Day 2

I'll apologize in advance... during the times we are separated in different groups (which won't be often on this trip), I only have the ability to photograph those in my group. Many thanks goes to Lisa who provided pictures from her group. As the week goes on, if I get access to some more pictures, I will post them under the appropriate day. That being said... onto the blog!

Today began with spending time on Michigan Avenue... or "The Magnificient Mile". We spent a few hours shopping and having lunch. We went in stores like the Lego Store, the Nike Store, the Apple Store, the Disney Store, etc. What beautiful architecture! I think the kids really liked being in the heart of Chicago!

After lunch, we headed to our first work project of the week... the Greater Chicago Food Depository (one item of hilarity... we often ACCIDENTALLY called it the Food Suppository). Last year, the Food DEPOSITORY distributed more than 46 million pounds of non-perishable food. We were separated into two groups. The group I was in was given the task of preparing boxes of personal hygenie items (shampoo, skin care, etc.). We were grouped with a Methodist group from Michigan. The boxes were fairly large and we prepared 5,299 pounds of boxes. The group Lisa was in was given the task of preparing corn flakes bags. They had to put 8 oz. of corn flakes in plastic pouches and then package several together. They had to wear hairnets, masks, and aprons while they worked. They did over 1,000 pouches! Both groups worked very hard and I was quite proud of them. They stayed on task, did what they were told and still managed to have a good time. Afterward, we had a great dinner at TGIFridays.

After dinner, we gave our first concert at the Pacific Garden Mission. It is the oldest, continuously-operating resuce mission in the country. We performed a 30-minute concert for over 100 people. The acoustics were fantastic and the group sounded wonderful! We received a tremendous response and they were asking us for more as we left.

On the way home, Laurel, Lydia, Catherine, and Rachel led us in a lovely devotion from 1st Peter and Ephesians about serving others. A fitting ending to a great day... hard work, good behavior, and a wonderful day of witnessing in the name of Christ.