Live from Hope College

Yes, ladies and gentleman, we are live from Hope College, specifically, Gilmore Hall room 202, for the start of a new school year! Much remained unchanged when I returned to Hope on Saturday night, but several aspects were different.

1) Gilmore Hall has new, shiny, reflective windows! This means less peeping toms and more privacy. Something all girls love.

2) Phelps has yet again changed our mealtime routine by confusing our silverware habits and placing silverware INSIDE the area where food is served. Not on the tables. I've already gone 100% of meals without grabbing silverware before I sat down. The correct habit will eventually form, I'm hoping. Until then I'll work off the calories as I eat them with my continual hopping up and down.

3) It's hotter than usual. Already mentioned. I'll stop complaining.

Changes are minimal. Which is a good thing, because Hope College is, as Mary Poppins once said, "Practically perfect in every way." Pink petunias planted thickly along the sidewalk, tall pine trees shading you as you journey to class, restaurants and shops across 9th street that scream "adorable", nighttime worship services under the stars. This is a great school.

Tomorrow is the first day of classes; interestingly enough, my Tuesday is free of classes save College Chorus at 7:30. While everyone else has their first day jitters, I will still be in summer mode for another 24 hours :-)

I am happy to be here, even if it's hot as heck, because awaiting the thrills of a brand new school year are like awaiting Christmas morning. Friends, laughter, encountering God, beautiful charming Holland, caring professors, challenging assignments, good books, thought-provoking discussions. It's all waiting under the tree.

Let the school year begin!