When the lights go down in the city: Chi town continued

Many of you may be wondering why I haven't posted pretty much anything about arriving in Edinburgh on the 22nd and the simple answer to that thought is that I haven't arrived in Edinburgh yet.

Here is the more lengthy answer:

On the evening of the 21st, I received in the mail papers stating that my Visa was unable to be processed because of passport things and all that. So therefore, we ended up re-sending in my paperwork with my passport and having it rush ordered. By not having my Visa, I was unable to get on a plane to Scotland on the 22nd, so me and 10 other YAGMs (in the same situation) did not get on planes to go to our countries of service just yet. I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to stay in a wonderful conference center on the LSTC campus with 5 other YAGMs while the other 5 decided to return home for a bit for various reasons. 

The group traveling to Hungary received their passports the next day and were able to go and so it is just me and another UKer. Needless to say, she and I have been touring the city of Chicago up and down. I happen to have a good friend who lives right across the street from where we're staying so she has been helpful in our adventures. Of the many things we've done so far, among the highlights includes: going to a White Sox vs. Yankees game, window shopping, eating at the Chicago Diner (a completely vegetarian and vegan friendly diner-SO COOL. The veg inside me was quite happy), running around Lake Michigan, and walking...a lot. Needless to say there are much worse places to me stuck other than Chicago.

I will admit that when I first read that I wasn't leaving when I had planned I had a moment of doubt. Thinking, "what is even the point?" or that it would just be easier to go home and stay were thoughts that came to my head and quickly left. As I've had time to think of it I have found SO much good in this situation.

First off, I have gotten to hang out with some pretty incredible folks. Also, I've been able to connect with some people from home for a bit longer. Another piece is that I didn't realize just how ready I felt to begin this adventure until I was unable to go. Believe me, I'm still scared and nervous as well as sad to leave, but I feel as though I'm ready to start. And a final piece I've realized is just how little control I actually have. It is as if God ripped my sense of control of the situation right out of my hands. What a humbling reminder of this and just how much of this feeling I will encounter in the next year. The difference is that I don't feel alone or abandoned. God has provided continuously throughout and will continue to do so. Good thing He's in control...

Well, that's what I know for now. We're hoping our Visas will come in early next week. All of your thoughts and prayers are so appreciated.

Hopefully my next blog will be from Edinburgh!

Morgan and I at The Bean in Chicago!