Gracias a Dios

Thank you Lord for traditions,

little people's giggles, 

and Fridays.

for fried salami

and Friday nights well spent

I'm grateful for sweet packages from folks I love 

and relaxing nights that smell like fall.

for my family apron

and the joy that baking gives me

for guy friends that make us laugh for days

and a Young Life team that doesn't give up

Gracias for fresh flowers on the drive

and my little mountain town.

#thankful for hashtag club

#younglifejtown 

for outrageous birthday parties,

sugar highs,

and pinatas during class

Thank you Lord for friends to do life with

and cool water to swim in.

for nights in the city, 

popcorn at the movies,

and hands to hold during the scary parts

for a new coffee "lounge" in town

and iced coffee

Thank you for students who love me well

and showing more of Yourself in everyday life.

What are you grateful for today?

My Coffea Story

It all started with Joe Wiltse.

It was 2008 and he wanted me to come with him 

so I could have "the best hot chocolate ever."

After parking in the hospital parking lot we went inside

to the Great Plains Coffee cart.

And I drank the best hot chocolate ever.

My life hasn't been the same since ;)

A year later Great Plains became Coffea

and moved locations.

It quickly became a place of quiet rest,

genuine connections, and excellent drinks.

Coffea is where I have listened to 

hundreds of stories over mochas.

It's where I have planned countless bible studies.

I've cried tears with close friends 

while sitting in our favorite cozy chairs.

In Coffea I have been invested in and prayed over

by two women whom I love.

I have done homework and written club talks

sitting at the tall table.

It has been the pre-road trip coffee stop

too many times to count.

Coffea is where I sat teary eyed hearing 

all about new love while we sat with our feet

tucked under us on the couch.

It's where I have sat alone talking to a friend

in Ghana over skype countless times.

I have sat across from girls I love,

listening to them, laughing with them, praying with them,

and just sharing life.

In Coffea we dreamt up a road trip to Nashville

over weeknight coffee chats.

I've arrived at 6am to enjoy time with friends 

and get into the Word before the workday begins.

Coffea is where I first let the idea slip out

about teaching abroad.

It's where I freaked out through the whole process.

It was there that I talked with my parents over the phone

about what I would say if Doulos offered me a job.

I've met across from many selfless people at Coffea

who support me financially and prayerfully.

 After moving to the Dominican Republic 

I have met with friends at Coffea,

this time with me on the other side of the computer.

Now I run through the doors to hug dear friends

I have missed immensely while away.

Thank you Coffea.

For serving great drinks.

But even more than that,

thank you for providing a lovely space

for life to happen.

This week Coffea's fall menu has started.

That means my favorite drink,

the butterscotch latte,

is being served again.

Sadly, I can't drink one until December.

Go enjoy one with someone you love today

for me, okay?

PS. thanks for the invite Joe.

What is your favorite thing about Coffea?

Do you have a favorite coffee shop?