Settled in Phoenix

Tomorrow until Friday I 'll be immersed in ministry and won't blog, that's why I give a short update up to now. Phoenix is a big city in the desert and right now I'm working on my laptop in the cool breeze of the AC. The sun is burning, no one is walking a dog or being outdoor voluntarily, not even me. I burnt my hand on the iron doorknob when I came home this afternoon and my car was like an oven when I stepped in. Phoenix has beautiful trails to hike but not interesting in this season, these are the hottest months. But that's totally fine with me, I'm here for another reason and that will take place indoors.

In Minneapolis I had two hours between the flights but still had to rush. Arriving in the States means a serious check at customs, with fingerprints, visa, nosy questions, photo etc., therefore most of time people are standing in line for a long time. Bagage always needs to be claimed despite having a connected flight and having done the check-in at Schiphol. Usually I don't like that but this time I was so happy, because it turned out my I phone cable suddenly didn't work anymore and my phone was nearly dead. In my suitcase I had a second cable, thank God. I had planned to pick up my rental car at the airport and would need my GPS. Can you believe there was ever a time we had no cell phone and wifi? And now, with my second cable & my American SIM card I was also able to finish my blog, using my hotspot during the flight;)

It was an easy 15 min. drive to my Airbnb where I also needed my phone to read the instructions for the key locker, clearly illustrated by photo's. Great host! My studio is very spacious and clean with a full equipped kitchen, modern bathroom and a private terrace. I can even use a bike (a way too small for me but never mind, it's better than walking in this heat;) I found out the nearest supermarket and got some errands. Saturday I just explored the neighbourhood, especially the Starbucks of course and took a nap that supposed to be 45 minutes but got two hours..

Today I've met the ladies in New Promise church who are with me in the ministry. Sweet and sensitive women. They'd informed others that I would be visiting this week all from the Netherlands! I got introduced to a man, and he asked me about Switzerland. I've met many people from the States who'd never traveled out of the country yet and they have no clue about the existence of our small little country. Some think it's in Scandinavia or so. On the other hand, I couldn't tell where all states of the US are located;)  After church I got treated to lunch in a steakhouse, that was really nice. I never noticed that eating with knife and fork is not common in the States. At least not in Phoenix, haha. Kathleen said they don't learn that, they only use the fork. She tried but her left hand could hardly manage the job, that was funny. Unfortunately I forgot to take photo's today, I was too busy getting to know new people, but I'll do it later this week. I'm happy I've yet met these lovely people, I'm looking forward to this week.

"Have a good one" (that's what people are used to saying) - meaning can be a good day or week) ,

love,

Marieke