Chicago is cool.

Last weekend was one of the most refreshing, enjoyable, and beautiful weekends of my young adult life. I never thought I would say this, but I love Chicago. I spent last weekend in the windy (and really hot) city and it was packed full yet surprisingly relaxing.

I got to take my buddy Eric as he was flying out early Saturday morning to spend the next 2 months in the Dominican Republic. I'm really proud of him for stepping out like this. I also got to catch up with one of my great friends from home, Adam. Then, the three of us met up with Teddy Friday night which meant we had 4 members of our 6-man high school crew. All 5 of these guys (Nate, Adam, Ben, Teddy, Eric) have become some of the best friends ever and I love any chance I get to spend with them.

Saturday was spent enjoying the day. After Ted took us to the Austin neighborhood (walking down the sidewalk here a guy drove by and shouted, "You're white!") to show us where he works with inner-city youth, Adam and I hopped on our bikes and headed downtown to Giordiano's Pizza.

It was here I met Chuck. I was first introduced to Chuck as I walked by him holding onto my bike helmet. He was sitting on a blanket with his bag beside him and he said, "Looks like you're missing a bike!" He was a friendly homeless man.

We went into order our pizza and were confronted with a 45 minute wait so I decided to join Chuck on the sidewalk in the sweltering Chi-Town heat. Chuck's story left me a bit shocked.

The following details were stated by Chuck. I believe him. You may not.

Chuck graduted from Northwestern and has a masters degree from Lawrence Tech. He is an electrician. (He said he "worked" for Bill Gates laying fiber optics a while back). He has been back home in Chicago for the past 8 years. He has 2 children and his wife divorced him three years ago, taking all of their assets with her. That's when things seem to really shake up for Chuck. He has been on the streets for 5 months. He uses his girlfriend's cell phone number and a church's address when applying for jobs. His mother has a home in Highland Park right on Lake Michigan (She lives down the road from Mr. T and in the same area as Michael Jordan). She does his laundry, but they don't have a real good relationship so he rarely stays there. He is hungry and thirsty and hot. He doesn't drink. He does smoke.

All this to say. He has a story. Quite an interesting story. I listened. I didn't know what to say. I probably could have said something better than I did. We went in and ate our pizza and brought him a slice of the deep dish goodness. He asked for a bottle of water (quite an interesting request from a homeless man). We got him one. I tried to love Chuck. I'm not sure how well I did. I just hope he saw Jesus in me.

The rest of the afternoon was spent meandering up the coast on the amazing bike trails. I soaked up every minute of this time and I hope to be back soon to do a longer ride.

Saturday night was spent with the amazing Birkey family (Noel was one of my roommates Senior year and one of my best friends).

Sunday morning was spent with Nate Baggett at Harvest Bible Church (the home of James McDonald). I really enjoyed it.

I headed home later that evening after seeing my boy Chacko at Noel's graduation party. A great weekend.