Whitney's summer in Chicago

Raindrops keep fallin' on my head...

2008-07-26T23:10:00.000-07:00

Psalm 51

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

About 2 weeks ago I started to feel discouraged and see all the gross things about Chicago. I hardly felt the Lord's presence. I knew I needed to do something about it because all around me people were feeling the joy of the Lord. I wanted that again. I wanted it bad.

So I began to pray about it. Telling the Lord how I felt and how I didn't want to feel like this anymore. He showed me Psalm 51. I laughed when I started to pray this Psalm. The Lord has a good sense of humor. I've read and prayed Psalm 51 multiple times and every time I ask why.

The main verse that stood out this time was verse 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. I felt like that was exactly what I needed. I began to pray for the Lord to romance me again, dazzle me with His creation...

So last week us girls decided we were going to get up extra early and go somewhere where we could be still before our Lord. When we woke up we realized it was pouring outside. They really didn't want to go outside. So they decided they were going to go to Starbuck's because it was the closest coffee shop. But I really wanted to go to Caribou. Instead of arguing I told them to go ahead and go without me. I was going to Caribou.

The entire way there it was pouring but it was silent. It was strange because there was so much going on. People running by, cars splashing water, sirens blaring, thunder and lighting. The whole way I kept wondering if I was even awake because there was no way that everything around me was happening and none of it was effecting me. I walked into Caribou with hardly any water on me.

I only had 30 minutes or so to sit and read. I popped in my ipod, drank my soy mocha and started to read. I don't remember exactly where I was reading but I know it was good. When I left Caribou that's when the "magic" started.

This time when I walked back I was able to hear thunder. I could see everything moving around me making noise, but I couldn't hear any of it. Still walking I came across some flowers next to the church and like a good photographer I had my camera on me. I started to take pictures of the droplets on the flowers. I didn't realize until half way that these flowers were perfect. Here's some of the pictures. Tell me what you think...

coming to an end...

2008-07-26T22:41:00.000-07:00

So...I haven't kept up with this but my plan is to back track through out the semester. I haven't typed them but I've written almost everything down in my handy dandy journal. YA YA!

Where so I start? There's so much to talk about. I guess I'll start with the present.

I come home in 4 days! I can't believe how fast the summer has gone. It feels like yesterday when I was at the airport crying and thinking of home. Now I'm thinking about the projects I have to finish up before I leave and how I'm going to fit everything in my suitcase. I've really enjoyed my time here and I've made some lasting friendships as well. Serving the Lord with someone is an awesome way to start a bond.

Molly and Daniel left for Georgia on Friday. WOW! Yesterday morning. It's been a long day. I cried a little. Wait I lied, a lot. I really liked them. I miss my Molly. Look for a post on their last day in Chi-town...

All of that's pretty big, but not as big as what's happened this summer. God has shown me so much about myself and His work in Chicago. I guess the biggest thing I can think of is the Lord has restored to me the joy of his salvation and given me a willing spirit to sustain me. (Ps. 51:12) Ever since February I've felt like someone or something was keeping me down. I couldn't break free from it. I would have occasional days where I felt on fire for the Lord but that was only days at a time. I knew something was up. I still don't know exactly what. Part of me wants to think that God had me stuck there so when I was here I would be able to have this experience. Right now I really don't care why or what. I'm just glad to feel this way again. I'm writing all the details right now. You should read it. It's titled Raindrops keep fallin' on my head.

Actually you should look at all of my upcoming post. I plan to write down a lot so be prepared to learn a lot about me.

the beginning

2008-06-01T20:18:00.000-07:00

Squares, squares and more squares. That's how I would describe Illinois from the air. I took this because I was bored on the flight. I had an entire row to myself. My flight went well. There's was hardly any turbulence and we landed early.

Here's a picture of dowtown Chicago from the air

I was the first of 4 to land at Midway. I got to meet Serena, the Chicago Student Missions lady and the pastor of C3, Jon. We waited about a hour for Brittney to arrive and another hour for Jason and Amanda.

Here's some pics from the airport...

We're in Chicago!!!