Thursday Revelations

Hey, Steph here, checking in on for the Thursday blogging. We haven't passed out from exhaustion just yet, but I think Rachel and Emily might be well on their way to laughing themselves to sleep.

First, let me say that I am amazed at how much I have personally been changed this week. The combination of service, eye-opening projects/assignments and devotions has been revealed some things to me that I've never even considered. My heart has begun to change, and I'm not the only one. As a result of the tough discussions we have had this week from our Bridge Builders leaders, the kids are beginning to start their own tough conversations. Through these talks, I'm noticing that they are beginning to form real opinions and thoughts that will help them make good decisions as they pass through their last years in school, then onto college and adulthood. 

In addition to the great discussion, we are genuinely enjoying each other's company. It's kind of difficult to get to know these kids in the little time I get to spend with them at church events, but here, when we're together 24 hours a day, I'm getting to know their personalities, their likes and dislikes (Taylor loves gummy worms), and although we're up early and working all day, we are having a lot of fun. I'm really enjoying building friendships with them and I hope they feel the same.

Today's project began by packing extra bagged lunches this morning. One lunch was for us and the other two were for our afternoon "Meal Share." We rode the El to the Loop/Business District and were instructed to find a homeless person and interact with them and find out their story, and in turn, "share" a meal with them. We ended up only finding two people who looked homeless, but in total, gave away 7 bagged lunches for whomever needed them. 

For me (and most of the kids, I assume), this was completely out of my comfort zone. I'm not a conversationalist with strangers, so this was the task I was least looking forward to. But when it came down to it, whether our conversation was awkward or even if we didn't say the right things, we made the effort to listen to someone and give something of ourselves. It doesn't seem like much - a bagged lunch, but we know that God will work through our actions. 

It's almost 1 am, and we have to be out of here by 7:30, so I'll wrap it up. I am SO GLAD we came to Chicago. The Lord is working. In all of us.

In Him - 

Stephanie