Taking the train in a big city is always a great learning opportunity. Here we all are on the L.
Subway surfers Marcus and Eli!
After spending a couple hours at Navy Pier we headed back on the L toward the Roger's Park neighborhood in Chicago. Our activity for the afternoon was to be helping hands at United Church of Roger's Park's afternoon program. It was a slow start as we waited for the kids to arrive after school, but once they started coming the organized chaos began!
Rena and her new friend must have played at least 10 games together.
Jan quickly became the arts and crafts lady.
Carl and his new friend made a spring flower.
Rich was the requested math homework helper for this young man.
Crazy chaos with kids? This afternoon was made for Janette!
After Janette got the kids all crazy, son Grant led them in yoga in an attempt to calm everybody down.
Fun at the park.
Deacon Wes (the man in the orange shirt) started the after school program after learning about the neighborhood and doing some intense listening about what the community needs were.
Tough security guard Pastor Lisa ensured that all kids stayed inside the park area.
It has been a wonderful week exploring Chicago, learning from some great social service agencies and churches, and making some great new friendships. Intergenerational mission trips are some of my favorites!
One last pajama party! Last night we projected the Disney movie Frozen on to the wall in the sleeping room.
Friends forever: Abby, Jan, and Megan.
A beautiful ending to a great week. St. Paul's has a Taize worship service on Tuesday evenings. They kept the candles lit for us so our final devotions could be held in this sacred space.
