One Week In...

Well, I'm officially one week in to my new life here in Chicago. I have ridden the "el" and gotten lost, braved the bus line for the first time, and had my first real Chicago-style pizza. Oh yeah, there were a couple of classes in there too!

Things have been going really well and I feel like I'm settling in. There are times I still have to remind myself that I'm not on vacation...this is my new reality. But for the most part, I'm getting used to it. My classes so far have been amazing. It's everything I wanted it to be. There are about 30 of us who will go through the program together, and I'm hoping to make some good friends. Roosevelt puts a big emphasis on social justice and serving in the community. This week I'll learn about two different organizations that I can serve in this semester. It's so exciting!

Today I went to church, and it was such a challenging and encouraging morning. Willow Creek (which is a massive church in the suburbs) has a campus that meets in the Auditorium Theatre at my school. Quite convenient, huh? The worship was incredible, the congregation was filled with all sorts of nationalities and ethnicities, and the campus pastor delievered a challenging sermon. At the end of the sermon we all got on our knees and prayed that God would give us His eyes for people and for the city of Chicago. I filled out a form for visitors to get more information. I know they have a very active program for 20's/30's and also a choir. I would love to get plugged in there ASAP.

So far I've only had a couple of bouts of homesickness. However, even when I've been the most homesick, I've never once had second thoughts about being here or what I've here for. I'm hoping to find some fantastic bars and restaurants around town that only the "locals" know so that all of my friends can come visit and enjoy authentic Chicago! I'm blessed by so many people in Nashville who love me and believe in me. I'm going to try my hardest not to let them down!