Antillean Explosion

One of the highlights of the year thus far was my first official invitation to be the keynote speaker for a nation-wide convention, entitled "Antillean Explosion" in Rotterdam, Holland on June 18. It was a superb day with 1000 persons in attendance. The theme was "Breaking down Walls. Building Bridges." The music was great, and the programming was creative, and interactive. The bulk of the attendees have their roots in Aruba, Curacao, Bon Aire, and Suriname. There was much appreciation for my challenge that they think outside the box in breaking down walls both in and outside the church. Holland is possibly one of the most liberal countries in Europe, and many of the Dutch immigrants (who seem to make up the largest – and growing – percentage of the church), are traditionalist and conservative. So as in other European countries, there are tensions between the Caucasian locals and second generation immigrants on the one hand, and the immigrants who came especially from the Caribbean. Walls need to be broken down! Bridges need to be built! It was a brief visit; 10-hour flight each way, and I was only was there for 2 days. But I got in some sightseeing, including visiting Volendam and dressed up as a Dutch; walking around Amsterdam and shopping a bit; stopping at a cheese making factory to get cheese for my friend and colleague, Ginger (her roots are Dutch!); and visiting windmills and the statue of Erasmus in Rotterdam. Also had some good food at a Surinamese restaurant near the Savoy Hotel in Rotterdam where I was staying. Check out the photos: http://www.wallawalla.edu/camp​us-life/spiritual-life/gallery​/holland_june_2011