Happy Camper

Got dropped off at my accommodation for the conference by Becky this afternoon and found out that it is right next to a Krispy Kreme!! THE perfect spot for my reading catch-up in between workshops I must say! :D

So right after checking in and dumping my stuff in my room, I trudged out in the treacherous knee-high snow to get across the street for my maiden Krispy Kreme experience and ordered a small cappuccino. After a couple of minutes...

KK person: I'm sorry, but our coffee machine is down and we can't get steamed milk. Would you like a refund or we could get you a large upgrade on your coffee with regular milk...

Me: Hmm... that's ok, I'll just get the upgrade.

KK person: Would you like a doughnut for the wait?

Me: Oh, that's better! I think I'll get the doughnut instead of the upgrade then...

KK person: Nah, you can get both, no problem!

Me: *delightedly gets the chocolate glazed custard filled doughnut*

I'm a happy camper. :)

Mixed Feelings

So I leave for Chicago en route to Grand Rapids, Michigan for Calvin College's Worship Symposium in the coming week...

Am feeling both excited to visit and explore yet another part of the US, yet a hint unsettled at having to be away during the 2nd week of school when everything seems to be kicking in... Right now it feels a lil hard to be away when most are looking forward to the new semester - knowing a bit more what to expect and of course all set with new resolutions. :p To be travelling, yet having half a mind on the lectures I'll be missing, my readings I have to keep up with, and the registration nitty gritty that I have to settle over email... *shrug*

So far, I've had 2 people tell me that it's "brave" of me to be doing this right now - a nice, ambivalent way to put it, haha. Perhaps this will all change when I actually get to the Midwest. :)

Here goes nuthin'...

Welcoming a New Year

a new year stands on my doorstep
ready to enter my life's journey.

something in me welcomes this visitor:
the hope of bountiful blessings
the joy of a new beginning
the freshness of unclaimed surprises

something in me rebuffs this visitior:
the swiftness of the coming
the boldness of the entrance
the challenge of a year's good-bye

something in me fears this visitor:
the unnamed events of future days
the wisdom needed to walk love well
the demands of giving away and growing

a new year stands on my doorstep.
with fragile caution I move
to open the door for its entrance.
my heart leaps with surprise,
joy jumps in my eyes,
for there beside this brand-new year
stands my God with outstretched hand!
He smiles and gently asks of me:
can we walk this year together?

and I, so overwhelmed with goodness,
can barely whisper my reply:

welcome in!

Joyce Rupp

What a lovely way to welcome the new year...
2008, bring it on!! :)