The First Days of Work

It's amazing how busy life is here. I think that one of the challenges is going to be finding quiet time. I have worked the early morning shift in the cafe for the past 3 days. It is tiring, but I enjoy it because you get to see almost every guest as the prepare to leave or head out on a day of sighseeing. I am still a bit nervous with riding my bike, especially in busy traffic, but I like riding in the early morning (7 am) to work because no one is out and it is so quiet. That is a huge contrast with the rest of the time because this city is loud and busy late into the night.

The house I live in is in the Jordan district, one of the nicest prettiest districts in the city. My room looks out onto the street and I have enjoyed people watching from my window as i get ready in the morning. During the day we throw open the windows and let in the cool summer air. It is in the 70's here during the day and 50's at night. I carry a jacket everywhere. Yesterday I was caught in a rain storm on the way back to work and I had to borrow clothes from the leftover clothes closet because I was so completely soaked. I had walked to church with one of our cleaners so I didn't even have my bike. We walked several kilometers in the rain. I think I need to invest in a good umbrella:)



Really the true work here goes on when we aren't working shifts. The true purpose is to talk with people and hear their stories and try to share Christ with them. The past few days have been some of the the most intense encounters I have ever had. Friday, I was having a conversation with a young woman who is a guest at the hostel and she mentions that she really doesn't know anything about Christianity. When I asked her if she would like to know more she replied, "Yes!" I then got to share with her the story of God, creation, and the beginning of the story of Christ. It was incredibly intense and so strange to have an opprotunity like that placed before you. Over the course of the past 3 days she has had numerous conversations with myself and other staff members. Last night we were finally able to explain to her that it is not just about a list of rules that we must follow, but rather about a relationship and a desire to serve the one we love. The questions she is asking are more than casual curiousity, but the questions of a person who is trying to make a decision. I know that God is working in her heart. She left for Belgium this morning, but i have her e-mail and I hope to keep in touch with her.

God is moving in Amsterdam and working through this ministry more than I could ever have imagined. When you ask God to give you opportunities to share the gospel with others he truly does give you those chances.