Some Things I Will Never Forget

There have been many moments this year that will never slip from my memory.  Beautiful and sometimes ridiculous moments with wonderful friends and lessons learned.    A lovely year, full of lovely times.  Let me share them with you:

1. Going to Fred Meyer at midnight my first night at school and breaking a bunch of vases.

2. Skipping orientation to watch Stranger than Fiction with Craig and Emily. 

3. Doing (unbeknownst to me) The Thizzle Dance with Liz in front of all the residents.

4. Driving to Deception Pass instead of Camp Casey.

5. Lying under the stars in a big field with Jessica and realizing the blessing that SPU was going to be for me.

6. Getting my face cut up by the blackberry bushes and calling myself Scarface the rest of the weekend.

7. Mattress Dominoes!

8. The day I wanted to be with an old friend and Allison Pringle miraculously appeared.

9. Listening outside my window to Brian Hibbard and half of Hill Hall worshiping in the main lounge on a random Tuesday night.

10. Teylar Greer.

11. Praying on the first day of class.

12. Floor dinners.

13. The last day of Fall Quarter when I bought Thai Food and sat and watched the wind blow outside my window.

14. The snowy Sunday at Bethany.

15. A white Christmas.

16. The fuzzy hats that Noah bought all of us for Christmas.

17. New Year's in Fresno.

18. Driving in the snow...it is not an easy thing to do.

19.  Snow on the first day back after Christmas.

20. Learning how to play the ukulele.

21. Playing music with Anna.

22. 4th Hill Christmas Morning, complete with Santa and cinnamon rolls.

23. group.

24. Inauguration day!

25. Teaching tap dancing to many girls on my floor and one boy from Ashton in the Hill Hall Lobby.

26. Tetris addicts turned into Oregon Trail fun.

27. Listening to all the different people playing piano in the lounge and, by the end of the year, knowing who they all were by their own style of playing.

28. Old-Fashioned Fridays.

29. Watching the snow fall on three different Thursday mornings with Teylar.

30. Teachings from Suzanne Wolfe:

• You are valuable to God simply because you exist.
• God works through us in a fallen world, it is grace through nature.
• True ugliness is ugliness of heart...the inability to love.
• Grace is frightening because it asks us to go from the place where we're comfortable to another place...it's meant to save us, but it instead terrifies us.
• If we give something, we give everything. If we give everything, we give nothing.
• Moments of pain and sin come with a purpose and GRACE
• Love means laying down your life.

31. A terrible class that led the way to a beautiful friendship (Jillian and I became friends during UFND).

32. Dahlstroms in Disneyland!

33. Applying for (and being rejected for) SMC.

34. The realization that my faith grew exponentially when I was entirely okay with not getting that position.

35. Deciding that theatre is no longer my life and changing my major to Global Development Studies.

36. Our band, Friends & Family.  Late night practices, the Q-Cafe show and savory crepes.

37. Hill Hall Ball...so many memories.  Fly Me to the Moon, Paper Planes and All the Single Ladies.

38. Ben and Anna...how exactly did that happen?

39. Late nights of talking with Aly.

40. Tucking in Krista and Ali Morgan.

41. Smallgroup picnic.

42. Quelf bringing me to tears.

43. Fourth Hill Talent Show.

44. Holly Pocket, Hollipop, and Mamma Holly.

45. Watching Life Size with the brothers.

46. Breakfast: Tator tots with Anthony, watermelon thieves and those Monday/Wednesday/Fridays with the lovely ladies of Fourth Hill.

47. Roomies with Chris Hanson.

48. Fourth Hill...the bro flo.  How I love them all... 

49. Seeing Hello Dolly with Paul.

50. My last night in the dorms: staying up until 4 in the morning with Megan and Anna.  Remembering what a year it has been and being so thankful.

It has been quite the year and I am constantly amazed by the blessing it has been for me.  I will never forget my Freshman year at SPU and I can only hope that next year will be just as wonderful!

One Fourth Finished

In the blink of an eye, my first year at SPU was over.  The room was arranged to its original state, I had turned in my fifteenth paper for Playscript Analysis and I had one last bowl of honey nut Cheerios for dinner in Gwinn.  Time had done something strange in the last week.  On Tuesday, I went to my high school's graduation and it felt like a decade ago that I walked onto the same platform to receive my diploma.  Then, on Friday, I dusted off the shelves, turned in my key and wondered where the year went.  The same time period was so slow, yet so fast at the same time.  I learned so much in a short nine months and I am in awe of the blessings that have been poured into my life over the past year.  Here is what I have learned:

1. In the great words of While You Were Sleeping, "Life doesn't always turn out the way you expect."

I often feel like I cam to SPU for all the wrong reasons.  It was in Seattle.  I got a tuition discount.  These aren't the right reasons for choosing a school, but it turned out better than I ever could have imagined.  I moved in on September 25th and by September 28th, I was already calling it home.  I was worried about entering a closed off Christian world, but that is not what SPU is.  It is a community that encourages its students to go out into the world and share Christ's love in whatever form suits them.  In art, music, science, English, and education.  It is not a community for Christians to hide, it is a community where Christians can grow.  

2. Nothing is required in college.

College is a place to make your own decisions, whether they are good or bad.  It is one step on the road to being "in the real world."  On the first day of orientation, I slept in and watched a movie instead of going to a workshop.  No, I'll never know what they taught that day, but I don't feel like I missed out on much.  I also skipped class one day to catch up, but that made me fall even farther behind.  It works both ways, but when you enter college, each decision is your own and so is each consequence.  The point is, what you get out of college is the same amount as what you put into it.

3. "Engaging the culture and changing the world" isn't such a bad idea.

My cynicism began before I even applied to SPU.  In my mind, I vowed that if I got another brochure that said "Engage the culture, change the world," I would not apply.  Unfortunately, it is on just about every envelope, letterhead and webpage, so there's no escaping it.  Eventually, you have to say, "If you can't beat them, JOIN THEM!"  So, I did.  I changed my major from Theatre Education to Global Development Studies.  I gave up on becoming an actress, lost the urge to become a teacher and instead decided I want to work in non-profits that make a difference all over the world.  In SPU's over-used words, they change the world.

4. More often than not, God has different plans for us.

What those plans are, though, is often very hard to figure out.  This year, I often felt "called" to one thing, but then God said, "no."  When I applied to be a Student Ministry Coordinator, I was told by many that I was a "shoe-in" for the position and I secretly felt the same way.  We were wrong and I had a sick feeling in my stomach that screamed "What now?"  My bible practically opened itself to show the words of Psalm 13: "How long, O Lord?  Will you forget me forever?  How long will you hide your face from me?..Look on me and answer, O Lord my God...But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.  I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me."  I couldn't fight with words like that, so I searched for a new opportunity and, after yet another long application process, found on in the form of group staff.  I will now be spending Wednesday nights playing violin on the worship team.  It is a better fit than SMC and, like always, God was right.

5. Love is what binds us all together.

I have never seen as much love as I have in the last nine months.  And I've seen a lot of love in my life, so that's saying something.  The girls who lived on my floor this year were all so full of love for one another and for the world around them.  The relationships that have been formed are so strong and deep, even though they are so short.  The love that teachers show for their students is incredible and so unique for a college setting.  My dear friend Anna is constantly mentioning how we, as Christians, are called to love.   This is why we love: We love one another so that we may show God's love.  If nothing else, that is our purpose here on earth.  God is love and we are meant to share that love with one another.  Being at SPU, that love was made clear to me every day in the community I was living, learning and growing in.  Love is a beautiful thing and it is what brought us all so close to one another this year.

"No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." -1 John 4:12

It was an excellent year and I still can't believe it's already over.  I've learned and grown so much this year, I can't imagine doing it all again.  But I will.  There's a whole summer to recuperate and then I can only hope that I'll do it all over again.  That I'll be able to learn and grow as much next year as I did this year.  As Tevye said in Fiddler on the Roof: "Then we will leave it (the future) in His hands."  And that is what I will do, I will leave my questions about the future in His hands and I will continue to live and learn and grow.

A Good Weekend

Joy.  

That is all this weekend has been, one moment after another.  I have been surrounded by love and friends and the constant realization that this year has just been one huge blessing.  The weekend began at 2:40 on Friday when the movie in chemistry ended and we were all allowed to leave the darkness of Demaray 150.  When we entered the sunshine, Anna and I grabbed a blanket, some cards and some boys and headed up to Hill Hall Beach to soak up the sun.  We just sat there for two hours, listening to music and spending time together.  I sat there until I got a call from my beautiful sister and a few minutes later she appeared with crepe batter.  

We stood in the little kitchen in the main lounge and made a feast for ourselves.  The scent of the crepes in the frying pan filled the lounge and made everyone jealous who walked by, which resulted in our offering the crepes to anyone who so desired.  This is my sister: a stunning woman who shares love (and crepes) with everyone around her, even when life is so tiring.  Our sister-sister relationship has grown into a beautiful friendship and I am so blessed to have her in my life.  We went on from the crepes to Ingraham High School to see their production of Thoroughly Modern Millie, which was a joy to watch.  It was also a joy to see her and how she has put a mark on the lives of so many teachers and students their.  I love her so very much!

Saturday was another sunny day, busy and full of fun.  It began bright and early at the SPU Leadership Kickoff.  It was three hours full of the ice-breakers and team building games that I so often mock, but it was a really great time.  I have found my place for next year playing violin and viola on the worship team for next year.  It was a decision I rallied with for quite some time before finally deciding it was the right thing to do, but I know this is the right decision.  God has lead my life into directions I never thought it would go this year and I know this is yet another place where I can learn so much.  Saturday morning was a time of reassurance that I've done the right thing and I am so excited for the family that our staff will become.

Right after that, I went on to work, relatively uneventful, but still a good time.  The flower shop is in Fremont, "an artist's community" as my grandma calls it.  Not many customers, but I love seeing the difference in them.  Some buying a card in a rush between the wedding ceremony and the wedding reception.  Others ordering flower arrangements for anniversaries.  Grandmas buying gifts to spoil their newborn grandbabies.  A father buying a bouquet for his daughter, starring in "Oliver!"  Once all the purchases had been made, the floor had been mopped, the trash had been taken out, the planters had been taken in and the register had been put in order, I locked the door and hopped on my bike to head back to campus.

Waiting at campus was an evening composed of a ridiculous tradition called "Roomies."  The idea is that you set your roommate up with a date and everyone goes out for some sort of activity.  We all gathered in the lobby and shoved each other in the direction of our date for the evening.  I was pushed into a boy with red hair who plays the bass in a rock band and is 6'7".  Good work, Anna!  We jumped in to cars and ended up in a park in Magnolia that looks out over Seattle, the city which has been home for most of my life, but to nearly everyone else here, it is a newfound home.  We played games, roasted s'mores and enjoyed the love that flows between everyone on our floor.  So, as we played four square into the sunset and watched the moonrise, I realized what a joy it has been to be a part of Fourth Hill.  We're such a mismatched hodgpodge of people and it has been so much fun watching the way we all get along.  

When we got back to school, we stood in the parking lot for a ridiculous amount of time deciding what to do next...

"It's Saturday night, we can't just stay in!"

"Pizza!"

"I don't want to spend money, I'm poor and in college."

"Wendy's!"

"Fine."

Off we went to get the fast food that defines America.  It's delicious and we came back and enjoyed it under the stars.  Five of us all laid in the grass watching for shooting stars and talking about life for two hours.  People I didn't know existed nine months ago and I am still constantly learning new things about them.  It was a beautiful time and I won't ever forget it, as I leaned against a friend's shoulder and shared about my transition to SPU and the great blessing it has been.

We all turned in around 1:30 as we realized we had to get up in a few short hours for church.  What a school, SPU.  Sunday brought sunshine and the Hill Hall Beach Bash.  The Beach is what we call the big grassy area behind Hill Hall and it has been the place I have spent many hours not studying this quarter.  Today, it has been transformed into a huge party, complete with volleyball, barbecues and a slip and slide.  It's an unusual college that can make an entire afternoon of fun out of a steep hill, some dish soap, tarps and a hose.  It was such a good time and just topped off a beautiful weekend.  

It's nearly summer and we will have fun like this without homework lurking in the back of our minds, but what was special about this weekend was that we were all together.  Hill Hall has been my home for 9 months and I won't every forget it how beautiful they were.  We are a family and I can't wait for next year, when we'll all be together again for Round 2.  I love you, Hill Hall!

Picnic by Starlight

Last night, small group was different.  It started at ten with a walk to Fremont and the intention of eating a celebratory cone of ice cream.  Celebration of Jill's play, but truly a celebration of a year of being together.  A year of being there for each other's every need and a year of wonderful Thursday nights.  These nights have been peaceful, joyful and tear-filled...to each week its own.  I sometimes don't realize how much of an impression has been made until it's over and that applies to this group.  Yes, I always appreciated them and loved going to small group, but it wasn't until last night that I realized how important they all are to me.  Valerie, Alina, Lara, Candice, Rachael, Kristin and Jillian.  Without this small group, I know these friendships would not be at all what they are today.  So, as we sat there by the canal beneath a blanket of stars and street lights reflecting on the water, I thought about these girls and how much they mean to me. 

Alina: English major with the sensibility of a business minor.  From sunny CA and sometimes gets sad when the dark grey Seattle clouds encroach on her days.  She is one of our leaders, beautiful and fearless.  She keeps us on track and I'm nearly positive that she prays for us hourly.  I can think of many days when I ran to her in fear and excitement to share whatever news I had.  When I ran to her, she was there with open arms and I appreciate her love so much.

Candice: One of the most beautiful human beings alive, inside and out.  A visual communications major with an artistic flair that spreads into every aspect of her life.  She's a proud citizen of Beaverton, OR and she won't let you forget it.  She's my accountability partner: We check up on each other and make sure the other is doing okay.  Our times together were spent playing music and drawing and I won't forget them.  She's got a heart of gold and I can already tell that she has a good life ahead of her.

Rachael: The two of us got to know each other over afternoon viewings of "Friends."  She wants to be a pediatric oncologist, which requires more courage than I will ever have.  It felt like she had an O-chem test every other day, yet she made it to small group almost every single week.  She puts so much love and care into every relationship she forms and our conversations are always so sincere.  I have loved getting to know her and I am excited to know her even more in the future.

Kristin: My twin.  For the first month of school, the two of us were confused often and I barely even knew who she was.  All I knew about Kristin is that people called me Kristin and they called her Holly.  She joined the crew team at the beginning of the year "just because" and now she gets up at 5:30 every morning and loves being on the crew team.  She missed our last small group because she was in New Jersey competing at nationals.  She always brings so much to our discussions and maintains a positive attitude through thick and thin.

Jillian: A missionary kid from Germany who loves to act.  Many of our conversations have been with a pen and a notebook passed back and forth between the hours of 9:30 and 10:50.  Without Jillian, I would not have made it through two of my worst classes.  I kept her awake and she made sure I did my homework.  Though she was discouraged at times, she always found the courage to make it through whatever she was going through and found things that made life better.  She shared her German chocolate with me and we talked about life...they were good afternoons.

Lara: Naperville, Ill.  A theology major.  A beautiful soul.  I remember spying on Lara through facebook before I even met her.  I thought she looked awesome and indeed she turned out to be quite awesome.  She takes seriously the things that require that attention, but so often she is just a goofball and she brings so much joy and laughter to all of us.  She always left her shoes in my room, but part of me is glad about that because whenever I returned her shoes we would always have a good chat about life before we went on with our days.  She's moving off our floor next year to be an SMC, but I have no doubt God will use her in great ways.

Valerie: Groupie (of the small group and the band variety).  In addition to being our second fearless leader, she also works a ridiculous amount of hours a week, takes a million credits and still manages to spend time building relationships with those around her.  Yesterday, she even drove to Juanita with us just to hear our band play six songs.  She has beautiful red hair with curls that bounce when she walks and she doesn't wear shoes on Mondays.  So many things intrigue me about Val Baby, but I love her so much and I look forward to spending more time with her.  

There they are: Seven wonderful girls who I may not have been friends with if this small group hadn't existed.  As we sat beneath the moon and listened to waves crash onto the sides of the canal, I thanked God for the blessing they have been in my life.  So, whether or not we'll be able to stick together next year, I know that we'll still be there for each other.  I know that I will be able to turn to each and every one of them for prayer and support in the chaos that sophomore year has the potential to be.  Thanks girls, for blessing my life!

Happiness

Just looking it up in a thesaurus made me happy:

Pleasure

Contentment

Satisfaction

Cheerfulness

Merriment

Joy

Jollity

Glee 

Delight

Good spirits

Lightheartedness

Well-being

Enjoyment

Peace of mind

LAUGHTER

The last time I saw Grandma, she said all of my posts were beautiful, but too sad.  I'm sorry, Grandma, if I made you think I'm sad.  I'm not.  No, I'm not sad at all.  I don't know why all of my posts have been sad, but I thought about it and here's why:

I have ten stories to write about on my blog about wonderful things that have happened, but never the time.  I'm overwhelmed with so many joyful stories and I don't know which ones to choose.  There isn't time to tell them all and when there is time to write, it's often when I'm feeling low and don't care to be out and about.  That's why they're all sad, Grandma, but here I have a happy one to share and I dedicate it to you.

Last weekend, I was out with some friends from high school and we hadn't seen each other in a couple months.  When they asked me how I was doing, I had to think about it for a moment because I wanted to give them an honest answer.  I thought about all that happened this quarter, the lowest of lows and the highest of highs, and I smiled.  

"I'm doing so so good," I told them. 

"Really, why?"

"Nothing in particular, everything is just so great right now."

How blessed I felt to be able to honestly tell them this.  There are three weeks left of school, I have a horrible cold and I've never been more stressed out than I am right now, but it's still so good.  I told them that school is going great, my family is as wonderful as ever and my friends have blessed me beyond belief.  This year has been a life-changing one for me and I am so thankful that I ended up at SPU.

This quarter has been so challenging and there have been numerous let-downs, but the good things far outweigh the bad.  God continuously provided for me, even when things didn't go the way that I had hoped they would.  What has blessed me the most of all is the community I am now living in: Fourth Hill.  I still remember when I found out I was living in Hill Hall 463 and it meant nothing to me.  Now it means more than anything and I wouldn't want to be on any other floor on campus.

Forty-three women, each one of us very different from the rest, but all living in very close proximity to one another.  We share everything, from books to colds to life stories.  We are there for each other when we are bawling our eyes out, when we are laughing hysterically about nothing in particular and everything in between.  There are times when I want to be left alone, but the girls won't leave me alone and I am grateful to them for it later.  Often, when I want to be left alone, it is better when there is someone by my side...and there always is.  The same applies for when I want to be with someone doing something fun and exciting, when it's really best to sit in my room and feel peace flow through me.

Last weekend, most of the floor was gone on the floor retreat, but I had to work the next day, so I stayed on the floor.  It was so quiet on the floor, but it provided me with a glimpse of what my life would be without them.  There was nobody running down the halls, no music blasting next door and nobody yelling at their across-the-hall neighbors.  These are things that sound so annoying written on paper, but in real life, they are what make it all complete.  They are the things that result in laughter and friendship and the full understanding of each other that only comes from living together.  I missed the noise, but it was nice to pause and realize what a great impact these forty two girls have made on my life.

Without them, college would not have been the experience it has been.  They are there for me and I am there for them, we serve each other in love.  

Anna B, Candice, Mary MG, Missy, Leanne, Kathryn, Alina, Caitlin, Jillian, Em, Rachael, Lara, Lauren, Heather, Mary W, Jamie, Becky, Alyssa, Bryn, Bekah, Grace, Becky Jo, Kristin, Sarah, Jessica M, Rachel, Valerie, Aly, Liz, Krista, Ali, Emily, Anna S, Emma, Megan, Jenna, Jessica S, Dani, Hannah, Nicole, Natalie and Teylar.

There they are: forty-two reasons I am happy.  Forty-two reminders of the blessings that Christ has poured into my life this year.  In spite of the chaos that will ensue in the last three weeks of school, I know we'll be there for each other, because that's what we do.  We sit around and enjoy the time we have with each other, until it turns to ten o clock, and then it's time to do homework. 

May 6

Until three years ago, it was any other day.  And then the unthinkable happened.  Maren Kataleena DeVries was gone...through her own doing.  She was a wonderful girl and she left the world all too soon.  I wrote a letter to Maren as a form of closure after she died and I wanted to share some of it because her life was just so important to me.  

It's sometimes hard not to see how amazing someone is until they're gone...Yes, Maren, you were wonderful and it is so hard to believe that you're really gone...You were amazing, do you know that?  You made life so much more fun, more exciting, and you always provided so many reasons to live life to its fullest...You made a difference in so many lives.  I'll never forget you Maren, please know that.  I don't know where you are or if I'll ever see you again, but I could never forget you and your shining personality.  You had a strong and courageous spirit and I admired it and it inspired me to develop that kind of spirit in my everyday life.  I think of you constantly and I have no doubt that your memory will be in my heart forever.  

She was a beautiful girl who I met on the first day of high school when I was scared and felt alone.  I remember the day I wondered through the lunchroom wondering where to sit.  She saw my terrified face and invited me to sit at her table and from that point on, we were friends.  Four years ago, the two of us were sitting on the grassy slope outside Ballard High School eating our sack lunches and laughing about the dumbest things.  It's just not right that three years ago, I was sitting with the sophomore class at the memorial service of a fifteen year old.  I miss her, I really do and it kills me to think of all she's missing.

She missed graduation...something she probably would have done with six medals around her neck and four extra chords.  She missed the whole composting fad, which I know she would have been an avid fan of.  We could have mocked Justin Timberlake's "Sexy Back" together.  She missed Barack Obama!  The world is changing so fast, but she is standing as still as can be and I hate that she has to miss it all.  She would have loved college and she would have changed the world, but she can't.  She taught everyone in her life to live differently, though.  She taught us a love that we would not otherwise know.  She taught us that everyone has a different story and we have no right to judge anyone when we know very well that our own story is full of its own flaws.

So, here I sit, three years later: Remembering May 6 like it was yesterday and thinking of what I can do to honor her beautiful life.  I think the most anyone can do is show the same kind of love and passion for the world that she did.  She's not here to show it, so we need to do our part and love just a little more. 

  

The Familiar Fall of Rain

It's been a little while since I've seen you, Rain.  I'd be lying if I said I haven't missed you...I have.  There's something about your presence in the air on this particular Saturday night that has brought so much peace to my heart.  Perhaps it's not just you.  I think it's many things that have brought peace to me today, but right now, you are the one that makes it all complete.  I'm sitting quietly in a room with two friends and the only noises heard are the soft music coming from Anna's computer, our fingers tapping the keys on our keyboards and the rain dropping onto the bright green leaves of the trees.  

For a week, life has been going non-stop.  It's mid-terms, applications, interviews, deadlines, decisions and worst of all: It's been sunny.  When the sun is out, nothing is accomplished.  All we want is to bask in all its glory and forget the load of work we still have to do.  After we have spent a day forgetting, we are forced to spend an entire night cramming.  We try to relax through four cups of tea, comfortable chairs and our slow indie music playing in the background.  Nothing seems to work and we simply must settle with the fact that we will not sleep as much as is healthy and our shoulders will be tense for a few days.  Five days this goes on and by Saturday, it's all over.

I was hoping to be woken this morning by the sun's familiar brightness, but I wasn't.  I instead flinched when my roommate's alarm went off and I thought in my mind that I had to get up and go to school today.  Then I remember it's Saturday and I don't need to worry.  Already, peace.  I look out the window and the clouds are the regular Seattle palette of grey.  I watch from my bunk as a few students slowly mosey away from the dorms, putting their hoods and hats on.  Rain has returned to our campus and life has slowed down.  Today, we will be able to stay inside and be still.  But first things first: TO WORK! TO WORK! TO WORK!

I hop on my bicycle grudgingly head towards Fremont.  The area is not bustling with people and excitement, just a few people standing under the cover of Peet's as they wait for their bus to arrive.  I look through the big window of Starbucks and I see Chris Hanson gesture for me to come inside.  I give him a hug and see the table in front of him piled with books...he's got a busy day ahead of him, too.  Sometimes it seems like the busyness will never end, but a pause to see a friend is what helps us all get through.  I must go on, though, the flower shop can't wait.  I open the door and free Rani from her position behind the cash register.  She smiles and explains to me that today is the slowest day in flower shop history.  Oh well, I guess I'm not the only one who wishes she were home right now.

The flower shop was quiet, but it was nice to talk to the people who ventured out today.  Most of them came in to be warm and dry for two minutes, but they are friendly and I enjoy the company.  When they walk out the door, I turn into Cinderella: cleaning and singing along to the music.  Time doesn't go by so slow, the rain is beautiful to watch as it falls against the shop windows.  Before I know it, 6:00 hits and it's time to close up.  I bring in the plants that sit outside and they get me all wet.  A man helps me take down the hanging pots as he sees I'm too short.  The soaking flowers splash all over my face, but I don't mind...the rain is lovely.

I lock the doors of the shop and grab a slice of hot pizza.   I ride my bicycle along the canal on the way home, I'm in no hurry and I like to watch the rain fall into the water.  After I park my bike, I walk up the stairs to Hill Hall that sometimes feel so long.  I change into some dry clothes and find my place on the couch.  The boys leave after a few minutes to go to a concert, but Anna, Megan and I chose to stay right where we were.  It's warm and we can smell the rain through the open window.  We are quiet, but sometimes words don't need to be said.  We are in each other's company and that is enough for me.  How I love these girls and how thankful I am that the rain has convinced us to stay in tonight.  It's quiet and that is what we need.  Thank you, Rain.