After today I will have been in Chicago for an entire week. Much of the past few days has been spent exploring and discovering the city and everything that goes along with it. At times the busses and trains can be a little confusing and overwhelming compared to what I am used to at home, but I have had plenty of practice lately and it isn't nearly as difficult as it was on the first day.
We have also had a lot more free time lately to spend with each other. People are always out exploring the area and doing interesting things. Sometimes in the evenings we go to a coffee shop or maybe a book store and then come back and play basketball under the lights. We have a TV in our flat, but it rarely gets used, occasionaly for a movie. It's nice that as a group we can spend a lot of time talking or playing games rather than being focussed on technology.
It's really amazing to be able to look back on my first week with a smile on my face. The people around me have been very welcoming and friendly. Many of my friends here have already taught me or inspired me in ways that they dont realize. Chicago has also been incredible to explore. The diversity and different types of people here has opened the door to experiences that I never could have had at home. I am very thankfull for the opportunity I have had to come here and am looking forward to seeing what next week has in store. Thanks for all of your prayers
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Orientation Begins
Dear Friends and Family. I am only half way through my first week of orientation and it feels as if I have been here much longer (which is a good thing). The environment is a lot different than that of home since Chicago is a very large city. We have spent some time exploring, especially today during a city wide scavenger hunt. The people here are very friendly and willing to help out. I am also really enjoying the company of my team and everyone else in Radical Journey. I have already heard it said many times that it feels like we have known each other longer than just a few days.
The atmosphere is also very different than what I am used to at home. Instead of having my own room and seeing my friends for about half of the day, I share my small room with three other boys and the rest of our flat is shared between seventeen other people. The quarters are a little closer than I am used to, but so far it has been pretty nice.
We have also spent much of the last three days with a lot of discussion, at least several hours a day on average. This communication has helped us learn more about each other and bring our group closer together. My paraguay team in particular has grown very close to each other as we talk about paraguay and for what is to come. We also try to spend about forty five minutes a day working on our spanish. Today we were the Curious George in Spanish and are working on memorizing simple nouns.
These past few days have been very encouraging to me and I have greatly enjoyed them. The people are all amazing and the whole situation is exciting. I look forward to getting to know everyone better as we prepare for our coming year. Thanks for all of your prayers and support
The atmosphere is also very different than what I am used to at home. Instead of having my own room and seeing my friends for about half of the day, I share my small room with three other boys and the rest of our flat is shared between seventeen other people. The quarters are a little closer than I am used to, but so far it has been pretty nice.
We have also spent much of the last three days with a lot of discussion, at least several hours a day on average. This communication has helped us learn more about each other and bring our group closer together. My paraguay team in particular has grown very close to each other as we talk about paraguay and for what is to come. We also try to spend about forty five minutes a day working on our spanish. Today we were the Curious George in Spanish and are working on memorizing simple nouns.
These past few days have been very encouraging to me and I have greatly enjoyed them. The people are all amazing and the whole situation is exciting. I look forward to getting to know everyone better as we prepare for our coming year. Thanks for all of your prayers and support
Monday, August 17, 2009
Paraguay Prep.
It's really amazing looking back on the past few years of my life at all of the major decisions I have made to lead me here. In a little over a month I will be stepping into new territory, physically, emotionally and mentally. I have been faced with challenges in life and the anticipation of what I may find in South America is endless. I enjoy exploring and I know that this is going to be the biggest adventure I have ever had.
The support I have received from my church family has been outstanding. It is always encouraging to know all of the people that stand behind me in my year of service. It's now up to me to use my gifts and talents to the best of my ability and to work with my team, together, to help others and become better people ourselves.
I have no idea what challenges I will face in the future, but for every obstacle that I overcome I know that I will grow more and more in my faith. I'm looking to the future with optimism and excitement.
The support I have received from my church family has been outstanding. It is always encouraging to know all of the people that stand behind me in my year of service. It's now up to me to use my gifts and talents to the best of my ability and to work with my team, together, to help others and become better people ourselves.
I have no idea what challenges I will face in the future, but for every obstacle that I overcome I know that I will grow more and more in my faith. I'm looking to the future with optimism and excitement.
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