We are tired. Oh wait, we started tired. We are really tired.

Last night I met a smartly attired Asian business man as I was exiting the restroom—the men’s restroom. “Aw,” he said, “I believe you made mistake!” Well, yes! Until I saw him, I didn’t see the urinals. By the way, just as a bit of news, the men’s restroom downstairs is fancier than any I have ever seen, actually—two rooms! (So okay, it wasn’t my first experience with a men’s restroom.) One room contained the “telling” urinals (why couldn’t they have been more obvious?); the other room was lined with stalls opposite lavatories. Do you call that a restroom suite? I would like to report that the women don’t have such a fancy floor plan, though.

The experience seemed more embarrassing than usual, since I had formed the opinion that the Aussies care more about bathroom privacy than the Europeans or even the Americans for that matter. They all have two doors—like a windbreak (okay, well, I won’t go there). But what is most interesting was the size of the windbreak—so small that the large outer door that swings inward almost hits the inner door, which for some reason swings outward. I had been trying to figure out its purpose since it seems that there was hardly room for such a contraption in the hotel’s floor plan and also because I was contemplating what I would do if I keep gaining weight from all this food they are feeding us (does one fit in the windbreak if one continues to grow?). I had guessed the purpose was to ensure that in a busy hotel one could not just “see into” the restroom—thus, for privacy’s sake. Well, forget that! Just walk in and have a look! Now that I have seen, I own a different possibility. Maybe it is so that the women won’t see that the men have a fancier floor plan!

But I digress…again. (Did I mention I am tired?)

The renewal is going well—very well. Another thing about the Aussies: they must own a better “work ethic” than any group we have served. They arrived (all but four) three hours early on Monday—the other four arrived well in time to begin. They arrive to sessions on time, they do their assignments, they stay on task and on schedule. (It’s really challenging us as a team.)

Jeanene’s opening message on God’s “steadfast love” was better than ever; Arlene did an outstanding job with her morning presentation yesterday—excellent material, insight, delivery. The session was wonderful! The reading groups have been going off without a hitch. I am looking forward to Brooke’s morning presentation today. Yesterday I prayed with a young woman who had been in the art room earlier. I mentioned Mariana’s name (Mariana directs our art sessions). The woman said with exuberance, “That woman! I went back to my room and told my roommate that the session was worthwhile if for no other reason than to be in the presence of that woman! She is amazing; she just carries a sense of peace and maturity that is so comforting!” Well, yes! The team agrees, but most participants don’t pick up on the fact so quickly! Did I say, we are blessed?

Today (It is 6 a.m. now) will be our final day of classes; tomorrow we hear their reflections and applications. We are excited. Exhausted but excited about all that being done here. Thanks to all who helped to make it possible!

Bless the Lord with us. That’s our focus this week as we study Psalm 103.