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Chocolate, CHAP and Combat.

Thursday I was in dire need of some time not with other people. Even if the people on my course are fantastic people, I was feeling the “peopled-outness” hitting me hard, and so after the end of my schedule I headed out to find myself a cafe (I would call it a coffee shop, but here in Amsterdam a “coffeeshop” is a place where you can buy cannabis as part of the menu and I was after a cup of tea rather then stronger substances). After walking a little while I ended up at a nice cafe in the Waterlooplein. I had a cup of Earl Grey tea while reading: “A Crime so Monstrous” about human trafficking to do a book report on as part of my course. When my tea was finished I decided that a cup of hot chocolate sounded very tempting. I ordered a cup with dark chocolate, and was served a mug with hot milk and a small glass of dark chocolate pieces. I could then add as many or few pieces of chocolate I wanted. Naturally I added them all (I mean, not to would be a bit of a waste), and it was so delicious. Hot milk with melted chocolate in it.

Yesterday evening I joined a group here called CHAP who reach out to the men in the Red Light District. Their ministry offers counselling and help to men who are addicted to sex and want help. It was really good to see how dedicated and passionate the group is and see a different side of God’s heart. God doesn’t just love the women who are involved in prostitution; He also loves the men and wants them set free also. And let’s face it, if the demand for prostitution isn’t there then women won’t be trapped in prostitution anymore. It was good to be a part of the outreach even if I did feel limited by not speaking Dutch. And I was really stirred and impacted both by what I saw on the outreach, but also so impressed by the group who faithfully reach out.

Today I woke up tired. To be honest I just didn’t feel like doing anything at all. But back when I living in Brazil I used to do these really great classes at the gym called BodyCombat (like an aerobics class based on martial arts) and I’d discovered that there’s a gym only 10 minutes from where I’m staying that offers that class among others. So off I went in the rain (apparently rain is more typical then not in this city, and it’s been raining all day). And I got to do the class! It was so exciting. By the end of it I was so energised and I felt so good. Relaxed and full of energy and joy. It’s amazing what a little exercise can do.

So there you go. Three days, marked by slightly different things.

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