boun·ti·ful

boun·ti·ful

ˈbountəfəl/

adjective

large in quantity; abundant.

1. giving generously

This is the word that describes my first 5 full days in Vancouver, WA. 

Saturday evening, I was greeted at the baggage claim by my new little friend Abby, running up to me with a sweet yellow sign that said "Lyndsay." My first moment in Vancouver, I was welcomed with open arms and a big hug.

That evening, I was greeted by Diana, Mike, Sugar , Angel, Patsy, and Lucy at the Richard's home. Great conversation, a big piece of lemon meringue pie, and lots of kisses from the dogs (Angel and Sugar). A big fluffy bed, warm shower, and amazing hospitality. A picture of Christ's love. 

My new friend Lucy!

Sunday morning: handshakes, hugs, excited welcomes from the Crossway family. Yes, FAMILY. This church has a deep bond to one another. The community is tightly knit due to it's small size, a very rare and beautiful gift that this church has been given. Although many might look at the small size as an obstacle, a dissapointment, a stagnant church, it is NONE of those things. It is community, connection, and Christ's body. 

The first day of work, Monday, full of excitement, anticipation, energy, planning, goal setting. But also a SURPRISE GIFT from God -- these two lovely people whom my heart loves, and I haven't seen in years. It was spur of the moment and beautiful. Oh my. If the coffee shop hadn't been so quiet, I probably would've screamed when I saw Sarah walk through that door, fresh off the plane from South Africa and headed to Malibu Club the next day. How special it was for her and Jordan both to make time for me.

Jordan and Sarah met me for coffee in Portland!

OK, so remember how I said this church is FAMILY? Well here is the perfect picture of that. I have been given a "dinner schedule" where families from church have signed up to have me over for dinner. WHAT?! That's the coolest. One of my goals is to connect with at least 5 families from the church within the first month. Almost done with that in the fist WEEK! God has already surrounded me with family in a far away place. That, folks, is the Body of Christ that extends and spans over time and place. I also have at least 5 Vancouver friends! Woo hoo! At least 10 including all of my furry friends (we have a precious office dog named Clover who runs around trying to get as many belly rubs as possible... she's pretty awesome). I also have a new baby friend (of course I would find people with a baby :) ) His name is Ian, and he is the absolute SMILIEST baby! And his parents are super awesome - they made me homemade pesto, and we had beautiful fellowship at their house!

Also, this place is GORGEOUS. Even driving on the highway is a treat - sitting in traffic looking at the river and gorgeous trees? Ya, I can handle that. Also, my pastor lent me HIS car for the summer. So generous.

All that to say: God, you're so beyond GOOD - you're AWESOME. We serve an AWESOME God who knows us in the deepest places and takes care of us.

Friends, be praying for Crossway Church as they look for a building so they can have their own space to worship in, work in, and build community in. Pray for the deepening of fellowship there and for God's protection over them. 

Pray for Mike and Diana Richards, my host mom and dad, who have to put up with me this summer - ya'll know I can be a real trouble maker... ;) They're in for a fun time! 

That's all for now! 

Much love from Vancouver, WA

Lyndsay