#64 Family visit, Planting the Garden, Finishing the concrete walls 

The last minutes when you go find your little brother are sheer poetry.

The "layers" to this episode are almost beyond words. The family bond & brotherhood, the combined effort & progress, the wonders of shared awe at nature & the environment, the nod to God, and on & on. Just beautiful.

The musical choice as you guys ascended Sacra di San Michele and then the closing scene with your brother ascending the mountain with the same music did something to me on a spiritual level. Thank you for that, Martijn.

Biblical episode, lots of love and gratitude in this family, sharing work, breaking bread. I am a gardener and I’m not surprised when there comes a spiritual turn in the lives of gardeners, you’re up close to wonders every day, Gracias Martijn 🙏

I was in tears before the video started just seeing the title! So many of us watching without fail week after week from Day 1 can only dream of having a family where everyone genuinely loves and respects and cares about each other like this family does. So many of us ... we cannot even imagine that as our families are so far from this it hurts. Martijn represents the best of the best of what social media can be, and for him to kindly share himself and now his family with his hundreds of thousands of fans ... clearly is a gift so many people really need in their lives. I am but one! Thank you Martijn, you offer us hope and a restored belief in Humanity at its most beautiful and humbling. Thank you!!! And God bless your beautiful family and all who gather here on Sundays, a million times!!!❤❤❤❤ With so much love from Canada xxx

Martin, I am from Nepal, and I am also a pastor, and my son's name is also Martin. My wife is from India, and my daughter in law is from Mongolia; now they live in South Korea. You can imagine the connection we felt in this episode as a family living in different places. My wife and I always wait for your next episode as if you are a part of our family! Today's episode was just wonderful and knowing you dad is a pastor and seeing him praying in that old chapel on that mountain and praying at the dinner table was so wonderful. Thank you for sharing your life and family moments with the world!

Martijn, this was truly a beautiful and soulful episode. Clearly the presence of your beloved ones inspired you to bring out this poetic piece. Thank you for your work and congratulations to your father for such a nice family. God bless you.

Hi Martijn. I was very touched to watch your video today. I have followed your channel since the beginning, but for special reasons, for me it was the best of all your videos. It was spectacular and touched my heart. I am a pastor like your father and have two boys (14 and 8 years old). Also, this week my father was diagnosed with cancer. Seeing you together, a family that loves each other, in such a beautiful place, motivated me even more to travel to see my father. We are from the South of Brazil, but today we live as missionaries in Uruguay. I dream of ending my days in a beautiful place like this, together with my children. Thank you for the videos, they bring joy to the heart and calm the soul. God bless you!

Your father's prayer brought tears, your film really captured what words cannot say. You r really blessed with such a family.

My favorite episode thus far. Family, work, Johannes, bread, food, hiking, drone shots - all so well filmed and full of beauty and peace. You are bringing a lot of people joy each week. Thanks for that.

A beautiful episode, Martijn. And a big ‘congratulations and well done’ to the Parents Doolaard. You’ve done well with the most important job we have on this planet.

Martin is really close to his baby brother. I noticed it during the first time that Siebren (hope I got that right) came to visit. When it was time for him to leave they hugged each other and Martijn even advised him to be careful along the creek. Martijn followed him with his eyes and then went to the “rock” to finally bid him goodbye. So beautiful! Glad you had a wonderful time with your Dad and two brothers. And, of course, we appreciate Fr Johannes hospitality by inviting you all to lunch! Greetings from Upland, California!

Ok, I could never pick a favorite episode...until today. Family! A loving, supportive Father and strong, helpful Brothers. But it was much more than that. I cannot put it into words without getting emotional. I desire some of that in my own life... Thank you Martijn.

Woke up this Sunday morning in Colorado Springs with a beautiful view of Pikes Peak Mountain and found your newest video. My heart was overjoyed when I saw the title family visit. Watching your video this morning was like going to church. I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit through the entire video. I have been watching you from the beginning but I don’t comment I just enjoy but today I have tears streaming down my face. I want to thank you for giving me a beautiful morning. I also want to thank you for so many peaceful evenings. I am a 52-year-old nurse, widow and mother of seven and 10 grandchildren. I have a full life at the hospital at my local church and at school because I just went back to college. I come home in the evenings and I’ve been turning your videos on for the last year or so. It’s so relaxing. I was able to travel around the world in 2021. It was my first time leaving the US. I started watching RU-vid videos about travels and adventure and that’s how I found you. Thank you for showing your vulnerabilities honesty and absolute beauty the Italian alps. On my first solo trip around the world last year, I flew from Colorado to London and spent six months walking around the United Kingdom and ended up in the Shetland islands. It was amazing and from there instead of going home, I went to Romania for three months to live in a village in the winter , it was humbling and instead of going home from there I went to India near the bay of Bengal and Andhra Pradesh and stayed there for a month. It was shocking the contrast, the poverty, the joy and the food instead of going home from there I went to Indonesia to a small island in the north Sulawesi region called Manado. I made many friends, and then I returned home and decided to go back to school. I plan on becoming a practitioner in the next two years, and I want to take my skills to the ends of the Earth, helping get a free healthcare to whoever will let me help them. Bkessings

A Blessing to all the souls who find your Episode 64...amidst the turmoil & frantic searching for happiness, you have shown us the real Purpose of our lives. I see throughout the video an old Father that is enjoying his grown sons, all interacting in daily chores, food preparation, trips to highest peaks, seeing the Beauty of the Alps!! The ending is almost a Religious Experience when you showed them clearest water falls in a canyon & then trekked the thousand steps to Mount Sacra Michela, perfect background music, I was crying, a real cause for Hope, caring for enviornment & families is a job for us all. Grma Nan, 82.

This was the best episode yet! Glad for the extra music and that you included your father's prayer. Such a beautiful moment. Blessings from Virginia!

This edition triggered a bit of weepiness within me. It also displays the inherent natural excellence Martijn has in filmmaking and just all around artistry few humans can display or claim for themselves. What a pleasure to meet your Dad and brothers. How fortunate we all are today.

I’m totally bedridden, for a long time now . Was always at my most whole when I was in nature. You moved me so much this week. I don’t have the words to explain to myself. Sadness at a lost life? but full of love for a man/men Ive never met and a place I wish I could be in. Thank you so much for giving me the biggest smile (at the end ) and the sense of transcendence that I haven’t experienced for decades. You are an amazing human. ❤

The prayer your Dad prayed made me cry. It was so perfect. Seeing you all together enjoying the meal, the view and being together, and giving thanks to God. Beautiful.

Oh my goodness Martijn this one had me tear up….the beautiful music and filming, the scenery, family, baking bread and sharing food together just stirred my soul. We are all on this beautiful planet for such a short time making memories together with our loved ones and leaving a little part of us behind for those who carry on behind us and this beautiful film was all of that….Thank you so very much for sharing this with us all. I think I have to go make some bread today after watching this! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🍃

That final shot of the drone finding your brother, and then going over the crest, was epic! Well done, thanks for that.

Your Father praying with his sons in Jesus name . Such a powerful blessing. We’ve all fallen in love with your story and your family. Beautiful episode Martijn. 💙🙏🏼🙌

Being a father of 4 boys myself, I hope they will have wholesome lives as well and I can be part of those experiences, like your father has with his sons. Your stories are such an inspiration; it is not about money or safe certainties, it is all about living your life to the fullest.. Thank you Martijn!

You have outdone yourself this week Martijn. Many hands make light work. A beautiful reunion and a wonderful experience to share it with you.

I lost my dad since 1 month, seeing the moments you spent with your dad and family makes me happy. These moments are priceless and unforgettable. All the best from the other side of Italy (close to the Dolomites).

Your videos are always excellent, Martijn. This one was extra special. Watching you work and play with your father and brothers was a treat. (My sisters and I love being outdoors together.) Beauty, bird song, tasteful music... Your bread is always beautiful. And that meal that Siebren cooked up over the fire! It was beautiful hearing your father pray in Dutch. Thank you :)

Hello Martijn: For me, this was the most moving video you have done. Your family arriving, working together, little side trips, the church, preparing meals and the tears started welling up when your Dad prayed over your meal, blessing one and all. The finale, having lunch with Johannes.. how nice. Your younger brother certainly has the same features as you... What a handsome family. Have a wonderful week.

This is one of my favorites. The church, your Dad's prayer, all of the meals, hard work, and the beauty, it's all such a blessing. I have loved watching you through the changing seasons. Thanks for sharing it all with us.

Easily one of your finest videos. The humble and profound power of family and its undying nature. Thank you to the generations before us. Praise those who follow us. Together we are the chain unbroken.

Wow Martijn .. I am also speechless over this perfect video !! Everything about it was beautiful .. including your Dad’s prayer, and of course the last shot of your brother cycling up the mountain!! Incredible filming and music .. I can’t wait to watch it again, as once is just not enough ❤

One of my favourite that you have created. The respect shown your father is heartwarming. What a special time together. New memories that will surely warm you on the tougher day!

It was a very heartwarming video. Your father and brothers just spent the days with you as if they have visited often. The teamwork and unspoken bond are so obvious despite living far apart. The fact that they visited and worked on site showed how supportive they are of what you have chosen to do in Italy. Can see that the family members share same values and appreciate the beauty of the earth.

I loved hearing your Father pray at dinner❤ It was beautiful hearing him thank the Lord! He sure did raise some hardworking men! The land looks so beautiful and majestic.

I was just wondering if you were going to introduce your family to Johannes; how sweet of him to invite you for lunch, what a good neighbor and friend, you are blessed by God beyond words Martjin 🙌🙏❤️

That final drone shot combined with the music was a spiritual experience in and of itself. Your videos are my weekly reminder of all things good and beautiful in the world Martijn, and something I am looking forward to for the entire week. 🙏🏻 Therapy in its purest form

Most beautiful episode so far Martjin. Brought tears to my eyes to see your godly father pray on the mountain.

I have watched this stunning video 3 times absolutely wonderful; When they are going on a hike to hear one of his sons say "Got your suncream Dad" this swells my heart, such love and care towards their Dad. Thank you Dad for your wonderful prayer, I will pass this prayer on at my chapel. Blessings to the Doolaard family.🙏

My favourite episode by a long shot!! Captured the feeling of having your family there with you & showing them around was great to see & you did it so well. Made me picture my two brothers & father in he same scenario. As much as this was made for everyone to see, I get the feeling this was also a gift to your dad & brothers, encasing all the memories of the their trip & time spent together. Beautiful

I couldn't have said this any better. Absolutely AWESOME. The scene of your Dad sitting in the chapel was filmed so beautifully that it brought tears to my eyes and I'm not religious. Your appreciation and thankfulness of the nature and bounty that surrounds you and how you share it is inspiring! Thank you for another beautiful Sunday.

What an awesome video, so much progress made and some quality family time. That last drone shot was just... wow, chills everywhere. Keep it up Martijn!

So eine wundervolle Familie!!! Es ist ein glückliches Märchen in der Gegenwart! Gottes Segen allen auf ihrem weiteren Weg!

How wonderful to have your father and two of your brothers there for a visit! You all got so much done, too. And it was also nice to see Johannes again.

Your dad (and mom) must be so proud to still be sharing their lives with their sons. This week was a super treat on so many levels. So glad you were able to get the retaining walls done before the end of April. Including your dad's giving God thanks for His creation and all we have as His grateful people was a blessing and might I add an honor for me. This level of intimacy in a family is rare, and sharing it with us is a gift. Thanks Martijn. JT

As an only child, with no family to speak of, this video was a tear evoking and heartwarming example of a loving supportive family. Thank you very much Martijn. Loved this video especially.

This video was the most enjoyable so far. 1. We share the same language due to our same birth country. 2. Watching Dad and his sons. 3. Hearing Dutch Prayer thanking God for the blessings. 4. I was hoping they would get to meet Johannes. 5. The drone shot finding his brother on the bike. (Very emotional & meaningful). Thank you Martijn ❣️

Oh Martijn, the best part was when your father prayed! I’ve been wondering if you were a believer. That just filled me with joy! Praise the Lord!

Martijn, if that film doesn't win an award it would be a travesty. Your cinematography, sound editing (importantly using ambient sound) is quite outstanding. Most RU-vidrs just drop-in copyright free tunes and think that is enough. You use the sound of the wind in the trees, background conversations and bird song to enhance the viewers experience... bravo

Your father must be very proud of his sons. That last drone shot was just fantastic. Music was perfect.

How you built the structure of this video, with the artistic touch and the depth of family bonding, is summed up with ethereal beauty of the Sacra di San Michele section, your father's prayer and searching - and finding - your youngest brother while cycling. A beautiful metaphor that those we love are never far away. Thank you again Martijn, your sharing of your world with us is a blessing.

This episode is a balm for my heart as an Italian living abroad. It doesn't matter how far you go to live your life the way you want, to find happiness. Family always follows us in the gestures we make, and in the way we see the world and others. And every shared moment is a precious gift. Thank you, Martijn!

This episode was magnificent. Your style of film making and story telling brings me so much peace. Your lifestyle seems to quiet and simple, yet so fulfilling. For some reasons your videos always calm me down. Dankjewel Martijn!

For a Martijn fan who has also lost his entire family, this was an extremely moving episode...

“Maybe enough is enough.“ I love that. It’s ok to have a passion, hobby or obsession and then just let it go. We don’t need to hold on so tight if something no long is important to us.

What a beautiful Video Martijn and I was so glad to see my Dutch is not so rustic after all. I lived in the Netherlands for 22 years 1994-2016. My parents were Dutch from Franeker and Bergum in Friesland, I grew up in Rhodesia where I was born. What a lovely family you have and your dad giving Grace at the meal was beautiful. You have wonderful brothers (and it was very nice to meet them) so sorry your other brother and your mom could not make it. It is wonderful they could help with the retaining walls, chicken coop and your dad planting trees. What a bonding time together and the food looked delicious, your brother is quiet a cook not to mention that loaf of bread. I hope you will see them again soon and it was so beautiful to see you take the drone and see where your brother was and that you found him, that was spectacular. Thank you for sharing your time with your family and have a great week.

This movie is practically flawless, perfect soundtrack 🙏 The ending was as magical as a Hollywood movie God bless your father because he brings us joy with his son ❤ Martijn

From the song bird opening to the mountain top closing , this has been a very special episode. Thank you Martijn and the DooIaard family. I read many of the other amazing comments, I will not be able to match or even come close to the love and appreciation that has already been mentioned by so many other friends and followers. Bellissimo!

Brilliant video, yet again. But this particular episode with its focus on family, breaking bread together and celebrating nature was exceptionally beautiful. I adore the simplicity of all of the actions, be it making bread or setting up the concrete, all executed with such intention that the work really evokes the most distilled human emotions. Excellent film-making!

This was, by far, the best video you’ve made. Your brothers each have their own personality and your dad seems like such a wonderful man.

Wow Martijn - I clearly see where your work ethic comes from - it is a family affair - amazing just so impressive! And I am only 10 mins in. What an awesome family you have! 👏🏻👏🏻😃

Your dad planting his own trees 🙏 priceless.

I think the only thing to be said is that no words can convey the power, beauty and utter enjoyment that this video creates. I am moved. I am inspired. I am in awe.

Best video yet. No wonder you've grown up so useful. Your Papa has taught the brothers well. He is great with the planting., Please come back Papa of Martijn. 😄

The prayer of your father was priceless! You have a Heritage of faith

Don't forget to just be family! Your time with your dad is precious! Enjoy every possible moment learning from him and learning about him!

My favourite episode yet. Wished it was 5 hours long! For anyone stuck and a bit lost, this is how you should do life.

Dear Martijn, That your father shows his sons to appreciate everything that God gives us, touched me deeply. ❤️

The presence of your father, planting a legacy he knows he won't live to see full grown, is incredibly moving. Thank you for sharing these moments with us.

The ending was peak cinema 👑

Beautiful family you’re so blessed! Daddy planting the garden, big brother working his magic, little brother bringing goodies and laughter, Martin marinating in the love. I cried at the end of this episode ❤️

Martijn, I always enjoy your videos, but this one was really special. Seeing you with your family, hearing you speak Nederlands, your dad's " he he" on the mountain edge, enjoying a pilse after hard work, all of it made me smile so much!

Your episodes are generally very interesting but I have to say I have enjoyed this one most of all. Watching you interact with your family and the hiking, day trips and mostly your Dad's heartfelt but simple prayer was amazing to hear and reinforced what a wonderful Heavenly Father we have.

Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment Until it became a memory !

Thank you Martijn for sharing your life, your family and your mountain with us! Thank you Father for your faithfulness in turning winter into spring every single year.

It is so awesome to see brothers working together. The familiarity and comfort of being with each other. And having your father there, watching over everything and getting involved when he wants to. I love how you care.

What a blessing to have this time with your dad and your brothers!! Not only did they help you but to share your beautiful space with the ones you love is such joyful memories! You will remember this as a great gift! May God bless you all and this journey you have taken on Martin!

I’ve been watching you since you started your work on the cabin. Couldn’t watch this Sunday and have been waiting for just the right time to watch, savor, and enjoy. The episode ended with tears streaming down my cheeks. It was exquisite on so many levels. God is good.

It’s alot of hard work …but so much fun . Your Dad must be very proud 🌻 and I love your Dad ..a man of the earth and a Godly man ♥️

So beautiful to see such a close family full of love and the need to help where needed. Those trees your father pruned and planted will mean so much to you as the years go on. All starting to come together. My prayers to you all and be safe on your journey home. Your father must be so proud of his boys.

Ah, yes, the best one yet: Father, sons, brothers. Beautiful!!!!

My favourite episode so far, so much so I feel compelled to comment. So wholesome, beautiful moments with your family and finding your brother at the end, very emotional. Thank you for sharing these videos

i was born and raised in the italian Alps that i miss so much. Thank you, Martijn, for bringing me home and allow me to enjoy the warmth of your beautiful family in that blessed corner of our earth

This was one of the best episodes...a family working together and praying together. Loved it!

The prayer moment was so beautiful. A good reminder for everybody to feel grateful for what you have been given.

Thank you, Martijn, for another beautiful video! I so enjoyed watching it. It is poetry. And how lovely to see how wonderfully you and your family work together. I was very moved when your father was brave enough to pray for your meal around the campfire. And you typed his prayer for us to understand. That takes courage these days. It stirred my heart. You are privileged to have such a father, and such wonderful friends who are your family. I always enjoy your videos. They are peaceful and artistic. I always learn some skill from you. But this video was a very special one - filled with friendship, haunting music, magnificent scenery, special moments, special places. Thank you for sharing your life with us on this channel. I appreciate it very much. May God bless you.

The unspoken bond of family, love, and hard work in the setting our Creator has provided, beautiful. The lunch with your neighbor J. Praise to your father for tending his little flock and leading you in an acknowledgement of thanks to the One from whom all blessings flow. Life in it's unpretentious simplicity of doing and being. Your video struck a chord with many who see the absence of such content in the media, and the world. Thank you!!

Your Mum must be so proud of her Boys, getting together, working together nd enjoying each other’s company with their Dad! Lovely to see you all together!!

One of my favorite episodes so far. Masterpiece! So nice to see all that colours and this amazing landscape during spring and how you and your family enjoy it and make progress on the property. Not to forget the beautiful music in your videos. Thank you for every single Episode so far. Love it! 🙂

Oh Martijn, Martijn, Martijn this has got to be one of the best videos you have put out. That end clip with the music had me in tears for the second time! Incredible!!!

Maybe your best episode yet! Outstanding shots, beautiful storyline. You are blessed with such a wonderful family, Martijn!

What a beautiful family you have there, Mr Doolaard. So much love for each other. ❤

Love the dynamic that you have with your father and brothers, this ep really showed what shared humour and a solid work ethic can bring to the table. It did occasionally feel like we were seeing Martijn through the ages though - seriously did they just clone you all??

What a pleasure to have your family helping you. So nice to hear the Dutch. Reminds me of all the great Afrikaans friends I left behind in South Africa. Excellent film-making as always.

How nice to have some of your family there - it's evident it makes you happy. I don't know why, but the last scene, when you send the drone out to find your brother ascending the mountain brought tears to my eyes. My family is spread out all across America, literally coast to coast. The idea that I could send a drone out to find them, and look over them to see if they are safe was very touching. Thanks, Martijn.

Such an adorable video with all of you boys together Your youngest brother looks just like you It was good to see that some families still can have love and respect for each other

I'll say the same as many others: your relationship with your family is a treasure that not all of us have. I only have that with two cousins, and I'm much better off if I keep the rest of my family at a distance. It was quite heartwarming to see you guys together. Looking forward to seeing your dad's landscaping when the plants grow!

This episode was wonderful, thank you for sharing your family with us. I knew there was something really special about you and when your father said that beautiful prayer and you posted it, I understood what it was.

Oh man this particular video was so moving in so many ways. To have your dad and brothers there helping you, sharing in the beauty that surrounds you. A visit to remember always. The last bit with the drone searching out your brother, with the music...I was in tears. Thanks so much for sharing your life with us.

Een van de mooiste afleveringen tot nu toe. Was fantastisch om jullie te zien samenwerken. Zoals altijd, bedankt

Flying up the drone. The Lord's eyes are on us from on high ever watching over us. Thank you for including your father's loving prayer. Roots and canopy joined hands in this beautiful episode. Praise the Lord for his faithfulness and for watching over us all, growing, pruning, and watering us unto his glory, to seek him on mountaintops, in refining fires, and in clear spring waters.

Absolutely beautiful Martijn ,I was touched emotionally and spiritually by the love of your family and the scenery with that beautiful old monastery,Church was just incredible. God bless you and your family ❤🙏🏻