Chicago 2009 =]

Young Hearts Banquet (Jr. and Sr. High) 2009


Best buddies

Me, Rachel, Sarah (and Saj?!)


me, Sarah, and Sandra

the boys - Sam, Kuya, Dan, Josh, and Cory


At the Garfield Park Conservatory on my day off


In front of the Shedd Aquarium on Lake Michigan


Me, Courtney, Mikhaela, Sandra (pk's)


The Bean in Chicago

The Bean again...

Leaving a Legacy

So, I was talking to a friend about how it feels leaving home and especially my home church. I'll sum it up in a song by Nichole Nordeman called "Legacy":

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
And you can take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all the "who's who's" and so-and-so's
That used to be the best at such and such
It wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an "atta boy" or "atta girl"
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

Not well-traveled, not well-read
Not well-to-do, or well-bred
I just want to hear instead
Well done, good and faithful one

Lord, I know you have called me to Chicago because You have something better for me. It's always something for my good and I trust that You will take care of me as I teach and as I become a part of a new church family; but Lord, you know how my heart aches for my brothers and sisters here. I wonder if I made an impact, not for MY glory, but for Yours. I wonder if my brothers and sisters can say, "Leigh Anne always pointed me to Christ - through her words, attitude and actions." And honestly, Father, I'm pretty sure that not one of them can say that because I haven't always made the right choices. Only You know how hard I have tried to always express Your love. Sometimes I search for words of affirmation from people in church, hoping desperately that someone would notice my acts of service and say, "Well done" but that's my flesh speaking. Help me, as I go to Chicago, to only care about pleasing You; but oh Lord, I ask that You would not make my years of service in SICCC without effect. I pray that seeds of love and service were planted, and I hope to hear how much my brothers and sisters have grown not because of my doing, but because of Your grace. Thank You, Lord, for the opportunity and heart-growing-spirit-filling experience you blessed me with in SICCC. Great is Your faithfulness!

Chicago - the Windy City - New Beginnings

Kinda hard to write this without tearing up a little...Weird how I'm about to take that next step in life when it feels like I'm just about to enter high school. People ask: "Why Chicago?" and you may be wondering that same thing too. Well, here's the answer: "Because God said so." I can't explain it anymore than that. Wherever He leads is always the best and if there's no logical answer behind it, then it's okay!

I'm actually nervous. Being a teacher is a huugggeee responsibility. I have the power to mold and shape children's minds. (kinda powerful-sounding, huh) What if I screw up? What if I get a child that needs love and attention and I don't give enough? What if parents hate me and try to get me fired? haha I know what you're thinking: "Leigh Anne, that's not gonna happen!" What if you're wrong? So, get this: I can't do it on my own. I've come to realize that worrying does absolutely NOTHING! Worrying is like a rocking chair. It'll keep you occupied but get you nowhere.

As for the city itself - I'll be able to live with a lady from the church. She's Filipina and offered a room for me in her house that's, get this, only 5 minutes away from the school. It's a beautiful home and being Filipino, she already has everything set up for me. Sweet.

the church - a dream. First time there, I was treated like a princess. Okay, slight exaggeration, but the people there were really friendly and I felt at home. I absolutely loveeee their worship team. They have a huge stage, complete with a percussionist, a drummer (yes, that makes 2 of them!) , a pianist, a keyboardist, a lefty-guitarist, an electric lead guitarist, a flutist, 4 back up singers (2 guys and 2 girls), and a worship leader who can sing and play the guitar! Wow! But the amazing thing is that when they worship there, it's worship.... and it's the pastors who are getting it on. I love a church that's not afraid to say Amen. They also have lots of Sunday Schools to choose from, women's Bible study, prayer meeting on Wednesdays, and fellowship on Tuesdays. Whether or not I'll be doing the same things that I'm doing in SICCC will be saved for another blog.

So, looks like this is f'real. Leaving one ministry and headed for another. This is not like transferring from one school or even from one church to another. This really means stepping out of my comfort zone of NYC and completely stepping out in faith.

Well, here I go...