Our week spent in Chicago was absolutely nothing short of AMAZING. My heart was beyond happy to spend an entire week with some the Group’s finest people. While we had a blast playing some intense games of sardines and even more intense games of Mafia, we also poured our mind, soul, and sweat (ok, not too much sweat) into serving the people of Chicago. Serving at the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, Pacific Garden Mission, Inner City Impact, and Breakthrough Urban Ministries we got a glimpse into some of the organizations that are committed to making a difference in so many people’s lives. It was an honor to get to be a part of something bigger than ourselves for those days.
For me, Friday was the most impactful day. We simply made lunches and headed into the city to serve the homeless, and if fortunate, get the opportunity (like last year’s unforgettable encounter with Larry) to sit down and chat for awhile. My “crew” -Luke, Evan, Steph B, and I- met Tammy. A 43 year old woman on the street, Tammy was the most beautiful, refreshingly honest, articulate, passionate, addicted, spiritual, homeless person I’ve ever met. (okay, I haven’t met too many- but she was, no-the-less, all of the above!) While we sat at McDonalds and listened to Tammy share her story, I realized many things. Although Tammy’s sin has left her to beg on the streets of the city, there isn’t much else that sets her and I apart. Tammy was telling us about how she was on her knees praying to God on New Year’s Eve- praying for strength, for healing, for love, for understanding. I saw Tammy that day. I looked into her eyes and felt her pain, her frustration, her longing to fully understand how just how beautiful she is in the eyes of her Father. I myself had spent the night before in a quiet corner of the church on my knees praying for the exact same things. Tammy does have an apartment. She shares it with her fiancé who has remained sober since they met in rehab 5 years ago. Tammy relapsed last year. I pray for her daily. I know (and she knows it too) that God has such an awesome plan for her future. She faces many battles ahead but she will overcome.
Side note: Friday ended with me throwing up in a very nasty public restroom at Gino’s Pizza after taking a wheatgrass shot on an empty stomach: note to self- that was dumb!!!
I am forever in love with, and grateful for, all of my Group friends. It was so powerful and refreshing to get to come together on our own terms. A week together did all the things it was supposed to- created unforgettable memories (most to become inside jokes for years to come), impacted our spiritual lives, refreshed us, reached out to others, and formed “THE BOARD” (whom from now on will make all executive decisions and mistakes….Don’t worry- Luke, Setrak, and I have got this under control!!) …..SEE- inside jokes!
Setrak, Luke, Ashley, And I made it to Navy Pier at 11:56 on New Year's Eve. Turns our Southwest flies into Midway. "The Board" went to O'Hare!!
CHINATOWN!!! 
^^^^ some of Group's finest^^^^What else!?!? Last weekend was AMAZING too!! Although the weather made for a bit of a giant inconvenience, we managed to make it up north to Plum City for family Christmas at the farm. Dad and I left Saturday morning at 9am, arriving at 3- just in time to heat up some leftovers and sit down for gift opening. The day was spent with family- laughing, playing cards, and catching up; always a good time.
And then, on Sunday, I got to go to Eau Claire. (insert glorious Alleluia music here) I hadn’t been back since the end of October. When you love a place and its people so much, 2+ months can feel like a lifetime. While I was only able to spend a quick 5 hours in town, it was the best 5 hours I’ve spent in the longest time! At 9am, I picked up Amber- a 16 year old girl that I’ve mentored over the years. We went to Valleybrook for service. Sneaking in after it started (at 9- not 9:15 like it used to!) no one really noticed that I was in town. Afterwards I was flooded with wonderful hugs and smiles. Being there reminded me that I was, not too long ago, someone to somebody. Amber and I left during 2nd service to talk and to run a quick errand at the mall. I was able to give her some solid life advice (speaking powerful truth) and then gave her some fashion advice, buying her a few things to inspire a healthy change. There are a handful of people she trusts in her life, and while I’m tough on her, it’s awesome to know that she still feels the love and knows that I believe in her. After an amazing (and bargain-filled) power shop stop, we met back up with people at Valleybrook and headed over to Water Street for lunch. A bunch of the pastors, wives, and kids came as well as some students and friends. I’m telling ya- this girl was feelin’ the love! There are many days I feel the warmth of a tear on my cheek because I miss them so much. This time, I got to feel the warmth in my heart because I was reminded of all the love that is shared even through the distance. I’ll hopefully be going back up at the end of the month for our winter retreat. The thought of an entire week there is overwhelming and wonderful!! God willing
And then, on Sunday, I got to go to Eau Claire. (insert glorious Alleluia music here) I hadn’t been back since the end of October. When you love a place and its people so much, 2+ months can feel like a lifetime. While I was only able to spend a quick 5 hours in town, it was the best 5 hours I’ve spent in the longest time! At 9am, I picked up Amber- a 16 year old girl that I’ve mentored over the years. We went to Valleybrook for service. Sneaking in after it started (at 9- not 9:15 like it used to!) no one really noticed that I was in town. Afterwards I was flooded with wonderful hugs and smiles. Being there reminded me that I was, not too long ago, someone to somebody. Amber and I left during 2nd service to talk and to run a quick errand at the mall. I was able to give her some solid life advice (speaking powerful truth) and then gave her some fashion advice, buying her a few things to inspire a healthy change. There are a handful of people she trusts in her life, and while I’m tough on her, it’s awesome to know that she still feels the love and knows that I believe in her. After an amazing (and bargain-filled) power shop stop, we met back up with people at Valleybrook and headed over to Water Street for lunch. A bunch of the pastors, wives, and kids came as well as some students and friends. I’m telling ya- this girl was feelin’ the love! There are many days I feel the warmth of a tear on my cheek because I miss them so much. This time, I got to feel the warmth in my heart because I was reminded of all the love that is shared even through the distance. I’ll hopefully be going back up at the end of the month for our winter retreat. The thought of an entire week there is overwhelming and wonderful!! God willing
In other news (funny how I had nothing to say when I started!!)
TOMORROW IS A ‘SNOW’ DAY!!! WOOOWHOOOO!! This girl gets a paid day off. It’s not even a snow day- it’s a “the air is going to be too flippin’ cold to even think of allowing kids to stand at bus stops so we’ll just call the whole thing off now so people don’t have to go to bed wondering if they will or won’t have to go” day! Temperatures are supposed to drop to below -30 degrees. While the weather is the #1 reason why I want to move south, I do appreciate getting a free day on its behalf.
I will spend the entire day at the library working on my certification. So, on that note, (a way longer one than I intended) I’m off to bed. Chances are I’ll sleep in anyways. A warm bed will be a hard thing to leave behind to face a bitter cold day.
