Life in Chicago

Well, we have officially settled into life in the Chicago 'burbs, where we are living and going to school while completing our fundraising. It has now been over a month since we moved and the dust is FINALLY starting to settle.  The first couple of weeks were pretty chaotic as we worked to get the kids and ourselves all registered for school, with all the fun activities that entails (registration forms, physicals, school supply shopping, etc.). However, it's been a few weeks now since school started and we are starting to get used to the new routine. 

This is the first time our whole family has been in school at the same time, which has been an adjustment. (But, it's great prep for language school in Italy!) Stephen and I are each taking 2 graduate classes and are registered for another week-long intensive class during mid-October. Bryson and Laynie both really like their new schools and have already made friends both there and in the neighborhood where we live.  

 

Our family is so blessed to be living with the couple that lead the house church, New Hope Bible Fellowship, where Stephen and I are working part-time. We are both wearing multiple hats, which is great training for church planting. Stephen is leading the student/young adult ministry, as well as handling media/technology for the church. I am working as creative/administrative assistant to the pastor and Stephen and I are working together to plan and lead worship each week.



Some members of New Hope after an outreach to a local assisted living home.

In addition to our work at the church, Stephen has been working in the media department at Wheaton College, which has been a great way for him to connect with other students. Also, I just started a part-time job with World Relief, which helps refugees transition into life in the United States. I an so excited about this opportunity to interact with people from all over the world and serve them during what can be a very challenging time.

Overall we are adjusting to our life here in Illinois, although we are sometimes homesick for Atlanta and all our friends and family. And yet, that is just another way that our time here is preparing us for the work God has called us to do in Italy. I continue to be amazed at the way God has orchestrated our time here not only to allow us to receive the education we'll need in our mission work, but also to get practical, hands-on experience in a variety of ways.