Summer it seems is the time to explore new places, see new sights, meet new and old friends, and of course, eat new food. Thus far, my summer has taken me to British Columbia, both Vancouver and Victoria. Here are a few of my highlights.
New places: The serenity of the Nitobe Japanese garden on the campus of the University of British Columbia should not be missed. This is one of the best Japanese gardens I have ever visited. Perhaps it helped that it was a rainy day.
New sights: looking at the Olympic National Mountains in Washington across the Strait of Juan de Fuca from Victoria, BC.
New Friends: Some of the new friends are those from the summer project that Bridges held at the University of British Columbia. It is such a delight to work alongside so many godly and goodhearted people.
Some of the new friends we met were students who were either working or studying at UBC. I met people from China, Ghana, India, Italy, and the Philippines, to name a few. They were kind enough to tell us about their spiritual interests, their heroes, and their cities.
Old Friends: Much to my surprise, a former student from KSU happened to be in Victoria at the same time we were. This was such a gift from the Lord. It almost seemed dream-like to see her in a place that neither of you are connected with.
New Food: Eating is usually delightful. The student union at UBC had the Delly. Their sandwiches were piled high with a good four inches of vegetables, plus meat and cheese. I think Subway could use a lesson from them in sandwich making.
I am not sure I ate anything that I have not eaten before except for the Nanaimo bar, truly delicious with tea.
Last but not least is the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. It has been a long time since I have been back in this area having lived near Portland, Oregon in the late 1970’s. The giant rhododendrons, now in full bloom and glory are a show stopper. The breadth and height of the Douglas Fir is awe-inspiring. Who can overlook the giant ferns and the miniature lichen and moss? It gives one pause to reconsider the mind and infinite creativity of our God.
“Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!
No one can measure his greatness” (Psalm 145:3).
Wishing for you the best summer ever,
Jane
International Conversation Cafe 