With this morning ... I leave Chicago

Since my last posting, I have visited many places ... saw many things ... learned a great deal about some of our larger Presbyterian churches  ... and have picked up on some rather creative, inventive, and thoughtful things we can be doing with our church family.  Being a visitor on a Sunday morning, I got the opportunity to see how another church handles a visitor -- someone who came through the front door of the church ... how visitors are approached and made to feel welcomed.  I had some mixed feelings about the experience.  I was greeted by an usher, and told to sit wherever I would like, for there were many pews available.  I really was not greeted until after the service -- and that was due to the fact that I sang out loud (how can you not sing out loud when we were singing "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"?)  Those around me thought I should sit in the choir.  I quickly told them it would be a long commute from Tennessee!  I also had an encounter with another woman who was told I was a visitor.  She asked me where I was from, and I said Tennessee, with her response being, "I can tell you're not from Tennessee ... I don't hear the twang".  Now she said this with a rather southern twang.  Now I was not sure whether to object to her mocking or just smile. I smiled, and said that I was originally from Chicago, and hat I REALLY enjoy living in Greeneville, TN.  Wonderful way to be greeted, huh?

I am going back to the church this morning to finish my interviews.  I am interested in hearing some of the responses today.  I will be sharing my experiences from yesterday.

The Art Institute was spectacular!  I enjoyed the time spent there.  Highlighting the visit were the Miniature Rooms displayed there.  I also was able to spend some time at the Museum of Science and Industry.  It has kept up pace with all the technology -- the place has changed so much!  However, they kept some of the favorite spots I remembered and enjoyed so much when I was younger.  I believe it has been at least 20 years since I have been there.

O.K., so Chicago is also known for its food: Berghoff's - a wonderful German restaurant, was a real taste of German cuisine.  Great lunch (dinners are expensive).  I also was able to have dinner at The Italian Village -- a wonderful place that has been there since the early 20th century.  All I can say is WOW!

I have adjusted my time so that I can spend a little more time in Jackson, MI.  It also takes the pinch on the next leg after that to Dayton, Ohio.  Leaving Chicago is O.K. for me -- the traffic and the largeness of this city is something I won't miss.  I WILL miss the company I have had while I was here as well as the places and sights visited.

So long, Chicago.  It has been a wonderful, fulfilling experience. 

Take care, my friends.

Alan