East Chicago

During our first few days of meetings someone explained to us that when the word “free” is used, people flood in. The amount of free things given not just to the communities around but also to us has been overwhelming. The communities in which we have worked have not just been accepting of us, but have gone to great lengths to provide us with all the resources we could ever dream of. We have met people generous beyond our imaginations. After less than a week in Blue Island and only a few hours in East Chicago, we feel at home. In fact, we were even given a key to our own office in East Chicago! The people with whom we have worked are completely transparent and we see God in each of them.

With only a few minor setbacks, we have already welcomed and said goodbye to our team of 28 from Atlanta, Georgia, spent time developing the community garden, helped collect a donation for the Salvation Army, made a multitude of friends and a great support team, attended the Harvest Festival at Circle Urban Ministries, and become more familiar with The Salvation Army. We are currently preparing for a Vacation Bible School in East Chicago, with expectations of 100 children. Despite constantly being on the go, we have found sanity in people that have taken the time to love us before even getting to know us. Seeing God in everything makes our work easy.

Team Chicago

June 2010

Note: Experience Mission is sending our many more great trips to Chicago and many more great communities throughout the summer of 2010! Check out our website for more information at www.experiencemission.org.