One Corner of Main Street

Main Street in Vancouver is an interesting street.

It is the dividing line between west and east parts of the city proper. It is also home to Chinatown, Punjabi Market, the city's antique row, the train and bus station, a fast track to the international airport and to drive north on the highway, a route into the downtown east side & to one of the country's poorest neighbourhoods.

I love walking down Main Street as it has some of the broadest side walks in the city and the neighbourhoods are gaining more and more foot traffic as the entire area becomes a newly developed part of town for new families and upwardly mobile professionals.

Here is what I found at one corner of Main Street today. The corner of 11th Avenue and Main.

You can see that this Chinese take out restaurant is soon to be redeveloped into retail and residential units.

My guess is that this very popular boutique for trendy women will also be affected by the redevelopment that is to occur at this corner.

The building below is one I often stop and admire. It has some dedicated residents who have put in their own stained glass windows on the top floor. I think they might also be the ones responsible for hanging cds from their roof tops. I thought it made a cool photo as these cds weren't on display the last time I walked this neighbourhood.

I will share more of this vibrant street in the days to come. For now I hope you enjoy these snap shots!

Shades of Red & Pink

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

James 1:17

I took these pictures in my garden last night. My first night in my own home since two days after Mother's Day. It is a great gift to be home and it will be even better when I can get everything out of boxes and onto shelves and into drawers.

It is going to take me awhile so thank God the weather has cooled down a bit as we don't have air conditioning. That is one thing I will miss from my hotel. Air conditioning and the beautiful ocean view. At home, I do have a beautiful mountain view. God is good and gives us good gifts. He never changes. Gotta love Him!

Harvest is Nearing

My beets are still small; about 1 inch or so in diameter.

The corn is doing well. I think the squirrels will like these.

I LOVE celery. They are great for soups and stock.

I will try this kale in my juicer soon! Should be nutritious.

My Hungarian yellow peppers. Not quite sure how to use these but will look on line for some recipes.

My sweet cherry red peppers. These are cute.

My cherry tomatoes are ripening as well though I have more green ones than red ones. They should be ready for salad soon.

I'll be Gone

Hi everyone,

It is moving day today. At last I move from the hotel where I have been for 10 weeks and move back to my condo. It is also travel day as I will go for the long weekend to visit family. Consequently, I won't be adding any new posts while I am away.

Have fun and stay cool!

Elizabeth is Very Sick

This is a report from my friend Pastor Jonah about a mutual friend, Elizabeth in his village.

She is sick, frail,her leg is not strong anymore, she is not eating enough, and she is in pain. These words describe Elizabeth, our mother who is just about 64 years old. Elizabeth has 9 kids to her name, 6 boys and 3 girls.

I felt so bad today, though I was supposed to encourage her, I was feeling low. Pray for me and her son, Thomas, who loves her so much. We try what we can to make her feel that life is worth living again.

Elizabeth has stage 3 cervical cancer and cancer management in Africa is still a new concept. We have been trying to read books to understand what cervical cancer is all about but it is hard.

We were moved from one hospital to a government one. I guess the nurses & doctors had pity on our meagre finances and Elizabeth has now been admitted in the ward. Pray for her.

Thanks Joyful servant for $100 towards her medical bill. God Bless

Walking to the next hospital. She is in pain.

Sent to the next hospital. (Elizabeth is in the middle).

Elizabeth supporting herself against the tree. Thomas on left.

(From me) You may ask, what is joyful about this post as I say that this is a blog about simple things which bring me joy? It is indeed difficult to find joy in such a circumstance. In this case, I am joyful that I have friends who will pray for Elizabeth. I am joyful that Elizabeth has now been admitted to the hospital where she will be attended and she will have more peace of mind that someone can help her with pain management. I am joyful that Thomas, her son, loves and cares for his mother so much and I am joyful that Pastor Jonah is there to support them in trying to get help.

Please pray for all of these dear ones. Thank you so much. Joyful