Tilting at windmills

Okay, technically I haven't seen any windmills yet, but I am in Holland again. Like last January, I am in Amsterdam to take a course on Muslim evangelism at the AG Bible school here. They offer these Islamic emphasis classes each year in English and many missionaries and pastors attend. I loved being here last year and found the courses I took to be a real inspiration for my ministry. So far, this year's course looks to be even better.

Don McCurry, a missionary in his 70's, brings 40 years of Muslim missions experience to our class, focusing on very practical ways to reach those of the Islamic faith. I've found him to be a captivating speaker in the few sessions we've had so far.

Amsterdam is one of my favorite European cities. Everything is very clean, and that perception is increased by the clean lines of modern architecture throughout the city. There are canals that wind through the entire city and many of them are frequented by swans and ducks. Its very pretty. I am staying with missionary friends this week, so I take the train from their area to the university, but I've got about 20 blocks to walk daily, back and forth from the station. It gives me lots of time to appreciate the Dutch landscape (and also how much colder it is here than in Bordeaux!) This morning I walked in snow flurries. I felt somehow more connected to a Maryland winter (it doesn't snow in Bordeaux) so I was happy to have a few random flakes settle on my hair while I walked.