Day 3

Hey everyone! Today was a great day! We started by driving by Wrigley Field (home of the Cubs) and Soldier Field (home of the Bears). Our first stop was the Field Museum. We attended a special "Pirates" exhibit. We had to group up again at the museum's request. (we call it "pod up"... ask a youth what that means). The exhibit was pretty cool. Afterward, my pod went to the Ancient Egypt exhibit. Some of my pictures are of the kids sitting front of a mirror that makes them look like an Egyptian.

After a tasty bag lunch, we headed for the Food Depository. We worked on the Flex-line making emergency food boxes. We had assembly line workers, replenishers, box makers, scale attendants, labelers, tapers, clean up crew, and pallet builders. Our goal was 1,000 boxes and we made 1,081 boxes each weighing just over 25 pounds. Our guide said usually this goal is only met by those who come regularly. Let me tell you what... those kids (and adults) worked HARD! All of them... the whole time! It was amazing! You can be so proud of them (and I know you are). 

Next, we headed to Giordano's Pizza for some "Chicago-style" pizza. WOW! That was some great pizza! It was delicious! Thanks goes to Brian for pictures at the restaurant. We called ahead and they had everything ready for us.... our own room, pizzas ready, pitchers of drinks... it was great!!

Then we headed to Oakton Arms for our first full concert. The residents loved the kids. They sang really well! The residents were very engaged during the concert... clapping along and everything. Afterward, the kids took time to speak to the residents. One woman said she hadn't planned to come to the concert, but when she could hear us singing from her room, she just had to come because it sounded so beautiful. When we headed outside, some of the residents followed us out. The Activities Director told us they had never done that before. She thought it was because the kids took the time to talk to the residents. By the way... thanks to Kendell for the concert pictures from tonight and last night. I got some great shots of the kids doing "meet and greet". BTW, none of those pictures are staged... just great shots of ministry happening.

Our devotion came from 1st Timothy. Katie, Rachel, Julianna and Sara led us by talking about how the group can make a difference even though they are young (great job, girls).

We have two youth birthdays this week... one was Monday and the other is Friday so we celebrated both today when we got back to the hotel room. Another great day... still racking up lots of "best things heard on tour" quotes! Can't wait to post them!!

Good night and enjoy the pictures!