Crazy weekend, talkin' & workin'

Last weekend was crazy. It started out with Maria and her mom coming to visit on Saturday. That was awsome. We went to Millennium Park, the Celtic Music Festival, Navy Pier (boring), the conservatory, and walked around a lot. Sunday a group of us went to the Harvest church, which was right down the street. I didn't realize when we went there that I would be in for such a new experience. The music was very loud, and people were jumping around and falling down. Then when it looked like the paster was about to give his sermon he suddenly got all this energy and started "anointing" people, at least thats what I think it is. He put his hand on their foreheads and they fell down. I had seen things like that on TV before, but I had never seen it in person.
So that was my weekend. This week started with a lot of discussions. We talked about Sundays worship with everyone who would listen. We also had a discussion with Darrell about spirituality types. We took a "test" to see which type we were. There were 12 questions and 4 types. I had a four way tie! Later we had a discussion on prayer with Krista, we learned different ways to pray. That was a good discussion. Wednesday- Friday I went to my service project doing the same basic thing as last week. This weekend I was hoping to see the Cubs game, but because they are actually good this year I won't be able to get tickets. I'm going to the art institute, and I'm sure I'll find other stuff to do this weekend. I'll let you know about it next week

Speaker, Soccer, Service Projects

Since my last blog I have learned a little more about Northern Ireland. Although nothing is for sure yet I will probably be working with the East Belfast Mission. I will most likely do work with their youth program. I don't want to talk about that too much because it seems every time I do something gets changed and I end up having to correct myself. Just kidding
Anyway here in Chicago I have started my service project. I am working with Catholic Charities, doing office work. I work with Kevin Gray (the only other guy in RAD). We work at desks typing information from cards into the computer. It's not the funnest job in the world, but it is very helpful to the agency.
Also last week we had another guest speaker, James Kraybill. He talked to us about evangelism and peace. It was really a powerful lesson the eight of us continued to talk about what he had said for a long time, and It's an issue we will probably continue to discus. I am really greatful for the speakers Darrell has lined up for us.
I have also been enjoying my free time. I have figured out the CTA (Chicago’s mass transit) and I am utilizing it. Last weekend after going to church I went to the USA Brazil soccer game with Melina and Caitlyn. I met up with Jameel and Joseph there. It was a great game and it was good to see my brothers again. Next weekend looks to be just as much fun Maria is coming up to visit, the cheesecake festival is going on and the Celtic music fest will also be happening so it looks like this weekend will be full of fun.

Big News

Yesterday Darrel, the guy in charge, said he had some news for the Sweden team. He then went on to tell us that there was a problem with the visas and we were not going to be able to go to Sweden, but he wasn't sure where we would go and he had to narrow down the options. Needless to say that kind of took us all by surprise. We spent the rest of the night speculating, and wishing where we would end up. Today I got an email from Darrel which said that he had made a decision. We were going to......... Northern Ireland!!! We were all very excited (and I think some of the people in the Columbia team were jealous). This isn't the first time this has happened to me (I was supposed to be with the Columbia group but when they started the second team I was switched), so I feel a bit of deja vu. I am really looking forward to this year.
God bless

Mailing List

I forgot to tell you that I am starting a mailing list, so if your not on it and want to be than just send me an e-mail saying so, my address is jon_B_15@hotmail.com.

I will also take this opportunity to update you on whats going on in Chicago. Yesterday we helped clean up at the Chicago Mennonite Learning Center. After that we met up with Mike Zehr, who taught us about worship. He brought up some good points, and was a very interesting speaker. Today Krista (the DOOR director, who's helping us out while we're in Chicago) dropped us off in groups of two throughout the city and we had to find our way home. My group found our way home pretty easily. Tonight Krista is cooking dinner for our group, which is nice because last night Caitlyn and I had to cook (it turned out pretty good though). I'll talk to everyone later