Hey Friend.

It's funny the way we ended up.
I had no idea.
So here I am in my ironed shirt and my sweatervest.
I run.
There you are, trying to piece together what started to unravel when we were young.
I knew she would mess you up.
Here I am with a photo ID hanging around my neck, typing on my MacBook Pro.
I write.
There you are, yelling things to the world.
And Here I am, wishing I could love you in person.
Perhaps that's the hardest part.
There you are, living and struggling to feel beautiful.
Here I am, on the other side of the country.
3rd largest city.
It snowed today.
To tell you the truth, I miss you.
A lot.
And not because you make me feel like I've got things together, but quite the opposite.
When I see her, I get angry.
I try not to, but I love you too much not to.
So, I run.
I write.
December. I'll be back.
I promise that, friend. And we'll catch up.

Well,

Here is Life.
I'm tired but it is beautiful.
Notice the wind in the trees.
Notice the breath in front of you.
Notice the bruise from playing football in the mud.
Notice the shoes you're wearing.
Notice Life, please.
Thanks.

And for a Moment, the City is mine.

This is a random blog, but my brain is kind of fried from all the reading I've done. 6 books of the bible in 2 days.
It is such a good feeling to have a City like Chicago. To not just live there, but to have it.
I can live in Chicago and be here and write here and work here. But, when all the work is done and everything is getting quiet and a new day begins, it is good to have Chicago.
I've locked myself in the dorms for a few days now and I can't seem to break out of that zombie-like trance. It's as if I forgot who I was and what it means to live here. So now, I am ready for the day and I've taken a walk before breakfast. Imagine that.
I'm supposed to have a laundry party with Allie today, since no one is around. And a Great Pumpkin Party. Oh, joy. OH! I just realized!!
FALL IS HERE! And, it's October! Oh, the wonders of life that just popped into my heart as I saw this picture: Yes, the Joys of Life.
So, I just had to write it all down. Also, I am glad. Because in the middle of this newly-found freedom I am above-all excited for Jesus time. Oh, to read and write what I want to read and write about Jesus. My sweet Jesus.
None of this sillyness could ever amount to anything nearly as meaningful as Jesus. I am coming to understand, as of late, that I am His and He is mine. Oh, Jesus.
I am His and he is Mine.
And for a moment: The City is Ours!

Run/Walk.

I got a new pair of running shoes yesterday. So, today I broke them in. It's cold outside and the city is becoming my city. Kevin and I ran to Lakeshore, then along it for a while until Navy Pier and just sat looking out at the City.
There is a wrap-around the shore has and trees line these cinematic, long, paved paths to the Shore. Oh, the beauty of God is overwhemling and it felt to good to laugh and to jump and to run and to sit and to walk. Oh, to walk.
We probably travelled about 3 1/2 miles, but it was so worth it. I was sitting and listening to 'How Great is our God' by Bethany Dillon and 'We Fall Down' by Nicole Nordeman. The wind was blowing and I just breathed in Jesus. Kevin was off somewhere, and even if he had been right there, It still would have been just Jesus and I in that moment. Oh, my sweet Jesus.
So, as the wind blows in my city, I warm up and take delight in reading 2 Samuel.
There is nothing I want to do more.

Friends.

I'm really glad you're my friend, Kjieri.
haha...you might be the only one reading this, so...

Here are some reasons I am glad you're my friend
1. You talk to me, not just I to you.
2. You met me on the roof
3. You laugh at things I think are funny.
4. You are a joy.
5. Because we still have 2 years to go!