Amsterdam, Baby!
Over the past few months, I have written several posts for this, but not actually gotten around to posting them on the site (hey, this blog stuff is still new to me!). Over the next few days, I will be adding the old ones with their appropriate dates, to catch up anyone who wants to read them. We begin . . .
Saturday, Jan. 28, 2006
When you think of Amsterdam, what comes to mind? I always used to think of drugs and immorality, having seen a bit of the city once on a long layover. But, for two weeks, I have the chance to be in Amsterdam for two courses on Islam, and the city has really won me over! The Dutch are very direct people, a trait that I actually admire (and relate to!). The French prefer a much more indirect approach to everything, which means I have to think, “What did so-and-so really mean by that comment?” The Dutch just say it straight out! They are also very hospitable, and nearly everyone speaks English, so it’s very easy for an American to find their way around town and shop in the stores. The Rijksmuseum has the world’s greatest collection of Rembrandt paintings (the most famous Dutch painter), and the Van Gogh museum is well worth the trip, too. Millions of tourists also visit the Anne Frank house in the heart of Amsterdam, as well.
I am staying in a quiet, peaceful neighborhood not far from the Free University (“free” meaning at liberty; they still charge money for the classes!). There are little stores and restaurants nearby, as well as a beautiful park and a pond, half-frozen over behind the hotel. My hotel, while built like any other Dutch building, was once used as a monastery, and is still owned by the Franciscan Order of the Catholic Church. The rooms are fairly bare, but functional, and the low price more than makes up for the sparse surroundings. I am really enjoying staying here, mostly because of the kindness of the director, and the charm of the neighborhood. From the hotel, it is only a few stops on the tram to the university.
The Azusa Bible College (affiliated with the Assemblies of God) is connected to the Free University, giving them access to state-of-the-art facilities. The cafeteria is so large; I was absolutely overwhelmed the first time I went in for lunch! I went to small colleges for both of my degrees, and I admit, my eyes are popping a bit at the thousands of young people milling around the many buildings.
I am taking Introduction to Islam and Approaches to Islam, focusing on the theological approach as well as a more practical emphasis on women in Islam. I have found both classes to be useful for me so far and I really enjoy the class lectures. Both classes are in English, but the majority of the students are Dutch. Their comments, reflecting their heritage and culture, are especially interesting for me, an American working in France.
I think my biggest feeling, as I study and read the course material for the two classes is that I am not doing enough to reach out to Muslims. I wish I had even more contact with them, and I really pray that God keeps opening doors for me to meet and get to know the Muslims in France.
Saturday, Jan. 28, 2006
When you think of Amsterdam, what comes to mind? I always used to think of drugs and immorality, having seen a bit of the city once on a long layover. But, for two weeks, I have the chance to be in Amsterdam for two courses on Islam, and the city has really won me over! The Dutch are very direct people, a trait that I actually admire (and relate to!). The French prefer a much more indirect approach to everything, which means I have to think, “What did so-and-so really mean by that comment?” The Dutch just say it straight out! They are also very hospitable, and nearly everyone speaks English, so it’s very easy for an American to find their way around town and shop in the stores. The Rijksmuseum has the world’s greatest collection of Rembrandt paintings (the most famous Dutch painter), and the Van Gogh museum is well worth the trip, too. Millions of tourists also visit the Anne Frank house in the heart of Amsterdam, as well.
I am staying in a quiet, peaceful neighborhood not far from the Free University (“free” meaning at liberty; they still charge money for the classes!). There are little stores and restaurants nearby, as well as a beautiful park and a pond, half-frozen over behind the hotel. My hotel, while built like any other Dutch building, was once used as a monastery, and is still owned by the Franciscan Order of the Catholic Church. The rooms are fairly bare, but functional, and the low price more than makes up for the sparse surroundings. I am really enjoying staying here, mostly because of the kindness of the director, and the charm of the neighborhood. From the hotel, it is only a few stops on the tram to the university.
The Azusa Bible College (affiliated with the Assemblies of God) is connected to the Free University, giving them access to state-of-the-art facilities. The cafeteria is so large; I was absolutely overwhelmed the first time I went in for lunch! I went to small colleges for both of my degrees, and I admit, my eyes are popping a bit at the thousands of young people milling around the many buildings.
I am taking Introduction to Islam and Approaches to Islam, focusing on the theological approach as well as a more practical emphasis on women in Islam. I have found both classes to be useful for me so far and I really enjoy the class lectures. Both classes are in English, but the majority of the students are Dutch. Their comments, reflecting their heritage and culture, are especially interesting for me, an American working in France.
I think my biggest feeling, as I study and read the course material for the two classes is that I am not doing enough to reach out to Muslims. I wish I had even more contact with them, and I really pray that God keeps opening doors for me to meet and get to know the Muslims in France.