Hi friends and family. My team and I (along with 22 other YHMers) have settled-down in Shelter City Christian Hostel in Amsterdam. This city is so beautiful - one canal after another marks the cobbled streets of Amsterdam. After two days, I can say with some assurance that Amsterdam is a maze of streets and canals. I say this from experience! However, it's a wonderful place to get lost in (apart from the Red Light District). Here a couple other observances:
-The smell of pot blankets the city
-So-called "coffeeshops" are found on every corner
-The people here treat the coffeeshops and Red Light District nonchalantly
-There is a sense of carefree and lazy atmosphere (perhaps this is due more to the sunny weather)
-Bikes, bikes, and more bikes
Today, my team and I got to take a city tour that took us through most parts of the city. Our tour guide talked a lot about "tolerance" and how the city's values are very much rooted in tolerating certain lifestyles. This is apparent in the acceptance of marijuana usage and legal prostitution. He described the women working at the Red Light District as strong and independent women making a living for themselves. I became even more disheartened when our guide ended the tour by saying that due to sex and drugs, the prosperity of these industries benefited everyone. Right now, I am chewing on what tolerance means for a Christian and non-Christian. The tolerance that the tour guide speaks of is allowing people to live their lives as they see fit. But from what I can see, the women (and yes, men) working behind the windows are not independent at all. By tolerating certain behaviors, I can only come to the conclusion that the brokenness in these women are exploited. Oh, how Jesus must weep. The Red Light district is a mere minute away from Shelter City Hostel. As we were passing through a small section, I made sure to pray (and keep my eyes on the ground) for the women behind the windows. Truth is so skewed here - please pray that God would continue to give my team and I discernment. Specifically, I want God to give me His heart for the people in this city. I don't want to become desensitized to the brokenness in this city. I want my heart to break each time I walk through Amsterdam, because God's heart is surely broken over the men seeking out these Red Light district workers as well as the women themselves.
I am so appreciative of City Hostel and Jordan hostel - both hostels are Christian and are run by the same people. Seriously, I think I'll come to know these places as safe havens and as a place where I can truly rest and worship with the Christians working here. To be a little more clear, I'll be working at Shelter Jordan Hostel with my team of four. The rest of the girls will be working at Shelter City hostel. I got to visit Shelter Jordan Hostel today and the Willenstraght (the house where us 8 girls will be staying along with many other Christian workers from all around the world). Some of my jobs will include heading up bible studies, working at the front desk and cafe, and of course talking to the traveling community and telling them about this amazing man named Jesus. Something that I've been asking the Lord to give me is a servant's heart. Not only do I want to share the Gospel, but I want my actions to truly overflow with love. Thus, I ask the Lord to humble me.
Tomorrow, new adventures begin as our YHM group of 26 breaks off. A team of four will be going to Germany, while another team will be going to Spain, etc., These teams will eventually settle down in Prague and Bergen. My team and I are headed off to Belgium for a week. We'll be back next Sunday to work and live in Amsterdam for 8 or so weeks. Keep praying that the Lord would use us and draw more and more people to himself. Even though I am only one person, I know that God's army goes before me, before our group of 26. The prayers that you pray are lifted up - please continue to pray for us. May the Lord be glorified in ALL that we do. He is worthy.
My love goes to each of you guys. May the Lord fill you with his love and with the Holy Spirit.
In Christ Alone, Grace Hong
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