I'm in Chicago today. It's Day Nine, and I still have eight days left. I am ready to be home. For those who don't know, I'm studying at North Park Theological Seminary, taking a class called "History and Theology of the Evangelical Covenant Church." It's part of my process of commissioning in the Evangelical Covenant Church. I am happy to be here, especially with good friends Tony, Brian and Sid, but it's a lot of work.
Just a few highlights...
We arrived last Tuesday night and we've been staying at the Skokie Comfort Inn. Kinda old and run-down, but comfortable. There's a pool, weight room, free breakfast and (supposedly) free wireless access in all the rooms. Ours is intermittent.
Class... Eight hours a day learning about Swedish Covenant history. My brain reached saturation mode about three hours in. We had our first big exam yesterday. Blue book. 2-1/2 hours.
Last weekend, I was able to go to my folks' house in Mishawaka, Indiana. Saw my mom and dad; my beautiful sister, Sarah, and her beautiful family; and my grandpa... 87 next month! I can't say I miss snow, but it's fun to experience it sometimes.
While in Mishawaka on Sunday, I ran into a great old friend, Josh Petrillo, aka Wonderbox. Click here for a great account of our surprise meeting.
Watched The Producers with mom and dad before I headed out. It was funny. Totally light, over-the-top, zany humor and great music. I think it would be much better live, but it was nice to see it...
Monday night I got to visit Jesus People USA, or JPUSA (pronounced Juh-POO-zuh). I have been interested in this community since I was in high school. I used to read their magazine, Cornerstone Magazine, and I always wanted to attend Cornerstone Festival. A small group of us got to have dinner with Glenn Kaiser (one of the founders of JPUSA and leader of Rez Band) and then get a tour of the place. It's remarkable. Hundreds of people choosing to live in community. Elderly people, handicapped people, young and old, Christian and not. It's amazing. Tons of outreach. Homeless shelter. Outreach to single moms. Education. Oh yeah, and they're a Covenant Church too. I was amazed to realize that Glenn and Wendi Kaiser have raised their family in this place... these little, hotel rooms and the community kitchen/dining room downstairs. Two of their daughters live at JPUSA along with sons-in-law and grandkids. I got to see the Cornerstone/GRRR Records offices, meet Tom, the guy who runs GRRR (gave him and Glenn copies of my CD), and hear unreleased mixes of Glenn's newest blues stuff.
Tonight Tony and I are going to see Walk the Line. Should be cool... Remember, I'm predicting Reese and Joaquin will win Oscars for their performances, especially now that they've won Golden Golbes. Unless of course Heath Ledger wins for his role in Brokeback Mountain. I think he's the only other possibility.
Over the next couple days we'll connect with some North Park University students who are connected to our church in some way: Debra, Rebecca, Jenny, Evan and Paul.
Then Saturday we move over to the Hyatt Regency O'Hare and start the next phase. Saturday and Sunday I'm involved in the Worship Connection, for Covenant worship pastors and leaders. Then Tony and I have another class: Mission and Ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church. Then I stay for another two days, hear Brennan Manning speak at the Midwinter Conference, and head home on the 3rd. I can't wait!
Here are some cool pics from home. Apparently we've acquired a new family member in my absence. Jacob chose him. His name is Scamper.
Most of all, I'm anxious to be with my beloved Luanne again and to see these four awesome kiddos... Get ready for some big hugs, snuggles and TICKLES, you guys!
