Last year about this time I laid my head down in Simon and Shannon's apartment on your East Side for the very first time. I had flown into Seattle this afternoon 1 year ago, with Josie on my front, a large suitcase in tow, and kicking a box and a car seat through the airport to meet Dave who had just about finished his cross-continent drive. We drove in to see you, through the dark rainy night. I didn't know a soul and had no concept of what my life would be like here.
But Vancouver, you've been good to us. I reflected on the many things we have to be thankful for this morning as I looked over all your harbors from the 15th floor of a nearby high rise drinking coffee and journaling. You sure know how to give stunning views!! Ocean, huge forests and snow capped mountains all delighted my eyes this morning.
Little did I know one year ago I would have a Canadian son! Little did I know that I would find so many treasures here. Little did I know where I would live-- and 3 moves later, here we are on UBC's campus. I didn't know where we would worship, where we would find friends or what we would be doing. Well, a year later I can say that those questions are beginning to have some answers. We've got a great church that we are both getting more involved in, we've got a great group of friends, a wonderful small group, and lots to do each day with the diverse community that lives around us. I now know where to buy cheap produce, what trails have the best view of pines- especially when sunlight floats through on morning runs, what sushi restaurant has the best deals and most recently, where to get at $159 haircut for $20. I've discovered thatCraigslist is where most people go shopping for all their household goods (and once you've bought something, you usually find that people will continue to give you all you could need!) I'm learning to get used to so much rain in the winter, and to take advantage of a sunny day as soon as the sun peaks out.
I've discovered that speaking Mandarin is probably the best asset I have living here, and that I really should brush up on my Spanish as well! Most people here are very friendly and helpful, and when you speak their language, you have instant friends. I've even experienced working with the most patient and cheerful people in public services offices right before closing... that was surely a surprise!
I've been astounded at the cost of real estate and grateful for generosity of folks that have made living here affordable for us. In general, I've been astounded each day that we are able to do what we do, and that God is showing us slowly how he wants us to live here, in this place, at this time.
So Vancouver, here's to a good year.... And I look forward to what the next brings!
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