5 Amazing Weeks in Chicago

God opened the opportunity for me to go to to Chicago for 5 weeks from the beginning of March through April 12th. I was able to serve at the IBLP Headquarters for 1.5 weeks, as well as visit my brother-Daniel (who has been working there since January 2012). It was so good to be able to spend quality time with him--the first in nearly that much of time.

It snowed while we were there, and a bunch of the guys made a fireplace..

Another view...isn't it neat?!

Our cousin-Natalie hosted a Black-Tie fundraiser for the St. Jude's Children Hospital,  which Daniel and I had the opportunity to go to... It was a lot of fun, as I had only a couple of hours to find my entire outfit at the Thrift Store!!! (for less than $20!!! woohoo!)

I very, very much enjoyed my time there at HQ, where I worked mainly in the Shipping department, fulfilling orders. I worked right next to Daniel's division, where he is manager of the Call Center, which was kinda fun!!

In The Gap Ministry Training

My dear friend Amy and I (poor dear sprained her ankle badly..)

After that, I went through their 'Vessels of Honor' Program, as the oldest of 13 girls, ages 12 through 19, acting as the unofficial assistant as well...which was fun. It started out with a Journey to the Heart, which was such a special, meaningful time with my Jesus and I.

Mr. Gothard, my dad, and Mr. Zeisemer all prayed over me and anointed me with oil again for ministry. Daniel was also there, which was very special. God wants us to ask the impossible in His name, and I felt prompted to ask Him to give me 10,000 disciples for Him in my lifetime. That number is not one that I can reach myself, but by God's grace, I know He can work that through my obedience to Him.

During VOH, I stepped up to the plate as the 'unofficial assistant', which was a lot of fun. As I thought, VOH was a really good summary of feminine and Kingdom building skills, and though most of it was a review for me (thanks to my amazing parents), there was something new to be gleaned in each class. God worked a lot in my heart during that time as well, including helping me get more readjusted to life in the US.

Classes included cake decorating, baking, sharing the Gospel effectively, scrapbooking, makeup, hair, and clothing workshops, Bible meditation and memorization, health and nutrition, First Aid, hair cutting, proper etiquette, banquets, and much more.

Bread Baking Class

We went to the Shedd Aquarium, as well as The Bean in downtown Chicago, which was a lot of fun... I love frogs, and so these blue ones held particular interest.

Do you see the 3 hidden fish? (Sorry the picture is blurred...blame it on the water/glass. ;p)

Our group of girls with Kendalyn Staddon...what fun!

There is so much I could tell about my time at HQ, but the main thing God showed me is how very, very much He loves me, and how much He is in the 'perfecting' business.... When we let Him mold us into His image, then we can be His vessels unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work. (2  Timothy 2:21)

We serve an awesome God!!!

Because of His Grace,

Sarah Hope