Chicago is cool, however whenever you leave it... you can breathe again. There is something about wide open spaces, fresh air and the occasional whiff of manure that makes my heart feels like it is home.
This past weekend, after going through every weekend on the calendar, our small group (well there are 10 of us, is that small? Medium Group we shall say) spent the weekend at our friend Natalie's (Parent's) Lake house close to Galena, Illinois. The car ride through beautiful hills, country side and lightening bugs at night was such a sweet way to start it off.
We started Saturday morning off with a 10 mile run. No Joke. I wanted to physically hurt PK who mapped this run because of the HUGE non-stop hills. 10 miles, hills -- it's only saving grace was the beauty of what we were running through, the shade and a huge waterfall and incredible views that hills offer. Plus, the blessing of running with Christine and talking about life for the first 5 miles, and the last 5 miles with Raef.
Saturday was spent with some bible time and singing to Raef's guitar, and the after noon was spent pontooning with such sweet, sweet friends. We laughed, we talked, we shared in a beautiful community that the Lord has blessed us with. S'mores and a fire was the perfect way to top off the evening.
Sunday we had a chance to sit and pray with our spouses, and I have to say, that might have been my favorite part. Hearing my husband's heart, and the sweet encouraging words that he spoke over my life is something I don't feel worthy of. The ways the Lord has blessed us is pretty incredible, he's really outdone himself this time.
All in all the entire weekend was refreshing, joyful and just a great time with this group that makes Chicago feel so small. Leaving other small groups has left my heart broken, but God knew they were all time for a change, to leave doors open for new people to change and shape my life.
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