tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56926347812616803632012-02-05T17:29:54.905-05:00Joy Housernoreply@blogger.comBlogger601100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-8851624185176187442011-12-28T23:53:00.013-05:002012-01-02T09:42:45.528-05:00

Well, 2011 was a year full of travel and new adventures!Here are my top 11 moments from 2011.11. Aberdeen/HogmanayLast year I had the privilege of flying out to Aberdeen, Scotland to ring in the New Year with friends. It was my first real vacation and with all our adventures I was really challenged to take some risks and face my fears. Click here for more on that adventure.10. MCE

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-26540499803870133602011-11-21T20:47:00.002-05:002011-11-21T21:01:50.594-05:00

Well, friends, it looks like autumn is coming to a close and winter is on its way. I have so far resisted the urge to dive into the holiday spirit, and will do so until after Thursday. Having spent last year in a country that doesn't decorate for Christmas until December 6th has made me a little sensitive to all the premature holiday cheer. I am looking forward to a nice, American Thanksgiving

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-89354151487171941902011-11-07T19:46:00.007-05:002011-11-07T20:47:38.423-05:00

Hello world!I know what you're thinking, "Joy! It has been over 4 months since your last blog post!? What is up?" Well, during those four months, not much.I returned home from Amsterdam and got settled back into life in America. I found a part-time job, a church and even a car. I've just been working, driving, and helping out at church. Life has been pretty boring (in a good way) and so I

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-67626259905639304552011-06-25T12:04:00.010-04:002011-06-26T03:22:05.595-04:00

Well, Summer is upon us and by the time you read this entry the school year of MCAN will have ended. But, before we get that far let's talk about MAY!One tradition we started here at MCAN last year was a sort of team-building day. Each year the 3rd year students must assemble an afternoon of secret activities that take the other students out of their comfort zones and help them to enjoy their

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-49355840606192565852011-06-25T11:47:00.005-04:002011-07-17T14:32:40.156-04:00

Well, friends and family, THEY DID IT! THEY FINISHED!!!!The students were jumping for joy (no pun intended) at the end of the year, excited about the road that lies before them as they graduate from MCAN. Some will be returning, some will move on to other schools, programs and even (gasp!) the real world .Sabine, Esther, Myself, Jillian & HeatherMWOG: Mighty Woman of GodOver the holiday break

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-89244912691913636702011-05-25T08:15:00.005-04:002011-05-25T09:00:00.616-04:00

Summer is here in Amsterdam. May has been very generous with lots of sun, flowers and breezy afternoons. Since my last update we have kept very busy here at the house. Visitors from the US and our MCE offices in Belgium recently came over for the weekend and it was so nice to have a busy little house. They helped us shoot an MCAN promotional video that we'll be premiering during the upcoming

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-68436865321594666132011-05-02T18:28:00.012-04:002011-05-02T19:41:58.340-04:00

Well, if you couldn't tell from my lack of presence on my blog, things have gotten pretty busy around here. After my time in Rockford at the Original Women's Conference, I journeyed home to Detroit and despite a snowy morning train ride I had a wonderful time during my stay.If you'd like a glimpse of what I experienced during the Original Women's Conference, you can check out this recap video

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-60700300852665522182011-04-01T11:41:00.018-04:002011-04-11T13:52:27.169-04:00

Where to begin?Well, as you might have read in my last post, things didn't quite go as planned for our Spring Missions Trips here at MCAN. Originally we had planned to go to Russia and evangelize with a missionary we know from Sweden. Things changed when myself and two other students were denied visas to Russia. Within 24 hours we were able to make arrangements for the three of us to go to

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-32003277297381015382011-03-16T14:53:00.001-04:002011-03-16T14:55:11.744-04:00

Thanks to the Russian Embassy being not so impressed with my application for a visa, myself and two of the non-dutch students at MCAN will now be taking a missions trip to work with the Master's Commission in Switzerland!! I am so excited and haven't had time much to think about it, but we'll be joining them tomorrow morning as the rest of our team heads off to Russia.Please keep both of these

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-9949400564850701472011-03-15T13:59:00.007-04:002011-03-25T05:00:56.869-04:00

The first half of the month of March we spent preparing for the Master's Commission Europe 2011 "FUSION" Conference.Existing and up-and-coming MC's from all over Europe gathered together to celebrate what God is doing here and to unite as one, in love and passion for God.We even had cool matching hooded sweatshirts :)Part of the "FUSION" theme was represented through decoration. We had giant

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-31224374627362153902011-03-04T05:29:00.009-05:002011-03-04T06:06:09.557-05:00

Well, March is officially our busiest month here at MCAN.We started off the month with a trip to Limburg, a small city on the border of the Netherlands and Germany. We performed some dramas and gave our testimonies while Enzo preached at a few local churches. We also were lucky enough to cross the border and go to Germany. We even treated ourselves to a bratworst at a small cafe.God really

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-78530153087633714352011-02-23T04:55:00.006-05:002011-02-23T05:21:51.008-05:00

This past Sunday we did church a little differently.We cleared off the stage, put up some props and fake walls, and put on a "play.""The Landlord"Through a series of different scenes it told a story of what the world is like today. Stories of greed, disaster, domestic violence, pride, etc.The world is fixated on itself and doesn't see what God is trying to show it.I won't give away the whole

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-46309818777535881832011-02-13T04:37:00.001-05:002011-02-13T04:39:22.309-05:00

Hey friends,I'm getting together a post to fill you in on my first month back in action here at MCAN! But, in the meantime, take a look at our latest newsletter: http://mim.io/e015dIf you'd like to subscribe to this newsletter you can do so by filling in your name & email on the left-side of this page!-more to come

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-76926856496088819832011-02-10T17:49:00.004-05:002011-02-17T16:03:07.865-05:00

Well, things are back in action again here at MCAN! We started off our first week after break with a week of prayer! We were joined by churches from all over Amsterdam Noord and prayed for the city, churches and residents of our area. It was so great to see people from all backgrounds coming together to glorify God and pray and fast for our home. We got to meet people from Surinam churches,

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-3546831903856988872011-01-17T15:26:00.004-05:002011-01-17T15:43:20.307-05:00

Well, all the students are back at the house once more and today we officially began our second semester here at MCAN.We had the last of our students filter in this past Saturday night and it was so great to have everyone in the house once more and see how we have all changed and grown physically and spiritually over the past four weeks.We gathered around in a circle and read the following

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-77771619566700453182011-01-12T06:35:00.007-05:002011-02-13T04:43:06.737-05:00

It has been a long time. I apologize for the silence on my end of the inter-webs.This year I stayed over on this side of the world for the holidays. I had a nice, quiet Christmas with many phone calls and skype dates with friends and family. Because I wouldn't be returning to the US for the holidays I was invited to come out to Scotland to visit some friends who work with a Master's Commission

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-28625292256161593752010-12-25T14:59:00.002-05:002010-12-28T01:08:07.049-05:00

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-42410612452853593102010-12-22T19:42:00.004-05:002010-12-24T05:14:09.876-05:00

Before I make a special edition Christmas Blog, I just wanted to let you know that God has blessed me with friends to visit for New Year's Eve in Scotland! Heather, one of our first year students, and I will be flying to Aberdeen, Scotland to visit some folks from the Master's Commission there.I was so excited to go that Heather and I made a video for the director to show him how much we were

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-60895966651907632162010-12-14T19:59:00.002-05:002010-12-14T20:01:53.523-05:00

This past Monday we all ventured by bus and by train out to Hoorn, the town where my director and his family live. We had a really great Christmas party together as we enter our last week of classes for the semester. I will write more about that, and many other things at a later time. But, for now, I just wanted to leave you with a nice message from us here at MCAN, with the help of a guy

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-28603354978675760922010-12-11T07:55:00.003-05:002010-12-11T08:04:01.882-05:00

Things are starting to come to a close here as we begin the last week of the program before our 4 week long break. That's right, folks, my students will be off of school from Dec 20th - Jan 16th. Long enough for any American or Canadian to fly home and see all their family before returning for 5 more months of MCAN. This week we have (finally) decorated the Christmas Tree in the house, baked

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-39790059103859348502010-12-02T03:57:00.003-05:002010-12-03T14:42:04.886-05:00

Yes, that wasn't a typo. This week we had an atypical Thursday for us here at MCAN. One of the local missionaries, Eric Cappelli, teaches drama and dance at a local Christian Highschool and has invited us to come and teach them a drama. So, Thursday morning we got up extra early, braved the snow and ice and smelly busses, and headed over to De Passie for a drama-filled day!Enzo's wife, Sandy,

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-82250792239411461162010-11-27T17:29:00.009-05:002010-11-28T03:10:25.081-05:00

Even though I released a special Holiday blog post on Thanksgiving, I would still love to show you just what this American holiday looked like in Europe.Not only am I living in a country that doesn't have a "Thanksgiving," but I also was traveling on a trip for this year's Turkey Day. The students had been invited to serve at a PEF (Pentecostal European Fellowship) Conference in Brussels during

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-80952978332663638512010-11-23T08:23:00.019-05:002010-11-25T03:16:45.313-05:00

We are nearing the end of November now and I can hardly believe how fast the time has gone. After we returned from the Belgian Youth Conference we had just a few days before life picked up again and brought me many things to be thankful for. Here are just a few:#1) Far off Friends: My dear friend Amanda, her husband, and our Bible study leaders from over the summer stopped by! They were in

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-75979670785026618402010-11-17T05:06:00.023-05:002010-11-17T09:01:47.022-05:00

CJ = Convention des jeunes(French for Youth Convention)Génération Choisie = The Chosen GenerationCJ2010 is an annual youth conference held in the south of Belgium for all the French-speaking youth!This year, MCAN was invited to help serve and minister. The theme of the conference was Génération Choisie! It was about empowering this generation of youth as chosen; giving them a purpose with their

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-9551962308892965512010-11-05T15:21:00.003-04:002010-11-05T15:23:30.435-04:00

Hello everyone! I just wanted to share with you the latest newsletter I've put together for MCAN. If you would like to receive these monthly in your email, just sign up in the right column on my blog page! Here you go: http://mim.io/f5f96

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-23233522058684997782010-10-16T13:17:00.004-04:002010-10-21T05:33:48.350-04:00

As some of you may have heard, my computer is in the midst of being sent back to the states, fixed, and returned to me. So, this leaves me with some limited resources. But, I don't want to keep you waiting, so I would love to give you some pictures from recent events here at MCAN!Every few months the church hosts a Senior Dinner. We invite all the seniors from around our area to come and enjoy a

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-60172849330800433812010-10-05T04:58:00.002-04:002010-10-05T05:44:37.085-04:00

Hello out there,I hope you all enjoyed the video that I put together with some of the students. This is what tends to happen when I get stuck in the house after a few rainy days with a group of students who know how to operate a camera and edit video footage. I had a great time showing you around, and I hope you enjoyed my sense of humor!So I want to take some time and tell you a little bit

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-29844756030758666122010-09-28T04:31:00.005-04:002010-09-28T08:09:19.217-04:00

My apologies for the mis-spelling of "Tot Ziens" at the end of the movie. Enjoy!

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-27136215093618020552010-09-27T07:24:00.003-04:002010-09-27T07:41:54.240-04:00

Inspired by the release of a movie made by my brother-in-law, I decided to use the Video Editing talents of one of my first years to bring you a little something special!Filmed today, and in the editing process...Ms. Houser's Neighborhood

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-53985105612759463112010-09-06T17:25:00.008-04:002010-09-13T06:49:04.978-04:00

This past Sunday we had our opening service for MCAN 2010-2011! I would just like to take some time to introduce you to the staff and students I will be working with this year!StaffFor those of you who don't know, these are the directors and assistant directors of MCAN--Enzo and Sandy Pignato with their three children Gabriella, Jordan and Ethan.This is our newest staff member, Alicia Thomassen.

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-84371355224192467902010-09-02T06:46:00.009-04:002010-09-02T07:01:03.947-04:00

I have arrived safely and been a busy little bee since I flew in last Saturday.We've been busy with meetings and planning and scheduling for the upcoming semester and God is so good in providing us with the help of a local missionary, Alicia, who will be joining our staff this year. Also, in a very big answer to prayer, Enzo has been released from his full-time secular job and will be around on

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-25704463851788366342010-08-26T20:51:00.007-04:002010-08-26T21:28:58.240-04:00

To steal another lyric from "Muppets Take Manhattan"... Here I am, look at me, right where I belong!Well, folks, it has been a long summer (1o weeks) but boy have I made the most of it. I have put in possibly more visiting time with my sisters this summer than entire years past. I have attended a very important baby shower, had weddings reenacted that I missed, and driven to Chicago, Grand

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-68580963091866668432010-08-02T14:00:00.006-04:002010-08-03T23:04:08.372-04:00

Hello my friends and family and possibly strangers,I have a problem. Prior to picking up my life and moving across the world I owned two adorable and loving cats. When I first heard about my opportunity in Amsterdam, I found a temporary home for them, not knowing what the future would hold. As I returned last December for the holidays I moved them from the temporary solution to my father's

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-19564363498186697242010-07-25T23:01:00.004-04:002010-07-26T02:46:28.995-04:00

As you all know, I've come back to Detroit for the summer. Its been great catching up with old friends and spending some much needed time with family. I will be returning to Amsterdam on August 27th and I need your help to stay there. I will be playing a bigger role in the day-to-day functions of MCAN and am so thankful for the past year of training and ministry. I now know what lies ahead

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-31692786931431390182010-06-27T19:14:00.005-04:002010-06-27T19:18:30.940-04:00

I apologize for my lack of updates since returning from Macedonia! We graduated 7 students from MCAN June 13th, 2010 and I am working on another post to show you more about that special day.I am currently back in the States, staying with my father in Detroit and spending time working on things for next year with MCAN and visiting family and friends.I just wanted to check in and let you know I

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-73044848253533718852010-06-26T16:52:00.006-04:002010-07-25T21:24:07.055-04:00

Well, it was a long and crazy year, but I want to introduce you to the students that completed the 2009-1020 Master's Commission Amsterdam-Noord!MCAN Class of 2010 (left to right):Sam: a 1st year from Alabama. One of the most kind and grounded people I've met. He will be going home to raise money for a short term missions trip back to Macedonia for a 3-month internship with missionaries he met

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-35870757393761742162010-04-29T15:47:00.007-04:002010-04-30T11:03:50.365-04:00

Well, friends and family, here is the account of our time spent in Macedonia :)We started off by waking up at 4am and leaving for Schipol at 4:45am. It was an early start to a looooooong day, but a great start. We had a three-hour layover in Prague and by the time we got there around 9:30am we were so hungry for "lunch" that we waited outside the KFC in the food court of the airport until they

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-20554749343261774702010-04-05T12:40:00.006-04:002010-04-05T13:08:30.112-04:00

Well, friends and family. Its been TOO long. So long, in fact, that I have way too many things to catch up on. So, before I start to think back to March let me share with you some things from this past two weeks!There's a small, low-budget, petting zoo near my house and I had never been there. So, last week I decided it was worth checking out.First, we have bunnies :) Big, adorable bunnies. I

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-42833794012155001192010-02-23T09:22:00.006-05:002010-02-23T11:28:58.107-05:00

That's just a little quote from "Seven Brides For Seven Brothers" for you :) So, its almost March! That's hard to believe. I know that February is the shortest month of the year, but it still FLEW by!My apologies for being so absent but, as my excuse always goes, we've been very busy.Next week we are hosting the Master's Commission Europe conference, here at our church in Amsterdam! We've

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-27149617233946257912010-02-05T04:41:00.005-05:002010-02-05T04:45:26.234-05:00

Alright, friends & family. Here is my newest project: The MCAN Newsletter. Now, this will be the only time I'll share this on my blog so if you want to receive the newsletter, PLEASE sign up for it and I'd be happy to send it to you. I'll be the one making and creating it so think of it as a less-about-me blog :)Here you go!

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-89913154068401052742010-02-05T04:24:00.003-05:002010-02-05T04:26:52.191-05:00

Just to let you know, my computer miraculously decided to fix itself about a week later, Praise the Lord!I've been recently working on a Newsletter for MCAN and if you would be interested in receiving it, you can sign up on the right of the screen ------------------->A big, fat, full-of-pictures update is coming your way, soon!Love,Joy

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-56377688966104862842010-01-25T07:21:00.003-05:002010-01-25T07:41:23.255-05:00

Hello friends and family!I apologize about the delay it took me to post my blog but I have had a busy few weeks!I arrived back in The Netherlands on Thursday, Jan 14th. I had no troubles with the flight and sailed right through customs. God is so good to me :)I instantly felt "back in the groove"of things, getting settled at the house and living with the students again.Friday we had two

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-30369142303569983172010-01-07T05:12:00.004-05:002010-01-07T05:23:52.414-05:00

As some of you may have noticed, I made an addition to my blog!I have taken advantage of the wonderful services of PayPal and added a "Donate!" button to my website :O) Now, for those of you who have a PayPal account this is a quick and easy way to help support me in my missions. You can just click on the button and do a one-time donation, or use it on a monthly basis!For those of you who do

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-17833605406181566772009-12-08T10:47:00.004-05:002009-12-08T10:50:47.737-05:00

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-69839927078979146422009-12-01T00:44:00.002-05:002009-12-01T00:46:18.400-05:00

Hello friends and family, I'm about to get on my plane to fly back to the States! Please keep me in your prayers and I'll be sending you an update as soon as I can.Have a great day!!Love,Joy

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-33733718084686084102009-11-27T04:05:00.005-05:002009-11-27T04:32:18.966-05:00

Well, friends and family, its time.It is time for me to return home to Michigan. This coming Tuesday I'll be on a plane to Chicago and after a few days of jet-lag and spending time with friends, I'll be on a train back to the Metro-Detroit area. I apologize for my lack of posting these past few weeks but we have been here, there, and everywhere. So, here is a quick recap:Nov. 13 - 14th, 2009

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-43266094687372676632009-11-08T11:42:00.004-05:002009-11-08T12:23:32.199-05:00

Well, friends, its time for another student interview!Today I would like to introduce you to one of our second year students: Jaap Van Der HorstWhere are you from? Alphen Aan Den Rijn, a town in the NetherlandsWhat is your first language? DutchWhat is your favourite movie? Epic movies like Braveheart or Lord Of The RingsWhat are your favourite foods? Goulash, HachaaWhat do you do for hobbies or

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-54105288799351314382009-11-06T05:27:00.005-05:002009-11-06T07:25:19.961-05:00

Hello friends and family!This past weekend the MCAN team traveled to Brussels, Belgium! We were hosted by an Italian church there (where they spoke Italian and French). Our director, Enzo Pignato, grew up with this church and was in close contact with them still. We got to meet his family and their new Pastor. It was an amazing time. We not only were hosted by generous, loving, Italian

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-43158797333668115202009-10-13T01:22:00.007-04:002009-10-13T07:51:55.306-04:00

As I mentioned earlier, I want to start doing a "Student Spotlight" so you can get to know the people I work with everyday, and have a better understanding of why I'm here, and why this is my "dream job." I will start with one of our Third Years: Aurélie PietteWhere are you from?Belgium, more specifically a little, little, small town with a lot of cows and chickens called BierghesWhat is your

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-19450627738476729112009-10-05T08:01:00.007-04:002009-10-05T09:11:06.255-04:00

Brussels, to be more precise. Last weekend we took our students on a Spiritual Retreat in Brussels, Belgium. We stayed at the offices of MCE and had an amazing weekend of bonding, teachings, worship and growth.Friday: After a long, scenic drive to Belgium we arrived at the MCE offices and after a delicious curry dinner, we had our first service. This weekend we spoke about obedience to God

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-61384873769963590772009-09-21T07:22:00.003-04:002009-09-21T12:14:30.551-04:00

Well, as I'm sure my absence has lead you to believe, the first two weeks of MCAN have been very busy :)We started with a full week of classes. Some of the classes the students are taking (certified through a local seminary) are Spiritual Authority, Old Testament Survey, Breaking Intimidation, Hermaneutics, Life of Christ, Creationism, Angelology and Demonology, Theology 1, and so many more.Then

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-85006358702254747342009-09-08T13:20:00.007-04:002009-09-08T18:19:10.349-04:00

I am Fearless.That is the theme for this year as we begin the second year of Master's Commission Amsterdam-Noord.Our director, Enzo, got this from a passage of scripture: Psalm 91 1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. 3 For he

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-9279881338283024652009-08-31T12:02:00.006-04:002009-08-31T12:42:48.769-04:00

All of those stand for the same thing. Delicous.Growing up I used to eat them all the time, and they were called French Fries.In high school I learned French and found out they called them Frites.In Scotland I enjoyed them with fish, and called them Chips.In Amsterdam, this past Sunday, I had the best I've tasted yet, and they were called Patat.In Amsterdam they will eat fries/frites/patat for a

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-13218628074701803192009-08-29T16:38:00.005-04:002009-08-29T17:11:16.126-04:00

Today we stopped by "Zaanse Schans" -- Its kind of like Holland's version of Greenfield Village. People were dressed up in 16th Century clothes, there was LOTS of cheese to taste and plenty of windmills and old village houses to walk around! Enjoy a few pictures I selected to share with you. I thought, while I was there, that Mom would've gone crazy taking pictures at a place like this, so I

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-53565738094267838072009-08-29T06:48:00.005-04:002009-08-29T07:12:17.843-04:00

Alright, here are the long awaited pictures of where I am living!!This is a row of houses across the street from our house/church:This is the front of our house!Kitchen:Living Room:Staff Office (where I'll be working!):My bedroom (see, Mimi, my bed is made every morning!):The Girl's bathroom (well, the toilet's in another room):The other girl's room--where the students will be living:The Student

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-2121462270997428932009-08-27T16:53:00.011-04:002009-08-28T07:55:04.120-04:00

I spent most of Tuesday anxiously waiting at the Laverty’s apartment for my journey to commence. I tried to watch TV and check my email, but I just wanted it to be time to leave. After what felt like an eternity, my friend Andrea gave me a call and told me she was here to pick me up! We packed up all my luggage in her tiny car and headed to the airport.Here I am, ready and roaring to go!After

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-22422348270044521172009-08-19T13:22:00.005-04:002009-08-19T14:20:11.088-04:00

Well, friends and family, I have less than a week before I'll be headed across the Atlantic to Amsterdam!This week has been spent saying lots of goodbyes, finishing off my "to-do" list, and tying up all my loose ends. I am so blessed to have such amazing friends and the time to spend with them enjoying this last week together. I'm getting my fair share of Olga's and Middle Eastern food before I

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-25159896850533037382009-08-11T00:57:00.005-04:002009-08-12T19:07:33.752-04:00

Hello friends!I have been a busy little bee lately! God provided the opportunity for me to head to Chicago for a few days with two of my oldest friends. I'll save you the 93 pictures that we took, but here's a group shot on the beach.We traveled all over the city--Navy Pier, Magnificent Mile, the Harry Potter Exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry, the beach, and many other fun shops and

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-70902001172453861952009-08-02T13:59:00.009-04:002009-08-02T17:24:02.645-04:00

Matthew 6:25-26 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear…Look at the birds of they air; they do not sow or reap…and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?I John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692634781261680363.post-24087714491512101992009-07-14T08:21:00.000-04:002009-07-14T08:22:14.179-04:00

Yes, that's right friends... you read my status correctly!I'm moving to Amsterdam!So, what's the deal? Why? When did this happen? Why Amsterdam specifically? Am I crazy?I'll be posting more specific details as I get closer to the day, and I also will be starting a blog (so get your google readers ready!)This coming September (or the last week in August) I'll be traveling across the Atlantic for

Joy Housernoreply@blogger.com0