As my mother pointed out recently, it's been awhile since I have updated you all on what is happening in Chicago. God is definitely at work here and I will share what He has put on my heart recently. 

On July 9th, the staff left us students to take over project. That's right, we are now a group of 48 college students running around on our own in the city, trying to run a ministry. I even said, "I can't believe all the adults are leaving us," before I realized that we are all, in fact, adults ourselves. Each student was given a role on project before staff left and my role is action group leader. This means I lead my bible study on Tuesday nights and disciple the four other women in my study. I love it! God has definitely used it to humble me and show me how much I need to depend on Him. I have also loved getting to know these women more and investing into their lives. 

Crossroads has been exciting lately. We are in the process of creating the promotional materials now for IndyCC so we are busy filming, writing and designing everything. It has been awesome to work with this group of people and has taught me so much about teamwork and not taking pride in my own work, but realizing that God is working through me through the gifts He has given me. Out of my own strength, I can not accomplish anything. I have learned how not to take criticism personally and how to encourage others in unity. I tend to have a competitive tendency when it comes to designing but I am learning to let go of that for the sake of teamwork and accomplishing a common purpose. 

The community has been growing so much stronger on project. We had a sand volleyball tournament last weekend and this weekend we celebrated Christmas in July together. On Saturday, we had a women's sleepover and covered one apartment's floor in mattresses for us all to sleep on! There is so much love and caring for one another among this community. Everyone is already dreading the thought of saying good bye in a few short weeks. I will definitely miss the people here and great friendships developing, but I am excited as well to return to family at home and friends back at school. 

On Saturday of this weekend, 6 of us from project joined up with a group called Chicago's Beloved to hand out lunches and water to homeless people in the city. Each leader usually takes the same route so they actually know and have relationships with many of the homeless people we come across. We went through a tunnel where many homeless people live. It was really sad to see how little they have and how eager they are for a sandwich and a bottle of water. Some were very eager for us to pray with them as well. "Could always use extra blessings," was the way one man put it. One man that I gave a bottle of water with, I also got to share the gospel and gave him a Knowing God Personally booklet. We had a bible study for all those who could make it after we finished the routes handing out lunches. It was a physically and emotionally draining experience but definitely made me more aware of how blessed I am and even how selfish I am with what God has entrusted me with. 

Ministry on campus has been awesome lately. We held a ping pong tournament last week and many new faces showed up for that. My relationships with a couple of the Chinese women have been growing stronger, especially with one who is a fairly new believer. I have been able to encourage her a lot in her relationship with Christ. She even came to our weekly meeting this last week! 

I have less than three weeks left in the windy city! Please be praying for diligence in carrying out the work God has planned for me the rest of my time in the city. Also, even as I am feeling ready to leave the city and return to fresh air and open spaces, that I will remain in the present and continue to learn and grown in all God is teaching me. Thanks!