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…
Heights (and depths) of 2018
19-12-2018 19-12 1999: first kiss;-) 19-12 2000:engaged 19-6 2001:married Highligth of this day;-) At the end of this year, I gladly share some heights and depths of 2018.(2016 , 2017) Visits from and to friends and family Jelle went with Femke to the Netherlands in March to celebrate the 70th birthday of his father. My…
The agony -and beauty- of language learning
Ajmo lepotica (Serbian) Ajmo ljepotica (Croatian) Let’s go, beautiful (English) I bought my vegetables at the market, and the woman greeted me friendly with: Ajmo ljepotice, vidimo se! Language learning is a real challenge, not only because of the differences between Serbian or Croatian words, which definitely adds to the complexity of learning, but because…
The Arrival of Winter and the Shaping of Community
Today a guest post by our co-worker Helen. She gives an impression of our work in the village. I gladly share: Winter arrived quite suddenly here in Croatia, with an immediate drop in temperatures and a permanent cold mistiness to the air. We’ve been enjoying a long, warm Autumn, but in the turnover of…