Johari (Aug 31)

So today we looked at this table thing called Johari its about sharing about your self and receiving constructive criticism about stuff you don't know about your self. But mostly included that because I thought it sounded like Safari, which makes for a good title.

So Today I met Adam who was what JPUSA (Jesus People USA pronounced Jupuza) people call an 'Air Crusty.' I don't know why exactly they got that name except that they are maybe a little "crusty" around the edges. But basically they are travelers. They follow their faith to an extreme. Adam was stopping at JPUSA for the night. He stayed for an over night stay because he has close friends that live here*. He was simply passing through he arrived coming from northern Virginia while he was visiting his family. So I met him when we had lunch together. He said he was heading out later today. As night approached he was getting ready to head out when he mention catching the train. It was only then that I realized that a lot of the people who pass through for a day or two just hop on cargo freights and travel the country. When he headed off to grab a pen to write down google map directs of some sort from one of our computers I asked a close friend I've made here at JPUSA about him. He explained to me that there are lots 'Air Crusties' like him who live nearly everyday without a place to rest their head and speaking the word of Christ as they go.  So he soon left and I said goodbye.

As well as being a very powerful image of God at work in today's society it also made me realize that I had brushed up right next to a child hood dream of my younger sister (Anna). Every since she was - how old were you anna? what like a freshman? - basically the same age as now (she's a Jr. in Highschool) she has wanted to be a hobo. Although Adam wasn't a "hobo" but only an "Air Crusty" it wasn't quite the same. But yet the same. I though I should get a picture for her.

                                                             ~Anna this is for you

*In order to get allowed residence here at JPUSA there are few actual requirements. 1) Christianity, in about any loose sense to follow christ. and 2) pass some sort of interview type thing or receive a recomendation of trust from a member within JPUSA already (this is to avoid the people that cause problems).

Camp Games and Heart to Hearts (Aug 30)

So in the morning we were joined by Justin Weaver (Liz's husband), who is the director at Camp Friedenswald. He led us through a few group games about communication and team work. The afternoon was free except for each team taking turns talking with our leaders (who I have failed to introduce) Darrell Gasho and Liz Weaver. In the discussion we each took time to talk about our life experiences and where we were in our faith Journey's. It was really good to hear others stories and also to share and be open with everyone.

OH! and if you wanted this blog as an RSS Feed all you have to do is go to the bottom of this page and click the white link: 'Posts (Atom)' and that link will open another page and select from the "Actions" at the bottom of the right bar.

Leland House

Aug. 28
So today was our first actual day of service. First thing in the morning we were blindfolded
and being dropped off at an unknown spot in chicago and had to find our way back. After that we spent an hour or two at the Leland House which is a half-way type house for homeless people who are getting on their feet. All the residents of the house have kids in school. What we (eight or so of us on our own initiative) did was fill up about 30 backpacks for the kids who are heading back to school. All of the school supplies were donations. it probably took about 2 hours in a very small room stuffing backpacks with the donations for each child.

Navy Pier - Aug 25

On wendsday after our planned activities/assignments most of the group went to navy pier to check it out for people who haven't ever been to the area. there were several better pictures taken by people in the group but some how this is the only one I took.

So now I am finally done catching up on my blog. I've caught up on all the days I missed but I'm not sure if I want to do this blog every day or if it is even possible with my internet connection once I get to Bolivia.

Team Bolivia - Aug 24

So Today was designed to get us used to public transportation and explore more of the city. After deviding our selves by country, we started.  First we went to the Chicago public library, we were we were supposed to get our Library cards. (Except that I Forgot my two pieces of mail, which is what is required for a card).
So after getting cards we decided to explore a bit. We headed to Millennium Park and looked around.

So because I have not yet given an intro to my roommates yet I'll do that... =)
I'll start by Introducing Team Bolivia Today.

Isaac Shue- Fun guy, constantly making jokes, likes to keep things light hearted. Isaac lives in Harper Kansas but, just graduated this spring from Goshen College with an Art Degree (Drawing and Ceramics) with my older sister liz.

Karsten Hess- Graduated from Bethany Christian with me this spring, and has been in lots of musicals with me in addition to Emmaus, Soccer, and lots of classes. He is quiet when you first meet him, but once he is used to people he is comfortable sharing any and all thoughts.

Jacob Putnam- Native Chicago resident (Helpful for navigation), grew up 10min. away from our orientation house. I don't know exactly what to say about him. He is quiet but is in no way hesitant to share. He is easy going and I feel a little bad for him having orientation in his home town. It is very different for everyone else in the group who comes from small towns. I would hate to do scavenger hunts in my home town.

Gloria Showalter- Gloria is a very considerate kind person. She grew up in PA being home schooled her whole life and just graduated. We have already had the opritunity to have some long disscussions on a variety of topics and I've enjoyed getting to know her.

Uptown - Aug 23

Today was a scavenger hunt of the local area called "Uptown". Which immediately reminded me of singing the song Uptown in Rags during my Jr. year. Anyway, we then proceeded to our picture scavenger hunt. Two of the pictures were:

A Bus Stop

Public Library

Grill - Aug 22 (Day 1)

So today was the first day of orientation, we talked a while right away and then had free time to hang out on our flat and get to know each other. Getting dinner was a challenge. "JPUSA" (JaPuza/Jesus People USA) is an interesting organization to stay with. Though the confusion came when we entered the cafeteria to find no food during the dinner hours. Eventually someone from the community came and asked kindly if we were aware that it was grill night and that everyone was out by the playground where the grill was. So after finding it we had to push our way through to get to the grill to grill our own food. It was a very interesting way to get introduced to the community of JPUSA.

Oh, and the AC didn't work. Got to sleep top bunk in 80ish degree room packed with 5 other guys.

Little Village - Aug 26

Today the Bolivia Group visited Little Village Chicago which is the Mexican area of Chicago. We were experiencing using spanish for the first time as a group. We have all had at least two years of spanish throughout high school, but it seems like Karsten is the best one on the team as far as spanish goes. We had lunch at "Mi Tierra"

Burrito Suzio

and then walked around and decided to stop in the candy/piñata