuffling them back to the hotel. Cheryl was the first to arrive by herself about 8:30 this morning. Shortly afterward Jay Grimwood, kcbt mission pastor, his wife Andrea, and three ladies from Missouri arrived. This group went on to the hotel while I waited for the next group, three from New Jersey, who were arriving two and a half hours late. They made it just fine, and as we were waiting for a shuttle bus, our group of six from Montana showed up. Yeah! Then, a couple from Paris drove in this afternoon. Two couples from Germany had to cancel at the last minute due to medical reasons. All are accounted for, in good shape and good spirits.

This afternoon we went to the Anne Frank House. We walked all the way across the city center from the hotel, stopping to eat lunch. This is Dr. Jeff’s Rx for jet lag – out in the sun and walking! You’ll hate me today and love me in a couple of days when your body clock is adjusted. Many chose to stay close to the hotel and head to bed early. Good choice! Those of us whose body clocks are already ticking on European time, and a couple of other brave souls, made our way to Leidseplein for Greek food. Yummy!

Tomorrow morning the seminar begins as we discuss culture in general and also begin to explore how artists paint a remarkably accurate reflection of society. In the afternoon we go to Zaanse Schans, or as we sometimes call it “The Windmill City.” This is the Dutch equivalent to Silver Dollar City or something similar – the place to go to see the stuff you imagined you would see in Holland, but don’t really see much in real life, like windmills, a cheese factory and wooden shoes. I’ll let you know how it goes.