First and foremost I have to extend a formal apology to anyone that has been reading my blog. It seems my promise of consistent updates has fallen by the wayside as of late. So much has been going on, the Shelter is brimming with excitement and activity and I have finally found a rhythm in the constant chaos. As I type this at reception I can hear the pounding of rain outside. It's been frequently raining almost every morning for the last week or so only to be chased off the streets by the heat of the midday sun.

Amsterdam is a city of contradictions. The screaming pace of bikes is paralleled by men and women in front of cafes nursing their coffee for half the day. The Christian hostel where I work is only 20 meters away from a prostitutes window and a stones throw from the Red Light District. This city of rich architecture dating back to the 1700s is possibly the most progressive liberal city in the world.

Faith is strong here at the Shelter and the joy of Christ is infectious. There's so many stories and so much to tell. I promise to update within a week.