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Saturday, March 7, 2009
Personal newsletter to all!
Christmas dinner
Parking is tough
Big birthday party, Christmas & New Year
Parking is tough
Big birthday party, Christmas & New YearHello family and friends, 28, Feb. 2009
I have been out of the states for four months now and I am currently living in Amsterdam. I wanted to let you all know what has been happening in this time away. I began the journey with a nine hour flight and also a nine hour time change. While on the plane I spoke with a Christian and we talked for about five hours. We talked about things that I used as excuses to not commit to God as I look at it now. I shared a lot in regards to my experiences with God. From my beginning with God through communion in the Catholic Church and how I became a Christian in High school, to Masters Commission and then to the year and a half of just living for the minimum. I explained that I have never truly been good at commitment and that friends and family have had more importance for the most part. Although God is real and I know that he has made a way for me; I could not accept that He still loved me and wanted me to live for Him. I cannot explain what change I wanted to make, because I knew that Amsterdam would be the hardest place to do it. I knew it had to be a very profound change, in order to live for God. I had been floundering with no clear path for the past year and a half and didn’t have a lot of purpose in life. Work was the only meaning I could really grasp at that time. I knew that God was doing something inside of me, on that plane ride, so I sought change. After talking with God and asking for some help I put my hope in Him.
I landed in Amsterdam took the train from Schipol to Amsterdam Central and walked aimlessly for two hours in the rain. I was the ultimate tourist asking any and every Dutch person where Bloemstraat was, I eventually found the street. The Shelter Jordan Youth Hostel became a very good resource for my faith. I attended every bible discussion 5 days a week and talked to the managers about being a cleaner. A cleaner is someone who stays in the hostel for 4 weeks with free room and board. They allowed me to be a cleaner and then we talked about becoming a volunteer. In that time they thought my application was acceptable and wanted to keep me around until I could get them some references. I cleaned dishes for 3 weeks and then they got more information about me and hired me on as (staff/volunteer). I was talking about the change earlier that I needed to make and this is where I found the strength to put aside what I wanted and to live for something more. God has not left me be alone for these past years. Even when I have not been able to see Him, he has helped me. Pride in my life, has simply been selfishness, it has cost me a lot of time. Forgiven, is who I am in Christ, my Lord and change is what He allows me. The challenge will always be to let Him continue changing me. For the time I am here. (Out my bedroom window)
I live in a community with about twenty five people and we are divided between two hostels the Jordan and the City. I have a small group and we meet once a week, I have enclosed a picture of us. The community has a bike garage, classroom, kitchen, library, living room and our rooms; two people to each one. I enjoy this community and how it works around the clock for travelers coming from a far off. I have been going to MTP which is the Ministry Training Program it is two days a week for three and a half hours each time. I enjoy the challenge of living out here and being far from home, yet the community has become family. I plan on staying out here until October, as I have gone through a lot of paper work already to originally stay only for nine months total. I have decided that I am just going to stay as long as I can. I got a work visa and a residency permit which took a couple of appointments and some funds.
I started as staff in the kitchen first, and then I went to reception. Finally, the night man shift. I am also bible discussion leader on some nights, hostel night leader sometimes, and I always have the opportunity to share my testimony on a personal basis. Each shift has its plus and minus there is Mc (Morning cafe 7:30 am - 1:15 pm), Ac (Afternoon cafe 1:00 pm -6:30 pm) and Ec (Evening cafe 6:15 pm – 11:30 pm). These are the cafe shifts my favorite out of these is Ac because I get to cook. Then there is Morning reception, Afternoon reception and Evening reception these are the reception shifts they are the same times as the cafe shifts. I check our guests in and out here at reception and it is mainly very quiet or really busy. Since New Year’s Eve, I started my first night man shift, this starts at 11:45 pm and goes until 8 am. The night man shift is the longest and it gets very quiet, sometimes people are up until 3 am so I let them hang out in the cafe. I have a lot of chores; I do on these nights as well. Yet, generally I get to talk with cleaners or just talk with guests. I have a good time out here for the most part, if I am not working too much. I have gone to Gouda the CHEESE LAND and watch how the Gouda is made, it is not pronounced (Goo Duh) by the way. They have very good cheese out here and I love it!! it is one of my favorite things about Holland. We went to Gouda on a staff day which is where all the Jordan staff have an outing together. I also went to Rotterdam to my Dutch friends’ house and met his family which was quite cool. I am soaking up the Dutch culture and so far it is very cool. I really like seeing so much of something other than the “American culture”. Amsterdam is a very Multi cultural city and there is only so much to see here before you have to explore more. I have gotten more of the Dutch experience in Holland other than just Amsterdam. I would love to go on telling you more, but I don’t know if there is room. Keep in contact with me at Tmanor_13@yahoo.com.
With love, sincerely,
Taurean M Hall
I have been out of the states for four months now and I am currently living in Amsterdam. I wanted to let you all know what has been happening in this time away. I began the journey with a nine hour flight and also a nine hour time change. While on the plane I spoke with a Christian and we talked for about five hours. We talked about things that I used as excuses to not commit to God as I look at it now. I shared a lot in regards to my experiences with God. From my beginning with God through communion in the Catholic Church and how I became a Christian in High school, to Masters Commission and then to the year and a half of just living for the minimum. I explained that I have never truly been good at commitment and that friends and family have had more importance for the most part. Although God is real and I know that he has made a way for me; I could not accept that He still loved me and wanted me to live for Him. I cannot explain what change I wanted to make, because I knew that Amsterdam would be the hardest place to do it. I knew it had to be a very profound change, in order to live for God. I had been floundering with no clear path for the past year and a half and didn’t have a lot of purpose in life. Work was the only meaning I could really grasp at that time. I knew that God was doing something inside of me, on that plane ride, so I sought change. After talking with God and asking for some help I put my hope in Him.
I landed in Amsterdam took the train from Schipol to Amsterdam Central and walked aimlessly for two hours in the rain. I was the ultimate tourist asking any and every Dutch person where Bloemstraat was, I eventually found the street. The Shelter Jordan Youth Hostel became a very good resource for my faith. I attended every bible discussion 5 days a week and talked to the managers about being a cleaner. A cleaner is someone who stays in the hostel for 4 weeks with free room and board. They allowed me to be a cleaner and then we talked about becoming a volunteer. In that time they thought my application was acceptable and wanted to keep me around until I could get them some references. I cleaned dishes for 3 weeks and then they got more information about me and hired me on as (staff/volunteer). I was talking about the change earlier that I needed to make and this is where I found the strength to put aside what I wanted and to live for something more. God has not left me be alone for these past years. Even when I have not been able to see Him, he has helped me. Pride in my life, has simply been selfishness, it has cost me a lot of time. Forgiven, is who I am in Christ, my Lord and change is what He allows me. The challenge will always be to let Him continue changing me. For the time I am here. (Out my bedroom window)
I live in a community with about twenty five people and we are divided between two hostels the Jordan and the City. I have a small group and we meet once a week, I have enclosed a picture of us. The community has a bike garage, classroom, kitchen, library, living room and our rooms; two people to each one. I enjoy this community and how it works around the clock for travelers coming from a far off. I have been going to MTP which is the Ministry Training Program it is two days a week for three and a half hours each time. I enjoy the challenge of living out here and being far from home, yet the community has become family. I plan on staying out here until October, as I have gone through a lot of paper work already to originally stay only for nine months total. I have decided that I am just going to stay as long as I can. I got a work visa and a residency permit which took a couple of appointments and some funds.
I started as staff in the kitchen first, and then I went to reception. Finally, the night man shift. I am also bible discussion leader on some nights, hostel night leader sometimes, and I always have the opportunity to share my testimony on a personal basis. Each shift has its plus and minus there is Mc (Morning cafe 7:30 am - 1:15 pm), Ac (Afternoon cafe 1:00 pm -6:30 pm) and Ec (Evening cafe 6:15 pm – 11:30 pm). These are the cafe shifts my favorite out of these is Ac because I get to cook. Then there is Morning reception, Afternoon reception and Evening reception these are the reception shifts they are the same times as the cafe shifts. I check our guests in and out here at reception and it is mainly very quiet or really busy. Since New Year’s Eve, I started my first night man shift, this starts at 11:45 pm and goes until 8 am. The night man shift is the longest and it gets very quiet, sometimes people are up until 3 am so I let them hang out in the cafe. I have a lot of chores; I do on these nights as well. Yet, generally I get to talk with cleaners or just talk with guests. I have a good time out here for the most part, if I am not working too much. I have gone to Gouda the CHEESE LAND and watch how the Gouda is made, it is not pronounced (Goo Duh) by the way. They have very good cheese out here and I love it!! it is one of my favorite things about Holland. We went to Gouda on a staff day which is where all the Jordan staff have an outing together. I also went to Rotterdam to my Dutch friends’ house and met his family which was quite cool. I am soaking up the Dutch culture and so far it is very cool. I really like seeing so much of something other than the “American culture”. Amsterdam is a very Multi cultural city and there is only so much to see here before you have to explore more. I have gotten more of the Dutch experience in Holland other than just Amsterdam. I would love to go on telling you more, but I don’t know if there is room. Keep in contact with me at Tmanor_13@yahoo.com.
With love, sincerely,
Taurean M Hall
Totally settled in for a long stay...
March 7, 2009 Ard is my new roommate, it is pronounced Art. He is funny he has a bad leg from skiing and can't walk on it at all (Temporary). He has come and gone twice now and the 1st time that he went back home after he met me, he showed his family the article of me in the magizine and said Mom, Dad this is my roomate. He also says "I have a good roomate he cleans the room everyday" haha.
I love the room now after my old roomate left I moved things around and made it nice and cozy so I hangout here a lot. It is fun and I have a lot of people that come in at once to just sit around and talk, aswell as my new roomate. Last night I rapped for Hostel night and then gave my testimony I will upload the videos. Well gotta run I have Ec tonight and I am training too (Hehe) I have fun with the newbies : )
I love the room now after my old roomate left I moved things around and made it nice and cozy so I hangout here a lot. It is fun and I have a lot of people that come in at once to just sit around and talk, aswell as my new roomate. Last night I rapped for Hostel night and then gave my testimony I will upload the videos. Well gotta run I have Ec tonight and I am training too (Hehe) I have fun with the newbies : )
Less and less time to keep in touch
February 20 at 6:02pm
I got the shoes, haven't used em yet. I woke up from my nightman shift and they were here. Tonight and tommorrow night I am nightman, I may try and run when I get up. I am just continuing to take a day at a time...
I got the shoes, haven't used em yet. I woke up from my nightman shift and they were here. Tonight and tommorrow night I am nightman, I may try and run when I get up. I am just continuing to take a day at a time...
Settling into routine
January 26 at 11:18pm
I am setting some time apart for that chocolate place (starts with a B), it is in town and I don't know the name of it. I have to ask April where exactly she went to. I went running yesterday with two friends, they said that they have never ran like they did when they went with me, (Literally) would never do it up till the time I ran with em. They said I oushed em the whole time and the pace was very fast :
I am setting some time apart for that chocolate place (starts with a B), it is in town and I don't know the name of it. I have to ask April where exactly she went to. I went running yesterday with two friends, they said that they have never ran like they did when they went with me, (Literally) would never do it up till the time I ran with em. They said I oushed em the whole time and the pace was very fast :
Things are falling into place, finally
January 14 at 7:20am I am permited to stay in the country until dec 09 hehe. I may aswell stay until Oct after all this work. That is good for Tren tho and I am proud of him as a Twin. I do want to show him off to my friends out here eventually tho so tell him to keep it in mind. I am in the magizine out here and people say it is a great story and awesome! from dutch people that is a compliment for sure, it is all in dutch tho :( Well things are good and I am thankful for everything that is happening.. hehe I'm glad I couldn't run from the will of God. Love ya! Tar
Work permit is processed...
January 13 at 3:43am You may know by now that all the stuff went through so I got my work permit and now need to go to 2 appointments for Residency permits, the one thing I need before the 28th is Insurance :( and for the 15th I would need my birth cert (Copy). Well that is where I am at... I Love you and I am doing my best out here. Love Tar
Absence IS STILL making the heart grow fonder...
January 6 at 5:09am
I am planning to do more things on my days off, it helps to keep me in good spirits. I love nightman shift it is just hard at the begining and end... you fight to stay awake on the first night and then fight to stay awake durning the day when you go back to the normal schedule. It always changes with the schedule morning nights evening or nightman... constant battle. Well I am missing you guy's mostly, my much appreciated family. I am not happy that I cannot build my relationships with my nieces and nephews, right now. I'll be praying for A. Lisa and I will keep you in my prayers for your job, I am glad you are blessed. We went on an excursion through Amsterdam, longest one yet in Amsterdam.. been to Rotterdam, so I am seeing a lot of Holland these days. No good storys yet about nightman.
I am planning to do more things on my days off, it helps to keep me in good spirits. I love nightman shift it is just hard at the begining and end... you fight to stay awake on the first night and then fight to stay awake durning the day when you go back to the normal schedule. It always changes with the schedule morning nights evening or nightman... constant battle. Well I am missing you guy's mostly, my much appreciated family. I am not happy that I cannot build my relationships with my nieces and nephews, right now. I'll be praying for A. Lisa and I will keep you in my prayers for your job, I am glad you are blessed. We went on an excursion through Amsterdam, longest one yet in Amsterdam.. been to Rotterdam, so I am seeing a lot of Holland these days. No good storys yet about nightman.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder, for sure...
December 21 at 1:36pm
I was wondering if I could trouble you for some family addresses. I was thinking I would send some cards out for christmas, don't know if they will make it in time tho. I'm glad I could talk to you the other night it is always good to just chat with the Mom. You are a very Good mom and I always regret the times I could not see or appreciate that. My heart is in the Lords hands and when I say I love you, it is a love that began when you helped me to get to this point. I love you. -Taur-
I was wondering if I could trouble you for some family addresses. I was thinking I would send some cards out for christmas, don't know if they will make it in time tho. I'm glad I could talk to you the other night it is always good to just chat with the Mom. You are a very Good mom and I always regret the times I could not see or appreciate that. My heart is in the Lords hands and when I say I love you, it is a love that began when you helped me to get to this point. I love you. -Taur-
Making way for a long stay...
December 23 at 12:55pm
I find out if my resident permit will be accepted this week, within the next 2. I hope I can stay, if not I guess it is Gods will. I'll be hoping that I can stay tho, much love have a good day... I'm finishing mine ;)
Taurean M Hall
December 22 at 3:31am
I hate to say it, yet a month has gone by and I am low on funds yet the only things I need are Shaving blades, Face Cleaner and Boxers. Someone stole my bar of soap when I used to be at the Hostel. I am Shaving so much more these days, haha I don't know what happend. I have money left yet it is down to the last check. We had a gift exchange out here and I have gone to the thrift store out here, was fun. I managed to find a fleece the BEST ONE I have ever seen it's from Scottland. I am managing well tho. I just enjoy being able to do things with people and sometimes funds are necessary for the most part those are the only things I have spent for myself. Love you. -Taur-
I find out if my resident permit will be accepted this week, within the next 2. I hope I can stay, if not I guess it is Gods will. I'll be hoping that I can stay tho, much love have a good day... I'm finishing mine ;)
Taurean M Hall
December 22 at 3:31am
I hate to say it, yet a month has gone by and I am low on funds yet the only things I need are Shaving blades, Face Cleaner and Boxers. Someone stole my bar of soap when I used to be at the Hostel. I am Shaving so much more these days, haha I don't know what happend. I have money left yet it is down to the last check. We had a gift exchange out here and I have gone to the thrift store out here, was fun. I managed to find a fleece the BEST ONE I have ever seen it's from Scottland. I am managing well tho. I just enjoy being able to do things with people and sometimes funds are necessary for the most part those are the only things I have spent for myself. Love you. -Taur-
Encouraged and able to take pictures again!
December 12 at 3:54pm
Well You'll be seeing some more Pictures in no time at all. I got the adapter in the mail and it is awesome!! I am making some headway on the applications for work permit. I am hoping that all goes as planned of course it is in Gods hands tho. Time is going by very fast and I am not sure if I'll ever go home!! =/ hahh! I think I might just marry a dutch lady and start my own Hostel in India or China or some remote place =-) Well I am doing good on reception training and classes are going well. I have to get ready for My Bible discussion 2morrow I am the leader... I love You tell the fam I send my regards ... Love,-Taur-
Well You'll be seeing some more Pictures in no time at all. I got the adapter in the mail and it is awesome!! I am making some headway on the applications for work permit. I am hoping that all goes as planned of course it is in Gods hands tho. Time is going by very fast and I am not sure if I'll ever go home!! =/ hahh! I think I might just marry a dutch lady and start my own Hostel in India or China or some remote place =-) Well I am doing good on reception training and classes are going well. I have to get ready for My Bible discussion 2morrow I am the leader... I love You tell the fam I send my regards ... Love,-Taur-
Calling home as often as possible...
December 10 at 4:57am
Hey Thanks for the set I am using some extra time to learn. I was wondering if you have happened to check your voicemail I left you a message. I haven't started the nightman shift yet, I am getting trained on reception tho.. I like it except for having to sit all the time =/
Hey Thanks for the set I am using some extra time to learn. I was wondering if you have happened to check your voicemail I left you a message. I haven't started the nightman shift yet, I am getting trained on reception tho.. I like it except for having to sit all the time =/
Sending left behind items needed...
Taurean M Hall
November 14 at 12:51pm
Hey I wanted to say thank you very much!!! The slippers are very nice thanks!! and I am truely Blessed to have parents like you, it got here very quickly and I have been reading through my bible it is awesome.. yeah God brings back all that schooling and knowledge it is of Him of course yet I am trusting in Him more and more. We have class from 9:30 in the morning to 12:30 and it is about abiding in Christ and the Body of Christ there is a series yet we just ended. I am just honored to be yours and dads son and it is a true blessing I can't say it enough!! you push me closer to God when I think I miss both of your talks and encouragement. I love you in the Lord and once again thank you for your prayers as I will remember to keep you all in mine. Taur-
Settling in
Taurean M Hall
October 31 at 8:53am
Hey!! well I accepted your invite, so how about that care package? just wondering if you found those books in my old room. Things are great here and it is very active, with classes and meetings I am up at the time you go to sleep. 6:30am and I ride in the freezing cold to the ministry. I love you and thank you for your prayers!! P.s have a lot more pics on the way, and enjoy = )
October 31 at 8:53am
Hey!! well I accepted your invite, so how about that care package? just wondering if you found those books in my old room. Things are great here and it is very active, with classes and meetings I am up at the time you go to sleep. 6:30am and I ride in the freezing cold to the ministry. I love you and thank you for your prayers!! P.s have a lot more pics on the way, and enjoy = )
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