Is the Treasure Worth the Cost?

Well, the city that frightened me most was a breeze thanks to the Metra Rail Line. I am through Chicago and currnelty hunkered down in St. John Indiana. I have been here for two days already and feeling quite rested. For those of you who were on the edge of your seat, I apologize for posting so late.

I admit that I was anxious and frightened at the prospect of walking through Chicago's many miles. I have seen the pension for people in large cities to ignore me competely and offer little help or consolation when I am in a bind. So naturally, my fear grew as I came to the largest city yet knowing full well that I would have no country to escape to for many days. So after finding the train into the city, I stayed the night and quickly found another rail to take me out.

The morning that I found myself in downtown unfamiliarity; I was suprised at how very small I felt. Everything was literally and metaphorically towering over me; with obvious applications such as the Sears Tower, but more subtle ones were insecurity and fear. Everything was dark in daylight and colored sinister in my head. Once I had a place to stay and my heart relaxed a little, I found that Downtown Chicago is incredibly beautiful, and from what everyone says; one of the safest areas in town. There was a free dinner that night at the hostel provided by the girlscouts (who knew they made more than cookies) where I met three Australians all traveling alone and looking for something to do. Well we had a grand night. We had a couple drinks at the sports bar (Pepsi for me) then picked up some coffee and headed for some deep conversation by the Grant Park Fountain. That's when I felt at home.

I would have loved to stay a couple days just to explore but I had dwindling funds and already knew that I would need money for a train in the morning. But this brings me back to the dilema.

I know that God would have done amazing things to provide for me in Chicago, finding me places to stay and kind families with free dinners. But my fear got the best of me. So now I sit in Indiana wondering what I missed and whether the train was God's provision or simply me running away. I feel like God is giving me that choice where ever I go. The easy way is bumming rides and finding beds with family friends; I would get to Philidelphia much sooner than expected but wouldn't find that intimacy with God that I truly desire. The harder choice is walking and trusting taking my time with him and facing the darkness in my head. I know which option involves more growth and personal change, but I also know that I really want the best of both worlds and if I have to settle, easy has priority.

So I apologize to all of you for all the stories that I was too scared to experience. My prayer for so long has been "God give me stories" and I feel like I just missed a few chapters that would have been amazing to share. Though God is sufficient and I have many miles yet to go. I am sure that I won't be short of some tall (but true) tales for all of you when I've reached my destination, and I almost tremble as I ask God for many more volumes after that.

I will stay in Indiana for several days spending time with old friends and helping with projects around the house. I am so relaxed here right now that I am very borderline lazy. I hope that I don't get too comfortable.

Point of Prayer.

If you have not heard already, the community that I plan on connecting with in Philly, suffered a terrible disaster. After a fire began in a factory down the street, it soon became out of control and burned eight homes including that of The Simple Way. From what I know, no one was injured, but there was a considerable loss in damage all around. Please keep these families and The Simple Way in prayer as they will need provision and guidance in the coming weeks and months.

For more information on the fire and how to donate to the families in need, check out www.thesimpleway.org.

christopher andrew.