Good To Be Back!

Today was a fun way to come back from Thanksgiving Break!

Allie picked me up from the airport at noon and we talked a-mile-a-minute all the way back to the Academy, not only about ourselves and our breaks, but about our kids in the dorm—which is funny and surprising. Optimistically, it means we are fully engaged and immersed in the Gem State life! Sometimes, in our spare time, we find ourselves discussing the school’s future and dreaming big for what we wish could take place imminently on this campus. Sometimes our post-11pm texting conversations are passionate rants or excited hopes for what we think should happen next in the dorm and in the academic world, for the students AND for the faculty.

Every time I’ve returned to campus, either from weekend time off, a homeleave, or a holiday break, I have felt a greater portion of connection and familiarity leap in my heart as I step through the dorm doors again and greet all those who live here with me.

Today, lots of my girls ran up and gave me huge hugs and happy “glad you’re back!” greetings in the cafeteria. I observed their new shoes, new jeans, and new haircuts, complimenting accordingly. Some of the boys greeted me, too, joking playfully, asking when I got here, and “how was your break, Dean Berger?” We stood in the lunch line for delicious burritos and talked about the movies we watched and how late we slept in last week.

I feel refreshed from my full week at home; my patience and unconditional love levels have been restored (for the time being). I took over Dean Duty for Mike in the afternoon so he could spend some last time with his visiting girlfriend and family. It only took an hour for the craft supplies to come out—always a tell-tale sign which dean is on duty (the office desk gets smothered). 

One senior girl—who is particularly artsy-craftsy like myself—joined me to make cards and various paper projects for several hours. Other students, during this afternoon time (as usual), made their way in and out of the office and lobby, chattering away, asking the routine permissions, and taking a gander at our creations.

A freshman boy, who fancies himself a tragic artist and emotional writer, came in to read me a poem he just wrote. Lovely. Didn't understand it, but it was articulate and deep.

Certainly one of the sweetest gestures I've experienced here: the boys’ RA came in to borrow the kitchenette key for “a mug,” and came back in 5 minutes with a hot cup of DECAF chai tea for ME! He commented shyly, “I heard that your coffee this afternoon turned out to be caffeinated and you didn’t get to drink it… so I made this for you.” What a sweetie! By this time, the kids know what happens when Dean Berger has even a smidgen of caffeine. !!! Though seemingly hilarious, ridiculous, or unbelievable, I am serious. Close friends and family already know all too well… I really can’t handle my caffeine.J

Before worship and study hall were upon us, three girls came bursting in to make me an offer: Would I like to pitch in and buy something in their group order from Gilly Hicks, the Abercrombie & Fitch branch, that was offering great clearance prices and free shipping for any order over $50—ending today. [According to Wikipedia, the company just announced on November 5 that, “all 28 Gilly Hicks stores worldwide will be closed by the end of Q1 2014.” I have never ordered anything from them in my life.] Who could surpass such an offer? ;) They were so excited, and only needed $7.49 to make the dream a reality. We giggled and browsed online, and ultimately all picked out clearance swimsuits that will arrive sometime by December 12. A very happy package, to be sure. Even if we can’t wear them for another 6 months.

The Christmas tree is up and glowing in our lobby, thanks to Dean Fitting and fam: all sparkly, gold/blue/brown themed like the furniture, with twinkling lights and festive ribbon wound around. We flipped on the electric fireplace, and most the dorm residents hung out downstairs together, doing homework, and not.  

It's getting to be freeeeezing outside. My room, and Allie's too, is about 2 degrees!!! We still have giant AC vents in our windows which allow a constant draft of air through. Not so bad in early fall, but as we fast approach the frigid winter, and nights get down below freezing, I wake up in the fetal position, even under blanket layers, and my phone is an ice brick from sitting on the window ledge all night. The men promised they would work to remove those vents ASAP. Tomorrow!! Br!

These weeks before Christmas will probably fly by so fast! I will again be very thankful for a break to see my family and friends by December 20^th, but for now I pray that Jesus enriches us here, helping me, especially, live in the present—without worry or concern for what future months may hold; without trying too hard to make transparent plans for the next step in my life; and without meanwhile losing faith and feeling daunted by the “long” remainder of this strange and exciting school year.

I am enjoying the chai, the fire, and the Christmas tree.