First Day in Chicago

For those of you who read my first email update, this is the same thing. I thought it would be handy to have if you didn't get that email!

This is my first update as an official RAD member, and I have to say, today was quite a whirlwind! The travel went about as well as can be expected, with no delays or long layovers. I flew with fellow RAD member Amy Bradshaw, who is also from Newton. We arrived in Chicago around noon, and were quickly whisked away to lunch and then to the Faith House, where we will be living. The house is owned by the First Church of the Brethren, which is to be our host church. There I met the other members of my team: Caitlyn, Jonathan, Kevin, Melina, Karin,and Stephanie. With Amy and I we total eight people. We spent the afternoon talking about the program and what is in store for us with Darrell Gascho and Krista Dutt, the city DOOR director. Tomorrow we will work on establishing a covenant for our group regarding rules and expectations, and later this week we will get to know the city and all of the public transportation. I think the biggest prayer item for the group this week is that we will grow to know each other better and to understand how to work together. Right now we are just a bunch of young adults who don't know each other but happen to be living together. Hopefully we will soon be able to bond as a group. Also, Melina is already fighting an oncoming cold, and we pray that she will be up to speed soon. Personally I would request prayer for me to be able to become more comfortable with the group and be able to open up to others. There are so many questions running through my mind that will hopefully be answered in time. I also feel drained and tired, but hopefully that will pass with a few more hours of sleep tonight!