The first few days were quite a
rush. We were to be introduced to the congregation on the first Sunday of
September, but there was much to be done in the meantime. I believe we still
had about 12 days before the scheduled introduction. We felt a little less
rushed once we knew were would have an extra week before we began public
ministry.
We called the movers to find out
where they were located and how to get there. Surrey – wherever that was. On the bright
side, they were holding back the beds and my books as we had asked and would
deliver them on Thursday. It was Tuesday morning, but we accepted their offer,
we needed to get groceries and get semi settled. We needed to figure out where
on earth we were.
We drove to Port Coquitlam on the
#1 in the worst traffic I had ever been in. I was looking at a map trying to
find alternative routes. I could only see one other and figured I was most
likely stuck with the Trans Canada. Since I was one who seemed to always forget
something I needed either at home or at the office, I knew my habits had to
change. One trip only.
We found the nearest grocery store
and adjusted to hauling two kids around in a cart. Della remarked on how much
better the fresh fruit and vegetables looked than in Saskatchewan. She liked
that. We were asked to use the food that was left behind in the house. It wouldn’t keep till
their return. We filled in around what we had.
We took our haul home and tried to
figure out where to put it. We were allowed to use any of the kitchen dishes
and equipment. Della was terrified that something might get damaged and really
wanted her own dishes and pots and pans. I called the movers again to see if
they could find those things. “It would be very hard.” We gave that idea up
and went and bought a new plastic kids bowl, plate, cup and cutlery. We had to feed the kids.
We made a map of where things were
in the house so that when we moved it, we could put everything back. I was
worried about the stress this was going to be on my wife and what it might also
be on the host family. After all, this older couple had opened their home to two
small children for the duration — whatever that might be. We had no concerns
about Rhonda, but Rod was exploring.
On Wednesday I went into the
office to meet the staff. I had met Kay, the office secretary. She gave us the
house keys and the directions. I met briefly with Mr. Brooks who took me to
meet Al McVety, his associate pastor and then we hunted down Burt, the janitor.
About lunchtime, Mr. Brooks left for home. I had not brought a lunch and didn’t
know the area. I did figure out there were places on Broadway. Al looked me up
and we went over to Captain Cooks on Broadway just across the car lot. I did
learn that he and I lived in exactly opposite directions. He was in Richmond. I
also learned the church was not much of a local community church. While some
lived in Vancouver proper, most lived much further out. I wondered what that
would mean to the youth group and did not have a good feeling.
Since it was to far to go home for
supper, I stayed in town and went back to Captain Cooks. I was looking forward
to meeting the governing board. But it was a shock. I had the distinct feeling
that no one knew I was coming and they were not too happy about it. W. H. was
asked a few questions and briefly drilled on why they were not consulted.
Meanwhile, I was trying to figure out what just happened and what this meant to
my future. I did not feel secure.
There were questions about
education, character and experience. Someone knew about my problems in college
and brought it up. That discussion consumed a fair amount of time. Then it went
to my passion and my practices. I was asked directly if I was a paper pusher.
“No.” Was I an arm twister? “No,” that brought my first semi-positive comments.
“Good, I was sick and tired of bring pressured into positions and
responsibilities I did not want to do.” I heard the words, but did not
understand the meaning. Al gave me a look that said, he would explain later.
“Where are you living?” Mr. Brooks
addressed that concern. “But that is only temporary. What are we going to do
with him permanently?” I wanted to know that too. Then the subject of Mr.
Harder’s custom home that he was building for the senior pastor came up. Brooks
commented as he apparently had done so before. “I own my own home and we prefer
to stay there.” Well, lets put them there.” “Its not finished.” “How close are
you?” “One or two months.” “Put them there as soon as possible. Can you wrap up
in two months?” “Doubtful.”
It was a lengthy discussion and
some did not want me there as it was being built for the pastor and others said
we were already paying for the house, lets use it. Nothing was decided that
night. The meeting broke up and only three or four of the men came to talk to
me and welcome me to Vancouver. I left with the very distinct feeling I was not
wanted. Yet, strangely I felt like I was in exactly the right place. That was
weird. I still needed positive reinforcement to feel right about a place. Was I
changing?
When I got home and related the
evening to Della, I was conflicted, but determined to make everyone feel I was
the right person in the right church. She wanted to know why we left Saskatoon.
I couldn’t answer that question. I said, “It was warmer?” She gave me that look!
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