Leaving on a Jetplane!

Well, the time is here! We are all flying out tomorrow for our respective countries. This week has been fabulous in preparing us for our year in mission. I have grown closer to all of the YAGMs (Young Adults in Global Mission) and we are all excited to see what God has in store for us. I met the guy that was in my placement for 2007-2008. He gave me a lot of information on Montevideo and La Obra (where I will be spending most days).
A normal day in Chicago was waking up and going to breakfast at 8am, then the Alum team would do a devotion with us, then Reverend Starr would lead us in a Bible study. Some ideas I will take from the Bible study include "I am a servant, not the Savior." "No culture or language is unfit to be a bearer of God." "There will be a dance. Don't be scared to make mistakes-- take risks and live in the rhythm of confession and forgiveness."

After the Bible study, we would have a speaker on a variety of topics including, Interfaith conversations, racism and security. Then we would have lunch and free time, then another seminar, then dinner. In the evenings we had free time. During the evenings we went to Navy Pier, took a cruise on the Chicago River and went to a White Sox game. Nick Swisher hit a home run while I was there! Tonight we had our closing worship service, and it was very inspiring.
It is so exciting to think about the experiences I am going to have this coming year.

*Top Left Picture: Jacinda, me and Kelly in front of "The Bean" at Millennium Park.
*Middle Right Picture: Nikki, Kelly and me with Elvis x30 at the White Sox game. It was Elvis Night!

Isaiah 61:1-4 "The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion- to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory. They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastation; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastation of many generations."