Chicago was the amazing experience that I thought it would be. It was so eye-opening and humbling. We got to explore the city by foot and CTA, enjoying some of the sites. But our purpose was to work along side a couple of organizations that help those in poverty and homeless.
We had noble intentions, but as the week went on, we found that it didn't seem like we were doing much. Yet, in sharing together before we left for home, we concluded that we did the things that can't get done without the help of volunteers. Those who work full-time with these organizations are overloaded as is. Picking up trash, sorting papers, sorting clothes, fixing bunkbeds, and handing out fliers were simple tasks but they were so thankful. Some of the residents of the homeless shelter wondered what a group of college students were doing in Chicago instead of Florida.
Inner-city Chicago is not a place where I felt comfortable. I was more focused on my weaknesses than leaning on Jesus. The question came to mind; why me? Why do I get to enjoy the comfortable life I do?
The other question I have been processing in the last 24 hours is why does God love me so much? He saves me, but more than that He adopts me, calls me His, and is infinitely patient (okay this is the miniscule short list). I can do nothing, to earn or deserve any of this love or any of my circumstances. Sigh... I need to mull this over... so enjoy some pictures
that kind of seemingly-inconsequential behind the scenes work is so valuable for ministries like the one you served. i'm sure they host an infinite number of groups who come with an agenda -- who want to do something "out among the people". to get a group of people willing to do the stuff no one else wants to do must've blessed their hearts.
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