Initially, it looked like it might be a small affair. Just a handful of folks sitting on chairs and quietly watching the big-screen television.

However, as the monumental moment neared, tons of people streamed into the Bastyr University chapel in Kenmore and packed the place. The main floor was filled with students, instructors and administrators; dozens crowded into the upstairs bleachers, as well.

This was clearly Barack Obama country, as people cheered when the new president hit the big screen and was sworn into office Jan. 20. And the same folks jeered and laughed when outgoing president George W. Bush popped into view.

“Obama” was even on hand to greet his supporters in the form of a cardboard cutout. People took pictures with the life-size prop: some hugged it and rested their heads on it while others simply smiled and moved on. It was a joyous time all around, and I’m glad my wife and I could attend such a historic gathering.

I took photos and filmed the occasion for the paper (see www.bothell-reporter.com and www.kenmore-reporter.com), and I hope I did the event justice. It was both a rush trying to get the right shots and listening to Obama’s swearing in and speech. He even flubbed his words a bit at the beginning — see, we can’t all be perfect, not even the main guy. Let’s hope he’s spot-on with everything else he’ll be faced with in the next four years.

Bastyr’s Tara Morgan and Andreas Kolshorn believe Obama will do just fine.

“It’s an exciting time. Definitely a change, it opens up new possibilities globally,” said Kolshorn, an information-technology worker.

Added Morgan, a major gifts officer, about the Bastyr atmosphere: “The students started coming in — they’re the future, that’s who he’s talking to.

“The beautiful thing is that we felt more of a communal aspect where we’re all responsible. So it’s really amazing.”

Who knows what the next four years will bring, but I hope there will be some positive changes on the horizon.

I just received a fortune cookie with the message: “Keep up the good work. You will be rewarded within the week.”

We were all rewarded last week with a historic inauguration ceremony, one that folks never thought they’d witness. Let’s keep believing that the rewards will continue to roll in with Mr. Obama at the helm.