The Little Things

Why did I walk home today? Well, I decided on the way, if I had have taken the bus, I would not have enjoyed eating the blackberries that grow along the way. And secondly, because I lost my bus pass!

I wake up, excited by the little things in life: yoghurt with sweet nectarines every morning (and any other time of day), walking past my favourite house on the block, hearing a great song on repeat for endless hours, surprising a friend, being surprised by a friend, discovering something intriguing and amusing in the class readings, the two-tone flowers I have not seen before, the wonder of a free afternoon, the pictures in a child’s book, writing my name in the letters of the Greek alphabet, and the feeling of sun on my face.

The sunny days are coming to an end, I am told. The overcast early mornings are something I can expect all day long, I hear. The rain goes on and on. That is if you can classify it as rain; I understand it is more of a perpetual drizzle. This coming season is not devoid of beauty. The leaves tell a different story. Each of them gives a final splurge of colour, a kind of epic attempt at the extraordinary, before plummeting to their deaths. Just like fireworks. It’s the little things in life that seem to hold the potential for great joy.

"You have been assimilated"

Apart from the really obvious absence of jet lag and incorporation of varied terms, I have found myself adjusting to the ways of the Canadians. I can partially imitate the Canadian accent (or is it North American?) and I find myself keeping to the right of the sidewalk. It’s not that straightforward as I live in a house with other internationals, so we experience a daily mix of vibrant culture.

The other day I threw “kuier” into the conversation and then realised that it needed an explanation. Well, there’s plenty of opportunity here for kuiering… from potlucks on the beach, to hanging out at the local pub (a completely normal activity here, I assure you), to lunch out together after church. Bring that a little closer to home and you have my amazing housemates who themselves are great to spend time with. A pretty good setup, if you ask me J

Classes (said with an “a” as in “man”) have started and they are great so far! There is a lot of work, of reading, and the pace is quick, but I’m into it! I surprised myself by enjoying Greek class the most at the moment... possibly because it's the only subject that is definitely right or wrong at this level. And it's kinda cool to be able to read Greek (even if I have no idea what I am saying!!)

The truth is, I’m a South African down to the core and I always will be, but I have found it easy to adjust into this multi-cultural city that is Vancouver. It’s made easier by the familiarity of “home” in the body of Christ, even this far from long-time friends and family.

Snug as a bug in a rug

I have recently moved into my new home! It’s close to school, and I live with awesome people. It’s a big old wooden house, with creaky stairs, lots of space and corners tucked away, and a beautiful little garden.

Who could know how perfect this place would be?! More than a year ago I had an image in my mind of my study desk against a wall, with a ceiling slanting upwards from the left. I imagined it was the bottom of a staircase ascending above where my desk was situated.

When I first heard about this house, there was an available room in the attic. I was so excited to see whether it would become my room – of course the slanted ceiling in my mind was an attic! Who wouldn’t think of that? (By the way, I don’t think I have seen any house in South Africa that has an attic for a living space?!) I didn’t get the attic room. One of the other girls moved in there because it was bigger than her current room. I was allocated her original room.

Bowl me over when I arrived and was introduced to my new living quarters… it’s on the top floor and also has slanted ceilings. I don’t understand why this room would not also be called an attic! It is the perfect colour and size, and my desk fits perfectly against the wall behind the door. The ceiling slants above it, upwards from the left. It has a south-facing window, which is perfect for maximum access to sunshine in the northern hemisphere. And because the room is a little smaller than the “attic”, I pay less for it.

My room, which has quickly become a haven, is just another piece of evidence of a great big God who is into the teeny-tiny details. I am so glad that He is the one in control.