Ever since I saw "suspended coffee" video on KarmaTube, I was so happy to see the pay it forward ripple in such a beautiful way! Just imagine -- cold day, you don't have money and you run into a gift of a coffee from a stranger. Anyone would be so moved to receive such a gift! And in Michigan, where we get chilly weather for 6- 7 months, we surely need this. Moreover, it's a great feeling to include homeless populations and the not-so-well-to-do folks in our circle of sharing!

Trevor, an anchor for our local Awakin Circles, approached few coffee shop owners with the idea. While they loved the concept, they're weren't so sure about extra logistical overhead to maintain this concept. Employees would have to do a lot more work to keep track of cash/credit contributions and would also have to deal with a different kind of clientele.

But all that changed when Trevor met a bright bubbly manager -- Noura -- at Bottom Line Cafe. As they talked, Noura just jumped at the suggestion! :) She decided to just offer up a jar, from which she could receive money and from which she could withdraw easily. As we talked more with her and showed her the video, she was totally up for it. The fact of the matter is that Noura herself has had to work very hard to be at this position in life, and despite the ups and down, she had a lot of gratitude and wanted to give back. Helping the underprivileged was part of her life mission, and likewise, her staff was also very supportive, compassionate and friendly!

So, the following week, I visited her to check on more details. And what do I see? This chalk board:



Wow! Suspended coffee with so many paid forwards already!

I was in tears as she had understood the concept and had so much love for her community -- she did not wait to put the idea to action! On the cash register itself, she had added an extra key for suspended coffee. Thus far, many had paid for the suspended coffee but very few had asked for one! She is waiting for the word to spread, and also for upcoming renovations where the concept would explained on a display board and placed next to the register.

Couple days back, I stopped by to say hello. She was very excited, because she now wants to start "Suspended Bagel'! I'm sure she will.