grace flows down

An Alternative Spring Break

I'm writing from my hotel room in the not-so-sunny Rochester, MN, where I'm staying with my grandparents at the Mayo Clinic. So far, my impression is that the emphasis around here is on academics and not aesthetics. The buildings are drab and the weather is dreary. I think they could improve their patients health simply by adding more cheery colors! It has a sad atmosphere as all the people in staying at the hotel, sitting in restaurants, and walking on the streets are here because of illness. Their faces are downcast, hopeless, and hurting. At the same time, there is a sense of community care. A place where bystanders don't stare and wheelchairs are pushed shamelessly because everyone here is on equal ground. Knowing you need help brings humility and an awareness of other people's needs too. In other news, I've got my stack of books staring at me above the tv. I put them there on purpose so I'll have an internal battle: Tv? Study? Tv? Study? Also, the treadmill is literally right outside my door, so I have no excuse not to exercise this week.

posted by Shannon Koons @ 11:13 AM