Four things we’ve learned from our dog Vanda
If there is only one thing what we have learned in living in Croatia, than it is the force to accept the vulnerability and brokenness and embrace it. Brokenness in buildings, in people’s lives, in relations, and in many other aspects. One example of that brokenness was also visible in our dear dog: Vanda. We…
Choosing peace
While preparing for this weekend’s silent retreat in Hungary, I came across this piece of art with the title: Choosing peace. It is not only the harmonious art that I love, it is also the freedom that we have to choose. Sister Wendy Beckett writes: “An acceptance of the vulnerability on which peace is based,…
How a beggar became a pastors wife
How a beggar became a pastor’s wife It was Summer 2013, and our family visited the little church in Darda for the first time. We met the Nicolić family: Đeno, Biljana, and their four children. Đeno led the service, and Julianna, our translator, whispered: “This is remarkable. He is here just for a few months…
Ash Wednesday Explained
Dear all, Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. But what does that actually mean? And why should we mark this day? I found this article very insightful and am happy to share it. What is Lent? The word ‘Lent’ comes from the old Saxon name for the month of ‘March’ and came…
The religious map of Croatia
In the heart of the square of Osijek is an angular bronze statue. A big, heavy man points to the ground while he gazes with a stern look to the horizon. This country, this land, is Croatia. Only God and the Croats themselves make out what is happening here! These are the words on the…
Welcome to the plains of Hungary!
Silence in Hungary: 26–29 April 2019 Stay with Me A quiet time between Easter and Pentecost. You are warmly invited for a weekend women’s retreat where silence, chapel moments, local food, and fellowship are all coming together on the plains of Hungary. These days, we will focus on the time between Easter and Pentecost and…
Silence on a Sea That Once Was
It went like this: A friend asked on Facebook, “Hey, who will watch my animals while I am on a journey?” I knew that she lives on a beautiful farm in the Netherlands, so I responded jokingly, “Shall I come to take care of your animals?” She said, “If you come, I will pay for…
Still Life
This month, I am hosting different days of silence in the Netherlands. I feel very honoured to be able to host a day in which I combine silence and writing. When I sent out the invitations last October, somebody from Scotland (thank you, Roelien!) responded and sent this article. I found it so insightful that…
What to do when you face loneliness?
It is Christmas break. The snow is slowly falling down, and I should be happy. I see people on the street visiting their loved ones. People visiting others. They all seem to belong somewhere. My dad is turning 70 years old this very day, and although I am very thankful for that, I realize that…
Wedding
The wedding of Sasha and Ellie. What a party! What preparations! What a feast! What excitement! Every detail was in place. Sasha is the son of our friends Biljana and Đeno Nikolić. They played a major role in the decision for us to come and live here in Osijek. A few years ago, Sasha went…