amsterdam, netherlands

We were blessed to be able to take a few extra days on our way to Brussels to finally venture outside the Amsterdam airport. Brett, Kelly, and I spent 3 days bonding in what we soon found to be a really interesting city.

below: coolest public library I've ever seen (and the view from the top floor cafe)!

We decided to indulge and get a taste of America at the Hard Rock Cafe. Note: when travelling in Amsterdam, feel free to stop at the cafes, but avoid those marked "coffee shop"- this is where people hang out smoke marijuana, which is legal here- don't worry, you'll be able to tell by the haze pouring out of the front door!
One of my (Cortney) highlights was visiting the Anne Frank House museum. Reading The Diary of Anne Frank was my inspiration to consistently journal starting when I was in elementary school and continuing to this day! Emotional to hear the story of her life as we walked through the actual rooms they lived in hiding and see her real journal. She named hers "Kitty", so I had named mine too. :)One aspect of Amsterdam was heartwrentching in its reality. Our hostel was on the edge of the redlight district (a Christian hostel dedicated to reaching out to the area and to those passing through) and we saw firsthand the tragedy that holds so many in bondage- the selling of human beings. Looking eye-to-eye with those behind the glass, it is impossible to not feel burdened by the need of these cherished ones of God to experience true love and acceptance as only He can give. And so we pray with increased vigor that the Kingdom of God would break into this place and set people free...