It's the middle of April, 2013 and life is pretty busy. In the last few weeks, I have moved to Vancouver with my wonderful husband Greg. Received my things that had been in storage since July 31, 2012, when they were picked up from the community house I was living at in Hartford, Connecticut. Only one thing was missing - my projector - so my macbook pro continues to be both my work and play device. Went on a huge shopping trip to Oregon (no sales tax - awesome!) with my in-laws; we went primarily to go to Target and use wedding gift cards that had been burning holes in our pockets since August.
Two weeks ago, Greg was installed as a pastor in a Mennonite Church in Vancouver. Now I am a pastor's wife. I'm trying to figure out what that means, "pastor's wife" - should I suddenly join a choir? or start taking piano lessons again? should I learn how to make paska bread, so I'll be ready for next Easter?
I've been reworking my website, which actually takes a lot of work. Then preparing for a sermon, I preached this past Sunday. The joys of living in the 21st century and being part of a Mennonite Church in British Columbia - that a pastor's wife can preach. I know I am privileged.
We are going through the life of Peter, and I had the part where Peter walks on water towards Jesus. Well, he walks on water until he sees the wind. Then he starts sinking and cries out for Jesus to save him, and in typical fashion, Jesus does. I think the story really is about Jesus anyways.
I can relate to Peter. It's scary to take a step of faith whether that's walking on a way-ward sea or starting a blog you aren't sure if anyone will read. To try to start something new, when you aren't over the old.
This is the second time I've lived in Vancouver, I left almost 4 years ago. Many things happened in those 4 years, and Vancouver is a big place. The neighborhood I live in now is nothing like my old one. Vancouver is a beautiful city though with lots of things to do. I'm working on a number of creative projects, including illustrating a children's story I've written and reworking my short film called, "Six Days."
Two weeks ago, Greg was installed as a pastor in a Mennonite Church in Vancouver. Now I am a pastor's wife. I'm trying to figure out what that means, "pastor's wife" - should I suddenly join a choir? or start taking piano lessons again? should I learn how to make paska bread, so I'll be ready for next Easter?
I've been reworking my website, which actually takes a lot of work. Then preparing for a sermon, I preached this past Sunday. The joys of living in the 21st century and being part of a Mennonite Church in British Columbia - that a pastor's wife can preach. I know I am privileged.
We are going through the life of Peter, and I had the part where Peter walks on water towards Jesus. Well, he walks on water until he sees the wind. Then he starts sinking and cries out for Jesus to save him, and in typical fashion, Jesus does. I think the story really is about Jesus anyways.
I can relate to Peter. It's scary to take a step of faith whether that's walking on a way-ward sea or starting a blog you aren't sure if anyone will read. To try to start something new, when you aren't over the old.
This is the second time I've lived in Vancouver, I left almost 4 years ago. Many things happened in those 4 years, and Vancouver is a big place. The neighborhood I live in now is nothing like my old one. Vancouver is a beautiful city though with lots of things to do. I'm working on a number of creative projects, including illustrating a children's story I've written and reworking my short film called, "Six Days."
I am also starting another project. My goal is to paint a picture a month over the next twelve months, and I hope those who follow my blog will keep me accountable! I want my paintings to highlight my city and where I find myself in it. I'm calling the project, "Finding my Place Again." I want to do the paintings in a pop-art style -using a limited palette.
I already have an idea for my first painting. It's of the cherry blossoms and my new church. It seems fitting. A few weeks ago, the blossoms started arriving in Vancouver. It is amazing. Tree lined streets that seem to be snowing pink and white buds. Some of the trees have already lost their blooms while others are just budding. Time goes so quickly. I hope this project will also help me slow down a bit and take in the beauty around me.
It also seems appropriate to have my new church's building in the background. It's in our new neighborhood - less than a 5-minute walk from our new place. Plus, I never thought I would be a pastor's wife or a Mennonite for that matter - so all this is a bit new for me. Thankfully all is going well so far, but it does mark a new season in my life - just like the blossoms mark the opening of spring.
The picture above is what I will base my painting on; it is a combination of 2 photos. The cherry tree in the original photo of the church wasn't quite big enough to frame the church the way I wanted it to, so I found another cherry tree of the same variety (yes, I have spotted at least 4 different varieties of blossoming trees in my neighborhood) near my house, which was bigger and fuller - so I have combined the two photos to help me with the painting.
Thanks for embarking on this journey with me.
Sincerely,
Aften
I already have an idea for my first painting. It's of the cherry blossoms and my new church. It seems fitting. A few weeks ago, the blossoms started arriving in Vancouver. It is amazing. Tree lined streets that seem to be snowing pink and white buds. Some of the trees have already lost their blooms while others are just budding. Time goes so quickly. I hope this project will also help me slow down a bit and take in the beauty around me.
It also seems appropriate to have my new church's building in the background. It's in our new neighborhood - less than a 5-minute walk from our new place. Plus, I never thought I would be a pastor's wife or a Mennonite for that matter - so all this is a bit new for me. Thankfully all is going well so far, but it does mark a new season in my life - just like the blossoms mark the opening of spring.
The picture above is what I will base my painting on; it is a combination of 2 photos. The cherry tree in the original photo of the church wasn't quite big enough to frame the church the way I wanted it to, so I found another cherry tree of the same variety (yes, I have spotted at least 4 different varieties of blossoming trees in my neighborhood) near my house, which was bigger and fuller - so I have combined the two photos to help me with the painting.
Thanks for embarking on this journey with me.
Sincerely,
Aften
