We Made It!

Early yesterday, our family left Indianapolis for the final leg of our trip to the TEAM headquarters. We stopped over in downtown Chicago to get some Giordano's deep-dish pizza (a must-do if you're ever in Chicago!). After what had been a blessedly uneventful trip, it started getting a little hairy there for a while as it took us 30 minutes to find parking and then we had to wait over an hour for a table. I have never been a restaurant that was so crowded! However, it was all worth it when that steaming hot, cheese-filled circle of deliciousness was placed on our table! After filling our bellies, we rode down to Lake Michigan to see the Navy Pier before heading west towards Carol Stream, IL.

We checked into our hotel (they ran out of room in the TEAM apartments, so we get to stay in a nearby Hampton Inn) and then headed to the TEAM office for dinner. I'll admit that I was a little apprehensive because we didn't know any of the other couples and weren't exactly sure what to expect, but within just a few minutes we met another couple that is headed to Italy, Andy and Jaycie Johnson. They have 2 girls, one of which is just a little older than Laynie, so she was thrilled. Then, we met another couple, Ian and Beth Chadwick, and they are from Atlanta too! They recognized us when we walked in because they also used to be a CARES team! What a small world!

This morning, our family went to church with one of the TEAM staff members, Steve Dresselhaus, and his wife, Lois. Afterwards, they invited us over for lunch at their home. It was great to hear the stories of their ministry in Venezuela and Mexico and to get their advice about ministry in a foreign culture.

In the afternoon, we gathered at the TEAM office for some "get to know each other" activities before the Welcome Dinner and Celebration this evening.

Training kicks into high gear tomorrow morning with a non-stop schedule for the next 5 days. I'll keep you up-to-date with everything that's going on, so check back! Thanks for your prayers!