Yes, the city is a bit windy!

Before I left someone asked me if Chicago really was windy, since it's nickname is "The Windy City." I've visited before and didn't notice much about the climate so I decided to take note this time. I was warned that it would be "hot and humid." So I packed a few of the outfits I would wear in South Carolina at this time of year. "Hot and humid" to people from this area though, means 70-80 and warm when you stand in the sun. We've enjoyed really pleasant weather this week and yes, a bit of wind. Today is was rainy for the first time and all of us going to Belfast joked about how we better get used to it! My new lightweight hiking boots have already proved useful.

Though initially when we arrived we were all ready to get on the plane, the time here in Chicago is proving (just like my Mama said) to have God's purpose infused in each experience. We have heard a lot about how to discern our own preconceptions of cross-cultural ministry and what we will do with them in our year of service. We have examined our attitudes about other cultures, people, and religions and thought about what also we hope to accomplish in our year of God's service. It has also been a time, free from the flurry of preparations, to talk with others who are sad to leave people they love, nervous about not being prepared for the task, scared about not having Burt's Bees chapstick, excited about serving others, peaceful about the hand of God in their lives. God uses each moment, even the ones where we feel stalled out, to show us that He is the author of the journey. I just hope to appreciate the beauty of the orchestration enough.

Thank you to all of you who have supported me! To everyone who called to say Happy Birthday! I had snickers cake and an embarrassing birthday serenade at lunch, so don't worry. Thank you to those who are praying for me. I truly carry you in my heart already, even at this early stage. You spur me on and I am so grateful.