Happy Fourth

This morning I was doing a little online research on the Declaration of Independence, inspired by its 232nd anniversary today, and learned some interesting facts relating Holland with the States. Apparently the "Act of Abjuration" - which was Holland's declaration of independence from Spain in 1581 - is eerily similar to our very own Declaration. (You can read it here)

There is no apparent historical evidence that Jefferson used the Act of Abjuration as a model, but John Adams had this to say: “the originals of the two Republics are so much alike that the history of one seems but a transcript from that of the other.”

I also learned that the seven arrows in the lion's left claw in the Republic of the United Provinces' (i.e. Holland's) coat of arms which represented the seven united provinces, was a model for the thirteen arrows in the eagle's left claw in the US Great Seal. (At least, that's what wikipedia tells me)

So be thankful for our Dutch brethren for paving the way as you're stuffing yourself silly and enjoying fireworks tonight...

A QUICK TEAM UPDATE: The Pickerills and Brooke have their plane tickets! Eric and Connor are flying out on July 30th (only 26 days from now!), and Julia, Lucas and Gloria will by leaving a few days later on August 2nd. Brooke's flight is on August 18th. Crazy to think that we'll be in the air less than a month and a half after that. Please be praying for the Pickerill family and Brooke as they finish their last few days State-side...finalizing details and saying goodbyes.

Cheers for now,
John

Together at Last...

Steven Colbert and NT Wright. Watch this video, then run out to your nearest bookstore and pick up Suprised By Hope.

Goodbyes

My sister, brother-in-law, two nieces and nephew came into town this week from Florida. We had such a fun time together - they all got to meet Grayson for the first time! Sadly, I think this will be the last time I get to see them before we leave for Amsterdam in October (though my sister is in denial). Even more sadly, I have another nephew didn't make the trip - he is still in Haiti waiting for the government to "release" him to his family. Amanda and I won't get to meet him for a couple years...

It is bizarre that we are already in "goodbye" mode.

Another Netherlands match today. Playing Russia today at 2:30pm on ABC. No excuses. Watch.

Two Updates (one good, one bad)
First, the good news: when is a goodbye not a goodbye? When we decided to bite the bullet this morning and buy plane tickets to Florida in September to see my sis & fam. YEAH!
Second, the bad news: Holland got embarrassed today by the Russians 3-1. That was a disappointing way to end a great tournament. There's always the world cup.

Watch today (if you can)!

I know, I'm lame. All I've got by way of update is Holland's progress in Euro 2008. The boys in orange have another big match today against France @ 2:30. It is on either ESPN2 or ESPN Classic. Check it out, and cheer them on!

More importantly, check out two brand new blogs started by Brooke and Julia. Good reads...and probably much less soccer news.

Update: Brilliant win! 4-1 against France! In successive matches, the Dutch have defeated the world champion Italians and runners-up French by three goals apiece. I'm sure somewhere in Utrecht our friend Menno is doing a little dance...

Euro 2008

Don't forget to cheer on Holland in the Euro 2008 tournament! Check here for tv listings.

Update The Netherlands have scored a 3-0 victory in their opening match of the tournament! France is next...