As our Viking ship, named Mimir, slipped from port, leaving the rain and wind of Amsterdam behind, we set sail for Kinderdijk pronounced KINDER-dike.  A small village located in the countryside not far from the city.  We expected to see pastoral themes of livestock grazing quietly on a hill side or a country church that testifies to the faith of the local  farmers and merchants.

We knew we would see the iconic Dutch windmills.  These tall powerful sentinels have stood tall as they cast their shadow on more than 250 years of history.  Their job is not grinding grain or sawing logs but rather they use wind to pump water in a nonstop battle to push back the waters of the North Sea.  The land here lies below sea level so without the pumps the land would sink back into the sea.  The windmills pictured here are some of the last ones left to remind us of the families who protected the nation by living a unique life of a windmiller.  Note the sleeping cupboard and small living space which would be the home for families with multiple children.  Today, these windmills have been retired by electric pumps.

Ironically, as we prepared for our trip to Europe, we became aware that a storm system named Boris was causing catastrophic flooding across Austria, Poland, Romania and Hungary.  Flood waters spilled over dams and dikes despite civic planning and improvement projects.  Meteorologists have taken to calling it a 500 year flood.

Even while we watched video of the places we are to visit, we also saw the news of Hurricane Helene as she brushed the gulf side of Florida on her way to bash Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee.  Our prayers are focused on the disrupted lives as property and family memories are literally washed away.

A monument to another flood, this modern art was installed in memory of the flood that occurred in Kinderdijk on November 18, 1491.  Today it is referred to as the Saint Elizabeth flood.  Over 600 years ago many villages were washed away and people died.  But in a sign of hope and God’s protection the next day a bassinet was seen floating in the flood waters.  The baby’s bed contained both a baby and a cat. The cat was constantly moving to keep the makeshift life raft upright and the baby safe. Considered by most as a folk tale, the 400 pound bronze statue reminds us of the care of God. 

God provided this scene.

Here on the first day of our river cruise, God makes an appearance.

Don’t take the rainbow as a sign from God lightly.  Most know the story of the rainbow as a ancient promise God made to made to Noah.  But do you realize that the Bible contains three other references to the rainbow?

Ezekiel notes that the rainbow signifies the glory of God.  (Ezekiel 1:28)

John, when writing Revelation peers into heaven and sees God on his throne surrounded by a rainbow. (Rev 4:3)

John will see a rainbow again when he describes an angel wearing a rainbow on his head.  (Revelation 10:1)

We asked to see God during our trip and he graciously answered us on the first day.

Thanks be to God.

 Thanks for reading, following and commenting.  

  -Ron and Becky