Banana Pancakes

Scott and I stumbled across another Chicago treasure this weekend, The Bongo Room. I am a huge fan of breakfast food and took notice of the restaurant right down the street. Scott ordered a ham & cheese omelet and I had oreo banana pancakes. My husband was taken a little off guard as my excitement of this discovery turned into giggling and then small tears of happiness! Yes, after ordering I laughed until I cried . If you had seen the menu you may have been overwhelmed with joy also. I am hoping to become a regular at The Bongo Room!

After breakfast we visited our local library. I checked out "A Mercy" by Toni Morrison. It is the current read for the Chicago book club. The Chicago Public Library has a program called "One Book, One Chicago." Each month a book along with a reading guide is featured and provided at the local libraries. Throughout the month programs & events are offered that correlated with the reading selection. There will be a staged reading and genealogy workshops among many other activites. Towards the end of the month there will be a community book discussion at the library.

I also started my job this past week at Childtime Learning Center! I am in the Early Learners class with 16 precious, energetic 2-year-olds. And, I love it! Our center represents families from over 20 different countries. The Lord yet again has been so incredibly faithful and answered our prayers for a job as well as opened up a place to share His love. This past week I have been constantly reminded of Him in the beauty and innocence of the children.

Sunday in Chicago

Today I fell in love with Sundays in Wicker Park. During the summer/fall seasons a local farmer's market sets up in our neighborhood. Strolling through the park you will find fruit, flowers, yummy pastries, and of course lots of people and dogs.This morning Scott and I woke up, ate breakfast, and headed out to the market. We stopped to taste test different kinds of cheese, look at the beautiful flowers, and for Selah to meet some sweet babies and other dogs. She is a Wicker Park hit!

After much anticipation on Selah's end, we final arrived at the dog park where the slobber and tennis balls flowed like milk and honey. Selah loves chasing dogs while Scott and I enjoy getting to know their owners. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming here. Today we met Grizzly, Mr. Miyagi, and their owners. Our prayer is that we see them again in our community and build strong relationships with them. Scott and I have met many people in our community, but many we have not seen more than once. Will you please join us in prayer asking the Lord to place these people in our paths multiple times, even daily?

We are thankful to be here. We are still adjusting as it is much different than Texas and hard to be away from family and friends, yet the Lord is so incredible faithful. We are depending fully on Him to build His church as we seek his guidance, direction, and daily presence. Our greatest prayer need is for us to build deep relationships with people in our community and at my job. And as for next Sunday in Wicker Park, I will be bringing cash for some yummy crepes and fresh bread.

Current Goals

1. Become a regular at a restaurant. I want to walk in and for the waitress to greet me and say, "So, is it going to be the usual?"

2. Join a book club.

3. Start baking more. Next up, banana nut bread and pumpkin cookies.

4. Take more pictures.

5. Send more snail mail.