Homefrontcommittee (July 2010)

Homefrontcommittee (July 2010)

Since half May 2010 our Dutch Homefrontcommittee is complete. We are glad to have found 7 people to support us and form a team with us in de period of study ahead and after.

In July we have met with the Committee for the first time. We have had a very good time with them, their spouses and children.

The coming period we would like to invest in making a team with our Homefrontcommittee. Would you please pray for unity and a good and fertile cooperation?

Mission organisation: AIM? (July 2010)

Mission organisation: AIM? (July 2010)

Over the last years we have studied many many mission organisations in many many ways, amongst which:

–  looking up information on the internet;
– watching video presentations;
– participating in a mission weekend;
– conversations with (former) missionaries;
– visits to a mission exhibition;
– interviews with mission organisations and
– reading books.

You can imagine that we have received much information and that we need time to contemplate what to do. However, there is one organisation that has drawn our special attention. That organisation is the African Inland Mission (AIM). AIM workers serve amongst foremost tribal African peoples. We are in contact with AIM to receive more information hoping to find out wether cooperation is possible.

For now the contacts will be via email since the nearest office to us is in England.

Test results received! (June 2010)

Test results received! (June 2010)

On Saturday 5 June 2010 Jurgen has taken the IELTS Academic test. IELTS stands for International English Language Test System. The test is mandatory when applying for a Degree study in England whilst not coming from an English speaking country.

The test was very challenging. During the morning the subtests listening (40 minutes), writing (60 minutes) and reading (60 minutes) were taken without a break. It took al lot of concentration! All went well, but it was much and there was not much time to give the answers.

After this Jurgen had to wait until about half past three for the speaking test interview. This went well. Jurgen had an answer for all the questions, sometimes looking for words, but he managed.

The result: Jurgen scored an overall of 7, a score to be proud of!

English lessons Vanya (May 2010)

English lessons Vanya (May 2010)

During our trip to England in May 2010 we have purchased a method for teaching English during the Reception Year. Vanya is now taught English by Katja so she will not be too much behind when she starts school in England.

Vanya enjoys her lessons very much. She often asks when she will be having another lesson. Sofar she easily picks up the English language. She can read quite some words and even sentences. Learning and teaching English is fun!

Report Englandtrip (May 2010)

Report Englandtrip (May 2010)

In the beginning of May we have spent two weeks in England to prepare ourselves further. We have had a wonderful time.

We had hoped to view some rental houses, but now our house has not definitively been sold we decided against that. We did see a letting agent to inform about our possibilities as foreigners. We were told that we can rent a house, but that we will have to pay the rent 6 months up front. Also, the rental period will initially be 6 months. Apart from this the usual terms apply.

Another important event was our visit to the River School, the school we hope to send our children. First we visited the school for an interview with the Director and a tour. The next day Vanya had a taster day in Reception class, whilst Issa spent the morning in Nursery. We are convinced the River School is a good choice for our children. We will be informed about the admission, sofar we expect no difficulties will arise.

Of course our trip was also a chance to relax and we did. On the farm where we stayed a calf had been born that we could see within 15 minutes after birth. The children enjoyed the farm animals, but were also a bit afraid at times. Feeding the pig was very adventurous! For some photos of our stay in England you can take a look on the ‘About us’ page under ‘family photos’.