My quest for God began at a young age
In conversation with Alie Hoogendijk
Introduction to our chat
It’s truly wonderful that we can have such a deep conversation again! For me, this is incredibly valuable. The idea that others can listen in or read along just makes it even more interesting. Our previous chats were always so inspiring, helping us get to know each other better – me, in the barber’s chair, and you with scissors and hairdryer in hand.
But let’s kick things off, shall we? Would you mind introducing yourself so our readers know who I’m chatting with?
Alie’s life story
I’m 59 years old and still absolutely love working as a hairdresser – it’s genuinely my passion! I’m the proud mom of two grown-up daughters and happily married to Wim, which really adds an extra beautiful dimension to my life. I live right here in Hazerswoude; it truly feels like home. A happy marriage, or happy relationships in general, isn’t something everyone takes for granted, we know that all too well. Honestly, a happy life demands constant effort; you can’t just lean back and expect everything to sort itself out. It’s really a process of give and take, with ups and downs, where you keep supporting and respecting each other.
You live in Hazerswoude and have gained an incredible amount of life experience over the years. Your age offers a completely different, and often more valuable, perspective than that of younger people. Let’s delve deeper into your life story, focusing on those forty years between your youth and now.
I was born in Ouderkerk aan den IJssel. Faith played a significant role in that community, even though it wasn’t always heavily emphasized at home. During my younger years, I was quite rebellious; I’d cruise around on a motorbike and spend a lot of time in cafes with friends. At sixteen, I started as a hairdresser in bustling Rotterdam, and that had a huge impact on my life. When I was twenty-three, I opened my own hair salon in Ouderkerk aan den IJssel, where I worked with great dedication and passion for many years. After a few years, I decided to move to Hazerswoude. This is also where my children were born, which changed my life enormously. Ultimately, I sold the salon to spend more time with my family.
Were there difficult experiences?
Of course, there were less pleasant moments in my life too, like the end of my first relationship. That was undoubtedly a profound event, but I’m happy now and have always learned from my experiences and the lessons life has offered me. My search for God started at a young age. A client gave me books about faith and spirituality, but I found it hard to openly ask questions about my doubts. It felt like God was gently guiding me towards Him, but at the same time, I found it daunting to connect with Him directly.
Life has taught me many lessons. Sometimes I reflect on mistakes I’ve made in the past, often stemming from a more superficial way of living. I’ve also been confronted with some less appealing sides of existence, which have further shaped my life.
Memories and gratitude
When you look back on those forty years, what memory first comes to mind?
One of the most memorable moments for me was when I, as a hairdresser in Ouderkerk, reconnected with a childhood friend of mine whose daughter was ill. She was a young girl, only seven years old, suffering from neuroblastoma cancer. The moment I cut off her beautiful hair will always stick with me; it was necessary because she would go bald due to the treatment. I lifted her up to look in the mirror at her bald head. She said: ‘What beautiful eyes I have.’ Despite her sadness, she was incredibly brave and believed in God, along with her mother. This made such a profound impression on me. The beauty of such situations is that they make us realize that even in difficult and sad times, life can be valuable. It allows you to understand that beauty can emerge from sorrowful circumstances, and that gives hope.
What are you proud of?
When it comes to pride, I consider that a big word. Honestly, **gratitude** reflects my feelings better. I’m thankful for the strength I’ve found to stand up for myself and navigate through challenging times.
Can you name a significant turning point in your life?
A major turning point in my life was the decision to end my first relationship. That was certainly a challenge, but it brought me closer to God and helped me find my own identity. I truly hope that others in unhealthy relationships also find the courage to hit the brakes and pursue their own happiness. After all, you can’t make anyone happy if you’re not happy yourself.
Faith, inspiration and future
I hear you say that faith plays an important role in your life; could you tell us a bit more about that?
For me, faith holds a lot of meaning within the community I belong to. Wherever you are, faith can be present everywhere and is part of our daily lives. It’s so valuable to talk with others about our faith and to hear each other’s stories, whether that’s in church or elsewhere.
What or who motivates or inspires you to get out of bed in the morning?
I don’t really consider myself a morning person, but my appointments with clients ensure I get up early and start the day productively. This helps me go into the day with energy. As for inspiration, Pastor Lam is a huge example for me. He had a tough start in life but inspires others by simply being himself. His influence on my life and that of my children is very valuable to me.
Has your trust in people ever been tested?
Losing friends after my divorce was truly a painful experience, but my faith helped me realize that I’m not alone in this world. I’ve worked hard for my happiness and now feel genuinely happy and grateful.
Do you have any future dreams?
It would be a privilege to have a beautiful old age with Wim and perhaps one day get to fulfill the role of grandma and grandpa. For now, I don’t have specific dreams, but I hope that believers will find each other again without judging each other, but rather supporting each other on their life paths.
This is who I am, and I’m grateful I could share my story with you. Thank you for this pleasant and open-hearted conversation!
@wimvanputten