Chicago is such a special spiritual city for me. When I came here I had so much to learn. And even though that’s still true, I now feel responsible to a city I’ve learned so much in and grown so much from.

God clearly did amazing things during our time in Chicago. And He will do amazing things during our time in Atlanta. Because Amazing is who He is.

Following the God who gives good gifts (and great adventures) to His children, into to a new chapter of life, was exciting. But I also looked in the rear view mirror to this epic city where I was saved, married, and launched a ministry. A lot has happened in 10 years. Some good things, some bad things, but ultimately it’s the God things I remember most and that have made the mark on me.

Like the unbelievable privilege of becoming friends with the homeless. Real friends. I think I’ve learned much more from them than they have from me. They’ve marked my life and made my time in Chicago so meaningful and sweet. It’s true they may sleep outside, but I feel like where they live is in my heart.

When we found out we were moving, we spread the news. One of my closest friends (who had taught me about the Deck of Cards) offered to co-host a Going Away Party for us. I loved it. Times shopping with her and preparing and dreaming up a party with her were special to me.  Even though she didn’t have a home to host in, she still wanted to extend a heart of hospitality and to help us celebrate. What a cool girl.

We ended up throwing a great party together one Sunday afternoon on our apartment rooftop. We had about 30 guests and it was a blast. One of the guys offered to be our chef and grill burgers and brats for everyone, which was such a blessing. My sweet husband bought lots of fantastic food. Everyone enjoyed time together and no one left hungry.

                

I thought it might feel sad, but it didn’t. Honestly it truly felt like a celebration of what God did during this season, the relationships He built, and the needs He met for all of us. It’s like an altar was built through the party that afternoon.

Some of our closest friends stayed later. The people we’ve been visiting and spending time with for years were included in that group. As I looked around I felt grateful to be here. I remembered how many of these relationships had also started with a party (the Different Kind of Birthday Party) and how far we’d all come since then. The things we’d overcome. Who we were becoming.

In the days that followed, more things happened I hold dear.

People began reaching out asking if they could take my husband and me to lunch or to coffee before the move. Not at a shelter, not at the tents, but out at a restaurant.

It was the sweetest gesture of kindness, friendship, and sacrifice for them to share what little I knew they had, to love us. Like I said, surely I’ve  learned more from them than they have from me.

The beauty of this Power Paradox is one of the things I’ve loved most about my time in Chicago.  What a blessing to learn from experience that it’s not about how much you have but how much of yourself you’re willing to give. True power comes from true humility. My hope for Chicago, for Atlanta, and for every place on earth, is that people will be found who are willing to love, sacrifice, and get into the trenches with one another. Because it’s powerful, and it’s a picture of who Jesus is.

In addition to the lovely coffee dates, a few more noteworthy things happened before the move.

Two of my friends left homelessness for the south, headed the same direction as us! One went to Florida and the other planned for Georgia. My Florida friend left just two days before we did. No more cardboard sign, just freedom. I’m grateful we got to celebrate both her and my new beginnings together. These perfectly timed Chicago closures felt like little love notes from God to us, continually confirming we were doing the right thing.