I guess I shouldn't be surprised by kindness, for an optimist I'm taken aback by the hope I feel today. Two things have brightened my mind, the first a tap on the shoulder from a stranger in a busy London train station. I was wrestling with putting my headphones in my ears whilst simultaneously straightening my coat and fishing my ticket out of my pocket, when said stranger handed my the ten pound note I had just dropped. I was so stunned I just looked at him and asked, 'Is that mine?' Without a word he just put it in my hand and walked on. This may be unfair but in Chichester I wouldn't have been surprised, but there's something about the increased numbers and anonymity of London! Maybe I'm too hard on the place... 'one big slice of humble pie with cream on the side at table five'. Then as I arrived to greet old friends at the UK and International Office I was filled with hope by the news of the who will become the new President of the United States of America. I won't embarrass myself by revealing my ignorance on the politics of the US, or fool myself into thinking that I am particularly well informed but as I watched Barack Obama's victory speech on the BBC I got goose bumps. Yes there can be change. Change. Change was a foot for us in 24-7 too today in quite a practical though massive way. I don't think I can say anything more about that yet though. So, for many reasons small and large today I toasted with Wardy and Andrea to hope and kindness. Long may it last... xc