Finals: A new perspective

Tonight Rachel, Amy, Molly, Teresa and I went to the Mission Inn and walked around looking at lights while enjoying kettle corn- fresh from the kettle. On our journey we saw a man singing on the walk by the Mission Inn. His soundtrack was very similar to a certain musician I have heard. It reminded me of this video that I saw on American Idol gives back a few years ago...

I think I have been on a video track lately... so let me add another also from the same season.

I cried the first time I watched it :)

Tonight was also the late night breakfast.

I have come to the conclusion that I love finals week. No regular class, lots of fun activities, great food and excuses to splurge on the sweets.

Okay, so maybe I don't love this week.

But it's not as bad as I previously thought.

Sure there is stress and I am realizing I should not have procrastinated as much as I have. But with the year winding down, it reminds me that I really do love the opportunity I have to study here. And I really love the friends I have made.

Maybe I have a skewed perspective, but I think I am okay with that for now.

It will be very different on Thursday morning when I wake up for an 8 a.m. final, but for now I am going to bask in the afterglow of a wonderful evening

The conspiracy

Okay.

So I may not necessarily like the title, because the word has been used continuously in an attempt o be "different."

Linguistics aside, this is onto something.

We watched this video last week in chapel. Along with several others,

as we were invited by Brian Zuniga to be a part of:

The Advent Conspiracy.

This is more than just the "reason for the season."

It's a crazy thought.

To really value giving more than receiving - so much so that we may never see the results or appreciation of the gift we have given.

We wonder and talk - How can we be a part of the "Christmas Spirit" while not participating in the consumerism that it entails?

As you figure out what that looks like for you during this season, there are some options that the website offers that are interesting.

If you really enjoy gift giving, make sure that your gifts are fair trade!

Some options are:

Ten Thousand Villages in Pasadena.

Trade as One (on online store)

Give a goat through (or many other survival necessities) through World Vision.

Provide a micro-enterprise loan through Kiva.

Buy freedom and support lawyers through International Justice Mission.

Donate and help build a well through blood:water mission.

Also, let your favorite brand names know that you don't support products that are slave-made.

I feel like this conversation is just beginning...