Week 1, Day 2

We had an awesome first full day in Chicago!

After breakfast together and making our lunches in the morning, we went out to grab the Red Line train to head up to Rogers Park.  We arrived shortly after at our destination -- A Just Harvest.  Our task for the day was to go to the grocery and get supplies to make 200 lunch bags that could be handed out to people in the neighborhood who needed food.  We met with Mary from A Just Harvest when we arrived, and she helped us into our space and got us started with our work making bags!

After a few hours and a few hundred bags, we got the chance to meet some of the guys who work in the apprentice program at the organization.  They work on planting and maintaining community gardens in partnership with local schools.  We got to see a few of the gardens that they had worked on developing in the local neighborhood.

Our work and learning being finished in Rogers Park, we went back on the Red Line to Fourth Church and got to relax for a while before making dinner together and having our small group times and worship time together. 

Overall, we had an awesome day together today and can't wait to get up and continue our experience together tomorrow!

Please continue praying for us as we journey together this week: for our restful sleep and good health, for good attitudes, and for the ability to have our eyes opened to the city and people around us.

Peace,

High School Mission - Week 1

Week 1, Day 1

Well, we did it! 

(Everyone getting into their spots on the bus to depart from Indy)

We arrived this evening around 6 p.m. central time to Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago.  The Windy City wasn't all that windy, but it was definitely as muggy as when we left Indy.  After unpacking our bags and getting settled into our rooms here at Fourth Church, we got a tour and the low-down from Daniel, one of the staff people here.  He showed us all of the awesome spaces at Fourth that we will be able to use throughout the week in worship together, small group times and simply just hanging out and spending time together.

(Emma, Christina and Madeline decided to get goofy before we could even leave the parking lot!)

Once we got all of our stuff settled, we ordered some dinner -- what we all came here for, the best pizza in the city.  Giordano's!!!  

Post-dinner, we got to talk about what's in store for us this week and we got into our small groups for the first time.  The main goal for the next 24 hrs is for everyone to get some good rest and to spend some time with each other so that we can get to know the people in the group that we haven't met or spent much time with in the past.  

We have some amazing things in store for this week, and we're all really excited about how much we'll learn and grow together while we're here in Chicago.  Please continue to pray for us as we start our journey together, that we would be open minded and have serving hearts for one another and the community around us.  Pray that we would be well rested and full of good health throughout the week.  

Keep following along as we'll be updating this blog along the way!

Peace,

High School Mission - Week 1

WYSIWYG - Day 3

WYSIWYG - Day 3

Saturday the group enjoyed time together doing several activities. The first offered the opportunity to help gain perspective about the community in which we are immersed. The students went on a grocery shopping trip with a limited budget reflecting average amounts some families we have worked with may have to spend on food. This was a fun and enriching experience. 

Later in the day we spent time playing at a park before working at Irivington Pres. helping with the tear down of their annual Fish Fry. 

We appreciate your prayers and look forward to sharing more with you throughout the rest of the trip. 

Irvington Presbyterian Church

WYSIWYG -Day 2

WYSIWYG - Day 2 

We enjoyed a wonderful day at Westminster on Friday. The day was filled with gardening, painting, organizing, and other tasks. Much progress was made in sorting and labeling the many books in the library for the students served by Westminster. All of our students had the opportunity to see new things within their city and learn more about what Westminster provides to so many youth of our city. 

Below is a picture of some of the work the group did in the garden, including painting the garden boxes. 

WYSIWYG - Day 1

  WYSIWYG -Day 1

Thursday afternoon we had a great work day at Westminster sorting books in the library and weeding around their property. In the evening we enjoyed time together playing games and getting to know one another better before dinner. We finished our night with delicious ice cream and devotions. 

We are excited for a full work day at Wesminster on Friday followed by time for fun and fellowship in the evening. 

Summer of Urban Mission 2013

Get READY, get SET...
Summer of Urban Mission is coming.
Sign ups for the awesome adventures begin on Sunday, March 31.

Click the image below for more details.  Remember, they will fill up quickly.

Week Two - Heading Home

We are saddened to leave Hosanna, but excited to be home. Left at 9:45. Pray for safe travels.