Friday, July 29th, 2022
After a chance to sleep in, we packed up and headed towards are last activity in Chicago. Bags in tow and Starbucks in hand, we visited the Willis Tower Skydeck. At 103 stories, Willis tower is the tallest building in Chicago with a 360 degree view. Within Skydeck, there is an exhibit called the ledge that has glass floors, and gives one the opportunity to stand over the city in a glass box. As I am not one for heights, I chose not to look down while standing on the glass, however did peer over the edge with my feet planted firmly on the floor. The youth took turns posing for pictures on the ledge and Kim even did a backbend peering down onto the street 1,353 feet below. Skydeck was a great way to finish our week and to recap the many places we visited. After time spent exploring the Chicago skyline, we made our way back to street level on the 1 minute elevator ride. We stopped for lunch in the restaurants at the base of Willis tower before heading to the train station for departure.
Upon our arrival at the train station we were informed that the train would not be boarding for another 1.5 hours, and were reassured that the train was running on time. We had our final trip group time and closed with highs and lows before settling in to wait for the boarding announcement. The closer to boarding that time crept, the more announcements about delays and mechanical failure began to happen. We had become accustomed to the “hurry up, and wait” game throughout the trip, however this was a new level of waiting for public transportation. After a 3.5 hour departure delay, they finally called boarding for passengers headed to St. Paul. Relieved and excited, we boarded our final train (to recap our use of public transportation, we took at least 15 metro trains or the “L”, 10 buses, and walked over 25 miles this week!). Despite finally being aboard, we ended up with about another hour delay waiting for Cargo trains to pass. After packed Jimmy John’s subs, lots of laughter, card games, college essay writing, reading, and a lot of sleeping, we pulled into Union Depot at 3:47 am this morning. Thanks to all the parents who came and picked up the youth in the wee hours of the morning today, I wish you all rest today!
Chicago was an awesome trip and we are so grateful for the congregation’s support in making this possible for these 10 amazing young women and 3 adult leaders. This would not have been possible without all of your support through funding, encouragement, and prayer and we are so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn more about ourselves and the world during our time in Chicago. Again, thank you all so much, we are so excited to share more about our adventures soon.
Peace, Julene