Saturday in Chi Town

We're just settling down for our evening devotions - had a wonderful service at the Yellow Box, full of energy and thought.

Dinner was Chicago Style Pizza from Shawn's favoirte place. Deep dish has some serious merit. One of Shawn's former students - Pucci - will be joining us all week in Cedar Rapids. A most welcome new member to the extended MUMC group!

The group at the Pier enjoyed the amusement park activities, and the entertainment of several REAL Pirates (Ted says so). Our Dance Team girls were a hit. A Jet Boat tour of Burnham Harbor gave everyone a chance to see and experience the Chicago skyline from the waterside (not quite the Goodtime II but is was GREAT!)

Shed Aquarium - COOL in the Polar Play Zone with Beluga Whales, California Sea lions, HOT in the Amazonian rain forest (the biggest python I EVER saw). Had a chance to see part of the BMX and Vert competition at the AST Dew Tour and Taste of Chicago food & concerts at Centenial Park.

Right now it's starting to rain with a loud & active light show courtesy to serious thunder-boomers.

On the road by 8:00 a.m tomorrow for the final leg to Cedar Rapids - forecast is mid 80's and sunshine all week.

Lord, we may not always know what pleases you, but Lord, we hope that our trying to please You, pleases You.

Keep us in your prayers, your support and strength enable us to extend MUMC's caring and love across the midwest. (photos tomorrow)

Saturday's doings

One of the best sunrises around!!!!! (yep everybody was up by 6:15)

Today includes touring the downtown Chicago area. One group is doing the Navy Pier, a boat tour of Chicago on the Chicago River and the Millenium Amusement PArk.
The other roup is touring the Shedd Aquarium (one of the finest in north america), an IMAX film and Dearborn Avenue.

62 degrees, blue sky and sunshine.

Some days, you are truly blessed to be in His glory and able to stewards of his word.
Today is one of those extraordinary days!!

(photos to follow)

We're In Naperville!

We've made it on the first leg of the Journey.

Some minor challenges (beside the construction and traffic in & around the Chicago Metro area)

Note for next year - have the drivers check their gas in the rental vans BEFORE they get on the turnpike :) Those I-Pass lanes are merely a suggestion - when you realize it's not CASH, it's toooooo late to switch. I'll mail the 80 cents to Illinois Tollroad Commission, honestly I will.

Dinner was at BD's Mongolian Grill - you just had to love it when the manager called "Otte - table for 56, Otte - table for 56 please"

Everyone had a chance to tour the Riverwalk section of downtown Naperville. The Carillon at Centennial Park was ringing it's bells. Ted even cooled off in the fountain at DuPage River Pool (yes Tes, the lifeguards were blowing their whistles 'cuz they liked you!).

The Christian Community Curch (aka Big Yellow Box) is a gorgeous, huge facility. Serving as central hub for 11 campuses around the Naperville/Chicago metro area. We are so blessed to be staying here.

Last minute things

Details, details, details

If nothing, YSP has taught us to be flexible, there are times like we feel that we're juggling the balls and jumping thru hoops at the same time

New coordinating agency means new forms, means last minute signatures and notary seals

Our intent, drive and desire remain the same no matter where, who or when.

Over the course of the years, one of the consistant little things I do, is sign the peak of the roof, or the corner post in a home we've worked on. The names of the youth, the year we've been there and a little scripture "Phil 4:13"

How did you sign your efforts?

Impact and Recovery

Just incase we forgot the impact of the flooding (it was June 13,2008).

For more info on the recovery efforts, check the coordinating link on the right.

Weather Report

Just a few days and we're on the road again.

Accuweather has the daily highs in the mid-90's

Chance of rain on Monday, mostly sunny the rest of the week.

Bring the sunscream and waterbottles!

Don't forget lunch for the drive on Friday!

Tools & Plans

Almost there - - -

Youth tool list:

hammer, tape measure, FLAT carpenter pencil, nail apron

tool box / bucket to keep your gear together

putty knife / scraper, work gloves

safety glasses, dust mask

water bottle

sunscream, bug repellent

long sleeve shirt, bandana/dew rag

Waht to do in Chicago?

Stand under the Giant Bean at the Navy Pier

Sit on Bob Newhart's couch (& get your life together)

See you Thursday evening for the commissioning!