Overwhelmed by love

I went for a long walk with a friend yesterday. When we got back to the parking lot, she handed me a gift.  It's not my birthday, so why a gift?!?  I opened it and a collection of cards poured out, one embossed with a friend's name...a far away friend this friend does not know. I was confused, and she was smiling wide. Two big envelopes were wrapped in tissue. I opened the first and saw these words:

CONGRATULATIONS!

You are the recipient of an almost all expense paid trip to Kentucky to participate in

the CiRCE INSTITUTE Conference

The Contemplation of Creation

July 18-21, 2012

CiRCE Conference 2012

I cried.  And cried.  And cried.

A group of friends have given me this gift...just because.  I am overwhelmed by their thoughfulness and their generosity.  OVERWHELMED.

I have been in a state of shock ever since.  I am going to CiRCE...I am going to hear Wendell Berry speak...I will meet the ClassEd ladies...I am going to CiRCE...I get to travel with my walking partner.  I AM GOING TO CiRCE.

I am walking around with a dazed look on my face.  If surprise was the goal, I could not be more shocked.  Thank you, dear friends.  I cannot wait for July!



** Added later:  Second envelope had confirmation of my flight to Kentucky.  Sorry to keep you hanging, Alison.