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The Living Waters Garden

Looking for a beautiful spot for a visit, a restful place to read or shady spot to gather? Come and visit the Living Waters Garden located between Primrose Gardens and Terrace East. In addition to the beautiful flowers, the Living Waters Garden has a large gazebo with shaded seating, 10 bubbling fountains and multiple alcoves with benches where you can sit in the sun. The garden is a short walk from any of the buildings on campus, accessed by a paved path, and fully wheelchair – and Broda chair – accessible.

The Living Waters Garden was officially opened on June 12th, 2015. The garden was the dream of a donor who wanted to leave a legacy for the enjoyment of residents, and create a place for connection with God and others. It is a lovely oasis on campus, come to enjoy the afternoon sun, trickling fountains and bright flowers. Whether you need a contemplative moment alone, or want to revel in the beauty with family, the Living Waters Garden is the perfect spot.

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The Story of Living Waters Garden
I had the privilege of walking through a newly opened garden on our campus with the main donor. The garden has 10 fountains, dripping wisteria, dancing irises and showy clematis. We strolled casually around the place examining the landscape, the fountains and the seating. There were several people enjoying the splashing sounds of the high fountains and others mesmerized by the gentle gurgle of the low ones. Conversations and huddles of folks who were being rejuvenated in the embrace of nature.

As we walked, he shared, “I cry a lot these days, but I’m filled with joy.” He shared his losses over the decades, including times when he lost a child to painful choices, gained grandchildren through the hardship and watched a child whither under the grip of cancer. He also shares how he met his wife of 60 years and how challenging it is to provide care to someone so precious and vulnerable now living in residential care. He tells the story of how he met her and how intimidating her brothers were when he came to pick her up on the first date. He laughs about buying his first car – flashy and powerful. He laughs at his impetuous younger self. He wanted to show his in-laws that he could be successful and provide for their precious girl. He’s still loving and providing for that precious girl.

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And then our conversation turns to the certainties of his life. He is a spiritual man who often asks God to show him the meaning of it all. He lives in mystery. He surrendered his heart to follow Christ while he was a teenager. It was as a young man that he was called into spiritual leadership by the Holy Spirit. “I am nothing important,” he says humbly,.“I don’t even have an education, but God asked me to help lead His people, so I did. I’ve been thinking a lot these days. I think about beauty. Truth. Love. It’s why I wanted to have a garden for these people,” he points to the residential care hospital. “They need to experience the beauty of this world, the truth of God, His love and the love of others.”

Read the full article here.

Theme Verse

The theme verse for the Living Waters Garden is John 7:38

Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”

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