Niagra Falls!

I was able to go to Niagra Falls this past weekend with my Aunt. The only unfortunate thing was that she got sick, so we didn't do much. But we did go to Hard Rock Cafe for dinner, and shop in the souvenir shops. I went and saw the Falls the next morning, before we left to go back to Ohio. It was a low-key, relaxing weekend.

On the way home, I stopped in Cleveland because I am always fascinated by the massive amounts of seagulls that flock over and around the lake. The ice was beautiful!

Rachel & Greg's wedding!

This past weekend I attended the wedding of Rachel Papke and Greg Galey. It was a wonderful evening, full of fun, laughter, and memories. Congrats Greg and Rach, and many blessings in the years to come. Love ya!

Sights from my 2nd home....CHICAGO!

My time in Chicago was amazing! I didn't realize just how much I missed it until I went back. I was able to visit many friends, and meet with 5 of my professors from Moody. It was so good to be back and catch up with everyone. I was really looking forward to seeing Steph, Tad, and Madelynn. Steph was telling me that she is saying so many words, and boy, was she right! Seeing Momers talk, dance, sing, and say "Hi Jess" everytime I entered the room melted my heart. I miss watching her grow up more than ever! We took her trick-or-treating at Moody Church for their harvest party. She was so tired, but was excited to eat her chocolate "nummies" once we got home. She was Simba, and her roar was phenomenal! :)

Steph, Anna, (Tad's sis) and I put our foil on for our free Chipotle burritos later on in the evening. I LOVE Chipotle, and whenever you can get it for free, you must take advantage of it. We are dressed as burritos...can you tell? hehe (actually, if you have foil on any part of your body, that counts!)

One of the biggest highlights was connecting with the Embrees again. I had made reservations at the American Girl Cafe' for Ella, the girls, and I and we loved it. They moved their store into Watertower Place, and it is so spacious and nice. The girls loved eating with their dolls and shopping for their one item they were allowed to purchase. I bought them new dresses for the day, and they looked so stinkin' cute in them. It was adorable! We then went out to Elmhurst and I saw James and Max. I can't wait to get back to Africa to serve our Mighty God with them!! Only a few more months....hard to believe!

I also got to speak to the Women's Choir and hear them sing for chapel. They have 25 new girls this year, so it's a young group. However, Ms. Hong is doing a wonderful job, and they sound so beautiful. I wish I was closer so I could hear them sing more! :(

I also got to visit my old roomie, Jess and her husband RC. It was wonderful to see them again. (btw, thanks for all the candy corn)


Before I left and said goodbye to the Davis', I took some family pictures for them. We bribed Maddy with chocolate "nummies" if she smiled. Although she was ready to be done a short time after we started, she did a great job and they turned out swell.

If you opened up your home to me, took me out for a meal, or made time to catch up with me, I thank you. I really appreciate you all! I enjoyed this trip so much, (even though it was too short) and look forward to coming back early next year before I head back to Africa.

Chicago!

I've been in Chicago for the last few days, and it feels like home. I knew I missed being in Chicago, but had no idea I missed it this much. I spent the night with my friend Andrea Thursday night, and went to the Original Pancake House Fri. morning. It was wonderful to spend time with her and see her new place. Friday, until today, I have been staying with Tad, Steph, and Madelynn. The minute they came and picked me up, Madelynn was saying, "Aunt Jess" over and over again. She has grown so much, and it is so stinkin' adorable. I enjoyed seeing her grow up before my eyes, and as I look at her now, she is speaking so many words, saying all the animals and the sounds they make, counting to 14, saying her abc's, and doing plenty of singing and dancing. I've missed so much, and yet I am so thankful to be able to spend this time with her. I love her cuddling and hugs, her double kisses, and her "hi Jess" whenever I step out of the room and come back. I'm looking forward to spending time with her momma next Wednesday.



I've also been able to visit Moody. Ms. Hong asked me to speak with the Women's Choir on Thursday, which was really sweet. There are 25 new girls this year, and it was fun to tell them some personal stories, but also encourage them as this is a hard time in the semester. I got to hear them sing too, which made me miss it all the more. Steph and I were reminiscing as we looked through some pictures tonight....I can't tell you what a blessing that group was to me. I can't imagine my life without all those incredible opportunities WCC provided for me. What a blast!! I also got to visit with 5 of my professors and share with them my pictures from Africa and hear how school is going and what God is doing in their lives. These people have made such a huge impression in my life, and it is a blessing to be able to meet with them again.



Tomorrow is the American Girl Cafe' for lunch with the Ella and the girls. Even though it has only been about 50 days since I have seen them, it seems like it has been forever! It will be good to have fun with them and catch up once again. I'll post pics as soon as I am able. (which probably won't be until I get home as I left my camera card reader at home)


Madelynn and I :)




Have a great day!