Live from Elgin, Illinois

We've been in Illinois since Saturday. We stayed in Brookfield at the home of Terry & Janette for 3 nights and enjoyed them, their cat Spike, hot tub, etc. We had a good meetings with LaGrange Bible Church on Saturday evening and on Sunday. It was good to meet some new people, as well as reconnect with old friends. On Monday we visited the Brookfield Zoo, continuing our zoo tradition. That night we also got to watch the practice of a performance of a church team going to Mexico. It was a powerful drama that we might be able to bring to Paris someday. In the afternoon Judy from this church prayed for us and helped us understand some of what is happening around us.

On Tuesday morning I drove to Wheaton to see the men's group that I used to be part of. It's good to reconnect with these guys, even though I've been away for 7 years.

We then drove to Elgin to our organization's HQ. We showed our video during a lunchtime meeting with the staff, whom we always enjoy staying. We're in a lovely apartment. Our kids have enjoyed the play area. We had supper last night with Heather (a former Wheaton classmate of my wife's) and her husband Dapang. Our kids enjoy their kids Allison and Caitlyn.

One good thing so far about this trip is how well our kids have been able to connect with people (and pets). We want them to know some kids from the U.S.

This afternoon I met with Ashley, who oversees mobilisation for Europe with our organization.

Tomorrow we head for Grand Rapids, Michigan.

This time in Illinois has been entirely too short. But we'll be through again.