Life is full of setbacks...

So, the other day, I applied to work at a yoga clothing store. Random, but this place is seriously hip. Here's what I wrote in my application:



Hi! My name is Les Rorick.



First, a story: Last week, I was riding home from the Magnificent Mile atop my trusty steel bicycle. It was dark, drizzling, and colder than I had dressed for. As I started down Walton, a street unknown to me, I shivered, hunched my shoulders and furrowed my brow - all unconscious reactions to the falling rain. My whole body was full of angst; my spirit, frustration; my mouth, grumblings. Usually, I love bike riding, but tonight brought some unwelcome obstacles. And then, I saw it. Bright white letters glowing off of the water droplets, “Life is full of setbacks. Success is determined by how you handle setbacks.” “Yeah!” I thought, “I’m not going to let this rain get me down.” I read on, “Breathe Deeply.” “Yeah!” I agreed as I slowly passed, trying to read more. Finally, I just stopped and stood there in the rain, reading quote after quote after quote. A rush of inspiration filled my spirit with happiness, which I had not pursued, but certainly had found. I walked around the building, but couldn’t figure out what it was all for. “Why are these quotes here?” I wondered. The store had clearly not opened yet, but I decided it was very kind of them to thoughtfully remind us driven city-dwellers of these deep truths about life. For the last week, as I've been cleaning my new apartment, each time I go to wipe the counter, I remember that someone will inevitably make a sandwich on it. So, I bought a lemon to make my own cleaner, and also to add to the copious amounts of water I’ve been drinking, to keep the brain sharp. Today, on Craigslist, when I came across this job opening, drooled over the recruitment advertisement and followed the link to Lululemon's webpage, the universe made sense and everything was connected: “It was those pink and white quotes that I saw!” This is the store! And they’re hiring?! Happy day!



Now, for the traditional cover letter:



Les Rorick

839 N Sacramento Blvd, #2A

Chicago, IL 60622

714.595.8654

les.rorick@gmail.com



November 06, 2009



Lululemon Athletica



To the Human Resources Office,



I am writing to find out if I am perfect for any job openings you are currently hiring for the brand new Chicago location.



I am new to the city, as a bit of an adventure, and in pursuit of my dreams and goals. I have not had much experience with yoga, but running, cycling, swimming, rock climbing, modern dance, swing dance and musical theatre are high priority activities for me.



Working in educational and customer service positions in the past, I have found that I am very good at helping people learn about and achieve what they want in an orderly, timely and pleasant manner. I have made it a point to never let a customer or student leave my presence without getting their question answered, and if possible, helping him or her feel good about the options, decision or purchase before them.



I am very interested in discovering more about the Lululemon Athletica employment opportunities, and excited about the prospect of helping residents of Chicago achieve their goals and stay active. Thank you for your time and consideration. If you would extend to me an invitation to interview, I would be most grateful.



Sincerely,



Les Rorick



Enclosure: Resume





They also want you to list some of your goals, since they are very serious about goal-setting. Here’s what I put.



Goals:



1 Year

Personal: Transition well into Chicago. Improve my community.

Health: Sweat everyday.

Career: Maintain a steady job that can support my goals of engaging in the theatre world as an actor.



3 Year

Personal: Read 2 books every month.

Health: Stretch everyday.

Career: Enter my first year of a graduate program in Acting.





10 Year

Personal: Ride my bike across the United States, again.

Health: Actively participate in dancing, cycling and stage combat.

Career: Begin fourth year of tenure-track position at a university, while acting in or directing productions on the side.



---------------------------------------------



Now, I know what you’re thinking, especially if you’re a male and especially if you’re my dad. "A YOGA STORE!??? Are there many men that even work at yoga stores?" My response to all of you dissenters: No, but there are a whole bunch of single women! Just kidding. But seriously.

I never did hear back from them. I thought my little anecdote was clever.

Thanksgiving Time

My Humboldt Park


I'm thankful for the adventures I've experienced this last month. And for the people who have been a major support to me, both in Chicago and from afar.

Adventure 1: Willis Tower Climb

A few weeks ago, I climbed the Willis, formerly Sears, Tower, with my friend, Alicia. It was 103 flights. It was a lot of fun. Once we got to the top floor, we went out on what is called the "Sky Deck," which includes glass boxes that stick out from the side of the building. So, we danced on the box and got our picture in the Sun Times news paper!

Pre-Climb

Start to Half-Way

Finish?

Adventure 2: Swing Dancing Exchange in Peoria

A gathering of 40-50 swing dancers from all of the Mid-west came together in the center of Illinois to do back-to-back dance parties. On Saturday, I danced for 12 hours. Swing dancing is the best.

Adventure 3: Chicago Critical Mass

Just about 200 cyclists took to the streets on Friday night, to spread cycling cheer. The ride was just over two hours, and included the Magnificent Mile shopping district. Shoppers were enthusiastic and entertained by the tall bikes, strange costumes, occasional dance break and trailer mounted boom-boxes.

Proceed...

Showcase. Last Friday night, I performed my scene from Tennessee Williams' Auto-Du-Fe. In fact, I performed it twice. Once on stage, and then once in a smaller classroom for an audience of three, because shortly after I finished it the first time, my friends came in and said, "Hey, when do you go on?" My scene partner and I didn't mind performing it again. And the second time was way better than the first.

Dinner with my Kind. When I first arrived in Chicago, I met some 'theatre people' who graduated from Wheaton. On Sunday, they invited me to their house to eat Indian food and meet more of their friends. What an incredibly delightful evening. The food, for one thing, was delicious. Who knew a bunch of Anglos could replicate the flavors of Indian food so flawlessly? Even the rice pudding and chai was perfectly matched to tastes of India. The conversation was equally fantastic. It was so good to talk about theatre with other thespians. It was amazing to laugh at acting jokes, run around the room wearing masks (seriously), and just be plain goofy---all while drinking wine and speaking in British accents. The one attendee who is originally from England, well, he spoke in an American accent. It was hilarious. I can only imagine what we must have sounded like to him. At the end of the night, I was so happy feel at home among my own people.

Job Hunting. Most of my waking hours have been dedicated to job searching. I have an interview next Wednesday. Please pray for guidance and provision.

I love you guys, especially my friend Boaz who reads this blog, even though he is in Chicago, and can just ask me what's going on in my life. :) I love you, brother.




An old video, when Ross and I were still together and when the Fall weather just started to show.

November ReNEWal.

Lots of New.

I moved into a new apartment.  The address is 839 N Sacramento Blvd, Apt 2A, Chicago, IL 60622.  My fantastic new roommates are Ryan and Chris, both Christ-followers.  Also, both drummers, both night owls, both sources of uncontrollable laughter.  Please pray for a dynamic, strong community.

One night after moving into this new apartment, ROSS was stolen!  My baby, my girl, my bike.  Gone, into the clutches of some greedy theft.  Pray for him/her.  Pray for justice.  But, in this, God showed himself.  His character was displayed in the generosity of a handful of my California friends, that pooled money together and sent me money enough to buy a new bike.  I am so grateful for their kindness and Divine provision, through them.


I am currently job hunting.  I have been working for the catering company on nights and weekends, but now realize I need a consistent day job.  In order to do this whole-heartedly, I have sadly, and painfully put ALL of my acting pursuits on hold.  No auditions, no researching MFA programs, no memorizing monologues, no networking - not until I have secured some financial security, that will allow me to flourish in the acting world.  Please pray for provision and trust as I search and wait, as it is easy to get discouraged.

Tonight is my acting showcase!  I've been taking an 8-week acting class at ActOne Studios, where I have learned a lot about the acting craft, sharpened my skills and was supremely affirmed in my ability to be an actor.  After this, I will be stepping away from the theatre world to find a job.  My performance tonight is my offering of worship, for these last 8-weeks, and really, for these last 4 months that I've been in Chicago.  It feels strange that the Lord is asking me to sacrifice it all on the presipice of my offering, but I trust in the God that sends angels to deliver rams in bushes, and Kings on crosses.


A quick note about the fall: It is beautiful.  My new apartment is right next to a huge park, so there are lots of leafy trees to show off just what cold mid-western weather can do.

Adventure is always close at hand: In just over a week, on November 15th, I will be climbing all 103 flights of stairs in the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), which is the tallest building in North America. It is a fundraiser/charity event for the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. If you would like to contribute, even $5 or $10, please follow this link. I committed to raising $100, so please spread the word to your rich uncles who might be interested in supporting this cause.

Finally, I love you all.  Thanks for your support and prayers.  I love getting post-cards, phone calls, letters, text messages, homing pigeons.  So, please, don't stop reaching out to me.  I need the support and help.  Transition is hard, but it's good.  This is the space between the logs.

Boggle night at the new apartment.

les.

Overdue, Chicaguuu.

whoa!  it's been weeks since a Chicago post took up residence on the lesinchicago blog.  in my defense, i was not in Chicago for the first two weeks of September, and you can't post blogs about being in Chicago, when you are in Colorado or California.  it just ain't right.

So, I created two, single-use blogs where you can hear about my traveling adventures: http://lesincoloradoinseptember2009.blogspot.com & http://lesinfullerton,whichyoumightthinkisredundant,sinceilivedtherefor24years,butthistimeiwasjustvisiting,whichisastrangeexpereince.  ps. if the links don't work, it's because the web-addresses are completely forged.  i did not create new blogs for my two-week vacation from Chicago.

if you want to hear about those two trips, send me an email (les.rorick@biola.edu), give me a phone call, text, fb message and i'll share with you.  if you want to see pictures from those two trips, check out my facebook page.  if we aren't facebook friends, who are you and why are you reading my blog?

meanwhile, back in chicago...

once i landed at Midway Airport (of which, i am a huge fan, especially compared to the mammoth O'Hare Airport), i dragged my checked luggage to the elevated train stop, because public transit in Chicago is awesome and doesn't require you to ask your roommates to pick you up from the airport at 2 in the morning.  i then stood at the elevated train stop for about 15 minutes before i realized that the train stopped running at 1 and won't start up again until 4 AM, because CTA is not as awesome from 1 - 4 in the morning.

I briefly considered waiting it out, snuggling up with my bags for a little nap, but came to my senses and hauled my heavy, awkward-shaped belongings up the stairs, over the tracks, and on to the closest bus stop (the owl bus-route runs through the night).  leaving the airport, i saw a sign that had a few options for passenger drop-off.  i waited a little while next to that road, to see if anyone would take me up on the offer to "kiss 'n' ride."  no takers; i got on the bus.  a few hours later, i was in my chicago bed.  strange.

after resting from the whirl-wind wedding weekend tour, i jumped back on the trail and continued my journey and exploration of this ever-strange city.  strange and beautiful, to quote aqualung.

i spent some time with chicago friends, cory, brandon & ali.  we ate tasty burgers from a joint called "choppers" and then made homemade shakes with ice cream, milk, and a blender (why did no one tell me shake-making was so simple?).  later, cory and i went on a photo-walk, where i realized just how much i love pattern and color.

for more inspiring urban photography, see my friend, jantzen's blog.

work:  i've served (blue plate catering) some really cool events since being back.  my favorites are: 1) a designer premier at nordstroms (we literally walked around the store and offered shoppers wine and artichoke dip), 2) a massive gospel church gathering in the Field Museum, and 3) an intimate 25 person wedding on the top of a 44 story building, overlooking the lake, city skyline, and navy pier fireworks show.

(© Michael Ochs Archives/Corbis)

play:  there is show headed to broadway, called Million Dollar Quartet, which depicts the night that Jerry Lee Lewis ("Great Balls of Fire"), Carl Perkins (original writer of "Blue Suede Shoes"), Elvis Presley (um...duh) and Johnny Cash met for an impromptu jam session at Sun Records in 1956.  i got to watch this show last week.  It basically sent me into shock with it's brilliance, execution and volume.  The show is a brilliantly-scripted tribute concert, performed by truly inspirational artists-actors.  i loved it.

work-play?:  i'm in chicago to pursue theatre.  for now, i want to act in some plays, then get an MFA in Acting or Directing (possibly in Chicago), then teach, act, direct, love people, appreciate beauty, and make disciples until the kingdom comes or i go looking for it on the other side of death.  so, in order to be in a play, one has to audition.  and audition, i did.  i sat nervously in a room, yesterday, trying to remember a monologue i once performed in a play, and dying for the process to be over.  thankfully, it didn't take long.

once inside the audition room, with the auditors staring at me, i completely forgot everything, including the name of the play, and utterly botched my audition.  however, this did not leave me too bothered.  i acknowledged the obvious: my heart was not in it.  i really wanted to get my "First Chicago Audition" out of the way, so i tried out for a show i'm not really excited about...and, as mentioned earlier, failed miserably.  of course, i don't know that.  i could be called back for a second audition, in which case, i would probably run the other direction, because the people offering me a call back would have to be insane.  and if i worked with them, that would just be too many insane people in the same room.

and so, i'm gathering my sanity, gathering true desire to be in a play (which will serve as motivation to actually TRY to get a role) and then gathering Chicago credits, so i can expand my influence as a Christ-following artist and teacher.

if my cataloguing of chicago experiences starts to wane like it did these last few weeks, give me a call, text or email, and i'll dish one up for you and possibly the general public, on this here blog.

thank for reading.  i love you guys.  except the creep-o who isn't even my facebook friend.

ps. it would be an injustice if i did not show off the cuteness of my nieces:

august takes form

Lincoln + Douglas Debates

    Illinois is the "Land of Lincoln."  We are very proud that this great US President was raised and served in Illinois before taking office in the Executive Branch.  Anyway, before doing so, he debated with a fellow named Douglas.  At the Harold Washington Library (a great big, beautiful library in the middle of downtown), two actors re-created a portion of the debates and then improvised a Q&A session, entertaining questions like, "Mr. Lincoln, what was your wife Mary's favorite color?" or "Mr. Douglas, what would you have done differently if you were elected President?"  I was amazed at the factual knowledge that these two impersonators inter-wove into their responses.  When I took a picture with them, they kept giving me a hard time about pictures taking too long to take and develop.  I, with the help of Canon, showed them!

Audacity

    Raul's brother, Thomas, is the drummer for a loud band called Audacity.  They are on their second tour, which included a stop in Chicago.  In addition to hosting five guys in our living room floor for a few days, we all went to their show to support them.  Like I said, it was loud.

Sparkling Clean Apartment

    If there is anything I love, it is spotlessness.  One morning, I decided to deep clean the bathroom.  The morning somehow became the afternoon and after five hours of the most thorough cleaning of my life, the bathroom sparkled.  I was proud.  And I smelled like bleach.  But I was proud, nonetheless.

Let August Ring

Act I, Scene 1

Saturday

• went to Oak Park (quaint suburban town) with Raul.  Ate at a trippy Italian, Creole, Jamaican restaurant.  I ate an oyster.  That was a first.  It was weird.

• Dream of Gerontius (a symphony about a man's experience of death and purgatory) with Alisa & Lisa.
  

Sunday:

• Raul’s Birthday - lots of candles. lots of pizza.  lots of love.

Monday:

• Aquarium - I saw dolphins, balooga whales, and lots of fish.  My favorite part of the day was sending pictures of the sea creatures to my niece, for her enjoyment.
  

Tuesday:

• Worked with Kelly - Tuesday & Thursday, I got temporary work with Legal Helpers (where Raul and Kelly work).  Highlights include, 1) holding $2,000 cash, 2) meeting a woman who was trying to secretly file bankruptcy on her husband's debt, just before she divorced him, and 3) reading two books, drinking Iced Tea and listening to Enya, because that was the hardest part of my day.

More Bike Love

I just found out that my bike is pronounced Röss, like "Rose," not "Ross." So, she is a she.

Still very much in love.

July's Dynamic Finish, Act II

Scene 1: Wednesday

• listened to an incredible, free, Piano concert @ the Chicago Cultural Center , aka my favorite building in Chicago so far.  The pianist was extremely talented.  The music was classical and beautiful.
• went to our Wednesday night ritual, Man Night.  With a familiar "growth group" flare, us guys, usually Mogan and Chris (see picture), Raul and myself, sit down with some Mexican food and share a fraction of our present lives and struggles, followed by prayer.

Scene 2: Thursday

• Dave, an associate pastor of Missio Dei, offered to buy me some coffee and swap stories.  We went to a hip cafe called Ipsento.  (Tour Life guys, this is the place.  It's ready for you to come visit.)  In talking with Dave, my appreciation for this local church has grown.
• I visited the closest theatre to my apartment: The Chopin.  It has been owned by a Polish immigrant named Zygmundt, for 30 years.  He was delightful and gave me a tour of the entire building.  I will be looking for shows to audition for at the Chopin.
• At night, I traveled to Northwestern University (a prospective school, by the way) to watch my first musical in Chicago, Girls v. Boys.  It was so very, very good.

Scene 3: Friday

• Helped Rob, the photographer from Jantzen's wedding and my ride home, move to a new apartment.  First, Haha.  This story must begin with laughter, because it certainly didn't end that way.  Thursday night, Rob and I were texting salutations when I offered to help him with the move the following morning.  He was shocked, since we had only met a week earlier, but grateful for the help.  Friday morning, I showed up at Moody with a book and waited for Rob to return with the U-haul he went to pick up.  Minutes later, Rob returned.  No u-haul.  He said he visited two u-haul stores and both were completely empty.  Gosh, what happened to U-haul?  This recession must have hit them hard.  Um, no, we came to find out.  The last day of the calendar month hit them hard.  Everyone in the city was moving.  For the next 2 hours, we called EVERY, no kidding, EVERY truck rental place in Chicago: Penske, Budget, Ryder, Home Depot, and all remaining U-hauls. The response: No trucks.  Who would have thought that so many Chicagoans relocated on the last day of July?  Not us.  So, after our initial defeat, we decided to grab some food, to recharge and reorganize the battle plan.  At Lalo's Mexican Restaurant (supremely tasty Mexican food buffet for only $7), we decided that Rob would start taking smaller car loads, as I waited at Home Depot for a truck to be returned...which, was a long shot, but our only option, since Rob had to be out by midnight.  I cozied down with a book in front of the rental booth.  Rob left.  Out of pure pathos, I'm sure, the man behind the counter got on the phone and started calling all of the Chicago Home Depots, asking, "Hey man, do you got any trucks?"  After each call, I would glance up with a obligatory, "thanks for asking...again" nod.  Until..."hey, brotha, I got you a truck."  "Yeah?"  "Yeah, but you gotta go get it.  It's down town.  They'll hold it for 15 minutes."  "Thanks."  I was out the door and on the phone, calling Rob to come pick me up, so we can get on the freeway and claim our coveted flatbed.  Smoke shooting from his tires, Rob slowed down just long enough for me to get the door open and one foot in, then, woosh, up the street to the freeway entrance, a quick left, zero to sixty up the on-ramp and then---gridlock.  Welcome to Chicago.  We kissed bumpers and brake-lights all the way to our exit, but somehow got there in time.  They gave us the keys and we parked our flatbed in the Moody parking lot.  But the story does not end there.  The laughter had only just begun.  We enter the apartment building to find that the freight elevator is closed for servicing.  "NOOOO!"  we cry up to the fourth floor, as we size up the 2 sofas, 2 mattresses, and a bed frame, against the narrow stairwell.  It doesn't matter.  There's no other choice.  After lots of sweat and unthinkably weak forearms, we fill the U-haul with load #1.  Satisfied with our accomplishment, the laughter returned, accompanied by total unbelievability at the amount of obstacles we faced.  I guess the we ended with laughter after all.  Rob, it was a delight to adventure with you again.  
• Then, I went Swinging.  Although my arms were dead, I still had some leg power, which took me to Grant Park, where the Chicago SummerDance Festival was well underway.  Live music and lots of Swing Dancing filled my heart with utter joy as the sun set behind the gorgeous Chicago buildings.  I did have lots of fun, although, I truly missed dancing with the familiar friends from Fullerton.  I'll be seeing you all at Memories on September 14th.
  

Postlude Video:



Curtain.

Thank you for watching.

July's Dynamic Finish, Act I

What an adventurous week.  Here's the scene break-down:

Scene 1: Sunday

• bought bike (in case you didn't figure that out from the "I Found Her" video) & helmet 
• went to church (Missio Dei - Wicker Park), which I am thoroughly appreciating
• asked God (ie. prayed) for provision in theatre pursuits...see Monday for results!

Scene 2: Monday

• got headshots taken (ie. pictures of myself to give to casting directors). Pictures forthcoming... 
• went to a panel discussion of "Directors on Directing lecture.  I met inspiring directors and got some good advice and a few contacts.

Scene 3: Tuesday

• bought plane ticket to visit Fullerton, CA !!!  Mark your calendar: September 8-14.
• Watched a final "farewell" symphony with Justin Botz.  This old Biola acquaintance, new friend of mine has been such breath of fresh air.  We spend many hours exploring Chicago and talking about "finding ourselves and finding God."  Now, he's heading back to California to follow God's leading.  I'm going to miss you, man.
• enjoyed "Family Dinner" (a Tuesday ritual) at our friend, Lisa's house. Mac & Cheese.
  

I love Chicago.

End of Act I.


INTERMISSION.

I'm In LOVE!

I FOUND HER!!!!

Jantzen gets married

The Road to Wisconsin

Last Wednesday, Jantzen and I drove from Chicago to Neenah, WI, where his (then) wife-to-be spent much of her childhood.  Jantzen's family and the wedding party slowing trickled in, bringing a great deal of excitement, laughter and absurd group games to fruition.

Bachelor Hike & Cheese Factory

On Thursday, Jantzen's brother Jerome did a phenomenal job of putting together some activities to commemorate Jantzen's final day as a bachelor.  We drove up to Lake Winnebago (at one point on an unpaved road...by "accident"), until we got to a serene trail head.

After hiking for a bit and coercing Jantzen to prove his macho-love for Jessica (see video), we had Jantzen jump from a tree branch into the arms of his groomsmen, to communicate his trust and our willingness to support him through uncertain times.  Actually, we just wanted to razz him a little because he was getting married the next day, but the "trust-fall" excuse really came in handy.

After hiking, we headed to a cheese factory, which is a rare find in Wisconsin. *cough* But really, the cheese was delicious, except the squeaky cheese, which I did not care for.  Also, did you know you can make Fudge Cheese? Of course not, because you can't.  But Wisconsin can.  And as weird as it sounds, they do a pretty good job of it.

After that, we went out to a lake, made Jantzen open a few faux gifts (one of which contained our lunch), and spent a few minutes talking about and praying for his married life.

Ceremony & Reception

On Friday, we slept in, dressed up, strutted around Wal-Mart with our tuxes on, and made our way to the church where the Loza union would be declared.

The pre-ceremony pictures were ridiculous and fantastic.  Some of which included a corn field, a giant fish mailbox, a playground and a *cough* broken slide.  Until the wedding began, the other groomsmen, Jantzen and myself sat in a room and (seriously) read scripture and prayed.  I love how God-centered my friends are.

Anyway, because Jantzen is a photography buff, he gave each groomsman a disposable camera, in order to take pictures of him and Jessica when they kissed during the ceremony.  That moment is forever immortalized.  Jantzen, you are a clever man.

At the reception, after a half-chicken dinner, excellent best-man/maid-of-honor toasts and some peculiar activity with a cake and a knife, the dance floor was opened.  The time that followed (approximately 4 hours) was an absolute party.  When Jantzen found out that his DJ was from a "Family Friendly" group called "Rock the Flock," and that they wouldn't dare play anything by Michael Jackson or Marvin Gaye, he was really concerned that the reception would be a flop.  The groomsmen and I assured him, however, that we were going to make the most of a hyper-conservative, Christian music dance party.

And make-the-most, we did.  Whenever something cheesy was said, one of us yelled out (usually me), "Rock the Flock!" in utter mockery and ironic support.  The more cheese, the more outrageous laughter!  And we all know, Wisconsin has a lot of cheese.  We did interpretive dancing, scottish line-dancing (kilts and all) and even limbo (special thanks to the bar tender for letting us use her broom handle).  Toward the end, the DJ played the hardest trasher-Christian-rock I have ever heard (and didn't know existed).  Each song became more and more un-danceable.  But we pressed on, until finally the towel was thrown in and the flock couldn't rock any longer.


Car Decoration

Following clean up, the wedding party headed out to the parking lot to let our creative energy have a go at Jantzen's and Jessica's get away car.  We tied on balloons, attached bottles to the back bumper, and tagged up the windows with lots of cutesy marriage phrases.  The car was a masterpiece.

Then the whole gang, minus Jantzen and Jessica of course, drove over to Perkins (owned by the same company as Marie Calendar's) for a late night snack.  Upon returning to the hotel parking lot, where Jantzen's car was located, Jerome and I found that the rain which had started only minutes before, had completely stripped away any trace of attractive decoration, leaving only a gloppy mess in it's place.  We were devastated.

The next morning, as the photographer, Rob, and I were getting ready to head back to Chicago, we came across Jerome in the parking lot re-doing the car decorations.  This guy really was the best man!  Rob and I were happy to help Jerome redeem the disaster, so that Jantzen and Jessica wouldn't be left wondering why the wedding party trashed their car the night before.

The Road to Chicago


Rob and I headed back to Chicago, passing numerous farms, lots of dairy-producing animals, and sharing memories of Jantzen, our own life adventures and heartaches.

My wedding trip to Wisconsin was truly a happy time.  Patrick, Andrew, Jerome and I were so honored to stand next to our man Jantzen.  He and Jessica will do well, because they are obedient to the voice of Christ.  May your love be divine.