Catch the Fire Ministry school

Time flies when you're having fun. This Toronto-trip was actually a bonus. Originally my plan was merely going to Phoenix and California, until I got a text from Gabriella, whom I'd met last year. She lives in Toronto and told me she'd signed up for leaders course 2 and asked if I was up to joining her. I checked the dates and it fitted perfectly, as only for the first week. I wanted to make sure being back on my moms 80th birthday on June 24. That's why I'm on the plane now, I 'll be landing at 12 noon and the party starts at 3 pm with a boat ride through the canals of Amersfoort. Hopefully I'll have a little bit space to take a quick shower;) Nice.

Monday June 19

My week in Toronto started with family-fun. My dear cousin Susanne picked me up at my hotel and treated me to lunch. We hadn't seen each other for a year, it was actually the third time we met, but it feels so familiar. We've a lot in common, she 's also a teacher, her children are of the same age and we have the same values in life. My other dear cousin couldn't make it this time:(  She had to work (she's also a teacher;)

In the afternoon I checked in at the school where I got a single room. So good to meet the staff again, to catch up and to step into an atmosphere of good expectation, love, kindness, respect and joy. All students were new to me, except for Gabriella. At the first day I didn't want to commit myself to getting to know people, because I was attending only for five days and they are staying for the full three weeks. But that's impossible. Everyone is so open-hearted, so vulnerable, and because we're sharing our relationship with Jesus, we are bonding.:) 

Thursday June 22

I had a Zoom call with my ministers from Phoenix to check on me, how I'm doing after two weeks. I've learned new godly beliefs and have canceled ungodly beliefs. If you make changes in your thinking, it needs time to settle. The bible describes this as the renewing of your mind. Therefore, I have thirty short podcasts to listen at day by day and this week at Catch the Fire was a perfect place to let things sink in.

Friday June 23

The last day was a surprise: we had to gather in the auditorium where we found balloons, fluorescent necklaces and party hats;) After a week of teachings on "a childlike heart" now we were invited to a "childlike party" and that was so much fun. The music was playing loud, some were dancing, others were playing catch with the necklaces and people were jumping and running after the balloons. Dancing is not my favorite activity but playing with a balloon is like playing with a volleyball to me and I enjoyed it so much;) Afterwards we were invited to make a tunnel, by standing two by two across each other and everyone walked through it by turn, while hands were laid on the shoulders to bless. At the end of the tunnel we formed the tunnel again etc. The music was still playing, the "firetunnel" went on and on, we went through it for many times and the Holy Spirit became more and more tangible. More and more joy and power, some fell on the floor, others were prophesying over each other. God has many ways to connect with us. 

Meanwhile it's Sunday, I couldn't finish my blog on the plane, I was too tired. I'm home now and received a very flattering review of my host of the last airbnb. From my Dutch perception it's quite exaggerated. It's the mentality of Americans. Dutch people think like "just act normal, it's already crazy enough". But I value the positivity so much. Because words have the power of life and death. Speaking positive words, speaking words of honor and respect to one another brings life. I've been in a very positive environment for three weeks and it has built me up, has encouraged and has blessed me.   

The review: Marieke is such a wonderful guest, any host would love to have her! She was in town to visit her daughter and they are such a sweet, polite, fit, and gorgeous family! My whole family enjoyed our conversations with Marieke during her stay and we really wish she stayed longer so we could get to know her and her daughter more. They felt like friends rather than guests. She is a wonderful guest in all respects - from communication, to guest rules, and check-out procedures. I highly recommend her to the Airbnb community and hope I get to host her again ! :)

Thank so much for reading and sharing in my journey!   Love, Marieke