8/29. Saturday.
Today we got dropped off by one of our sponsors in a southern part (though we had no idea at the time) of Chicago. And by we I refer to my country group, consisting of four other young adults from all corners of North America, who all are bound for Paraguay (like me) September 20 or thereabouts. And when I say dropped off, it sounds rather pleasant, like we might go for a stroll in the park, or have a picnic, or go see one of Chicago’s famous museums. But rather we were blindfolded and told we needed to find our own way back to our current, month-long place of residence. It sounds rather harsh, and the storyteller inside of me would like to play it up this way, but there were no tense moments. We had a map, we had a cell phone (with key phone numbers) and we had most of the day to meander back to our JPUSA home.
We were left in a Hispanic neighborhood (which was appropriate. Paraguay, right?) and we ended up going to a Hispanic flea market for the first hour or so while we were "lost." I smiled (note: not a figure of speech) with the familiar sights and sounds as it transported me back to the markets in Guatemala. The language that people spoke was strangely comfortable, or at least it gave me a sense of satisfaction that I could pull pieces out of conversation and make sense of them.
After buying a much needed bar of soap at the flea market, we headed south in search of a Mexican restaurant. Success was quickly found five blocks later tucked between a panaderia (bakery) and Jerry’s (Hispanic) Grocery store. Here the waitress spoke only Spanish, so I was given an opportunity to practice my mildly conversational Spanish. The correct order was taken, and only minor hiccups occurred, so I’ll chalk it down for success.
These two experiences left me somewhat sentimental of my summer in Guatemala and filled me with hope for my time in Paraguay. I enjoyed spending my time in this Latin neighborhood in the South Side of Chicago. While the dosage of culture was small, the anticipation for Paraguay was incredible this morning, but slightly smaller now, as time has already somewhat dulled my memories and feelings of this Saturday excursion.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Jesus People USA
8/26
Well, I suppose this is my first true post, or rather the first post inside the lines of the program I’ve chosen to start for the year. I’m pleased with how it has gone and who I’m with. This is Day 4 here at Jesus People USA (JPUSA, pronounced ja-pooh-sa, its really quite fun to say), an intentional Christian community in uptown Chicago. This is where we’re at for our orientation. It’s a little more that simply using their facilities. Each day I’m impressed by the people here and the willingness they have to find out about our group, and the passion they have to so continuously strive to do what they feel God has called them to do the best way they know how. Here’s a link to there website to describe a little bit more about them, because I could try and explain, but I feel its best to let people describe themselves.
Today I sat and ate with Rick and Karen (the head of IT and a teacher, respectively, from subjects ranging from the great Thai place to eat to World of Warcraft (an online game, I suppose you can look it up on Wikipedia if you’re still curious) to how they arrived here at 920 W. Wilson (Jesus People USA) and just exactly why they had chosen an intentional Christian community to live. I find it fascinating to ask people here where they come from and why they are here. It’s such a unique and new way to live. I guess I had heard of people doing this, but to truly understand how it functions I needed to experience it.
Well, I suppose this is my first true post, or rather the first post inside the lines of the program I’ve chosen to start for the year. I’m pleased with how it has gone and who I’m with. This is Day 4 here at Jesus People USA (JPUSA, pronounced ja-pooh-sa, its really quite fun to say), an intentional Christian community in uptown Chicago. This is where we’re at for our orientation. It’s a little more that simply using their facilities. Each day I’m impressed by the people here and the willingness they have to find out about our group, and the passion they have to so continuously strive to do what they feel God has called them to do the best way they know how. Here’s a link to there website to describe a little bit more about them, because I could try and explain, but I feel its best to let people describe themselves.
Today I sat and ate with Rick and Karen (the head of IT and a teacher, respectively, from subjects ranging from the great Thai place to eat to World of Warcraft (an online game, I suppose you can look it up on Wikipedia if you’re still curious) to how they arrived here at 920 W. Wilson (Jesus People USA) and just exactly why they had chosen an intentional Christian community to live. I find it fascinating to ask people here where they come from and why they are here. It’s such a unique and new way to live. I guess I had heard of people doing this, but to truly understand how it functions I needed to experience it.
ICT to O'Hare, 30,000 feet up.
8/23
As I’m flying to Chicago only now does the reality of one start to set in. It seems like some great length of time but I know in actuality this experience will fly. And as this reality sets in I examine my hopes, apprehensions, but most of all my excitement. I have never done anything like this before. I know I’ll be tempted to compare this to Guatemala, but I know that won’t work. This is new. This is different. This isn’t schooling, at least in the literal sense. I’ll be working at a job (no idea what kind) while at the same time having an idyllic structure and setting to ask and explore questions about my faith, my life and my future.
I’ll arrive soon… meeting people I have never met before, several who I’ll be living in close proximity with for the next year. I hope they’re cool… otherwise it’ll be a longer year. But I’ll remain determined to gain as much information, experience and life lessons out of this year as I can. The opportunity is incredible, now all I have to do is make the most of it.
As I’m flying to Chicago only now does the reality of one start to set in. It seems like some great length of time but I know in actuality this experience will fly. And as this reality sets in I examine my hopes, apprehensions, but most of all my excitement. I have never done anything like this before. I know I’ll be tempted to compare this to Guatemala, but I know that won’t work. This is new. This is different. This isn’t schooling, at least in the literal sense. I’ll be working at a job (no idea what kind) while at the same time having an idyllic structure and setting to ask and explore questions about my faith, my life and my future.
I’ll arrive soon… meeting people I have never met before, several who I’ll be living in close proximity with for the next year. I hope they’re cool… otherwise it’ll be a longer year. But I’ll remain determined to gain as much information, experience and life lessons out of this year as I can. The opportunity is incredible, now all I have to do is make the most of it.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Site under construction.
Currently my internet access is limited to hour trips to the library or me spending $2 for a cup of coffee to use internet in a trendy cafe. I have stuff written but it needs to be typed up. I'll try to correct the lack of content shortly. Hopefully today or tomorrow.
Daniel
Daniel
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