The Big Orange Mess...Takes Chicago

A few weeks ago, I was presented with the opportunity to go to Chicago with some great friends of mine. I was so excited to get this chance because I have always wanted to go, but as much as I wanted to, it didn't seem like a very logical decision for me. I just started my sesond session of summer school and going would mean that I would miss two of the first three days. As suprising as this may be, missing class just doesn't settle right with me. Therefore, I had to make a decision and I seriously went back and forth and as cheesy as this may sound, my heart was telling me one thing and my head was saying the other. I would have to decide between choosing the safe option or taking a risk. For many, there probably is no comparison, but with me it was a very hard dcecision (I even made a pros and cons lists). The point came to where I had to tell them a final decision and at one time I was dead set on not going. But, the more I thought about it, the more I realized what a great experience this can be. I realized that if I didn't take this chance then I would be sitting around regretting every minute of it...and what is life without taking chances..it's how you learn and grow. So, I made the final decision to go on the trip and I was filled with excitement once again.
  So we packed up and left on Thursday and stayed until that following Tuesday. Between those few days, there are so many adventures, stories, laughs, and inside jokes that were created, that I could seriously talk about it for quite some time. But, from the first day we were there, I knew without a doubt that I made the right decision. I fell in love with the city and I got to enjoy it with some incredible friends! One of the highlights of the trip for me was the day we were on the beach. I just sat there for a second, with the water in front of me, the city behind me, and my friends next to me, thinking about how peaceful it is right now and how very fortunate I am to be there.
  The more I think about the Chicago trip, the more I think about a message I heard in church a few weeks ago...how every decision can affect your life in some way. I think about the fact if I made the decision to stay, how I wouldn't know these inside jokes, I wouln't have these stories to share, or I wouldn't even be friends with Sam. But, I believe I was presented with this opportunity in order to take a chance and live life to the fullest. Chicago Roadtrip 2011 was one of the best roadtrips...I love Chicago, but honestly I think it was the people I went to Chicago with that made it worthwhile. I know I can look back on this summer and know it was one of the best I have had. Chicago...a trip like no other!

This is a small glimpse into what our week in Chicago was like...