Chicago Weekend!

A few weeks ago I hopped on a bus to visit my dear friend in windy Chi-town. I love visiting Reena because it doesn’t so much feel like visiting, but living in Chicago for the weekend. We spent one day with an amazing group of teen girls in the beach sun and the next afternoon wandering around city blocks getting free rosemary cocktails (the bartender was trying out new recipes!) Reena has an incredible way of making everyone feel at home and loved for who they are. She is at the same time professional and spontaneous, sincere and free-spirited. 

Sherin, Reena's old sister, has been an inspiration and mentor to me since I was in middle school. She has been there for pretty much every major event in my life. While I was there Sherin decided to make a meal, a fancy meal, for her pastors. Sherin not only wanted to bless those around her, but make it the best, classiest blessing she could. (What an amazing inspiration!) So naturally, we utilized Reena's (omg! incredible) cooking skills and my (just-tell-me-what-to-do) waitressing skills.

Chicago has free movies in the park and I went to my first one ever: a Greece sing-a-long! Even though it rained, movies in the park are going to become a Kerry Wade summer tradition! 

Have I mentioned that I love cities? Here are some iphone photos of our wanderings. P.s. Isn't this bus shop cute?! Also, Stan's Donuts are the bomb.

Growing up traveling I decided that I would much rather spend money on experiences than things. Instead of buying mementos and clutter, I want to collect memories and photos. However, I have since changed this mantra to: instead of spending money on touristy/boring experiences, get food. As Reena reminded me, 50 years from me you will never regret the amazing meal you had today. So we took ourselves out to Longman and Eagle for brunch. YUM!

I hope you can tell that I absolutely love this girl. While catching up on life she encouraged me to let go and live in freedom. Growing up I created so many standards and rules for myself that of course I didn't live up to (Should have called that!). It is easy to unintentionally hold on to that guilt but Christ calls us to live in freedom. Life is so beautiful. Let go and live!