Why I Moved to Chicago

Chicago:
Gabe Strom inspired me to write about why I moved to Chicago after I read his latest blog post. I have been living in St. Petersburg, FL for the past 7 years but after spending some extended time in Chicago upon my return from Uganda last summer I began to develop some very meaningful connections with people here.  Of course I've had a long-running relationship with Willow Creek Community Church (D.R. Teams Coordinator 2001-2003) and great friendships that grew out of my time with volunteers from Willow serving in the Dominican Republic.  Something began to stir in me.

Community Life:
A friend of mine then introduced me to Bill Barton, the director for an organization called Community Life. He was looking for someone to work as a Community Life Architect (CLA) in a largely Hispanic apartment complex on the border of Schaumburg and Rolling Meadows.  What is a CLA you ask?  Well, a CLA coordinates social activities that create community and connection for the residents.  They spearhead programs and offer resources that serve the needs of those within the community and most importantly they provide friendship, they are an advocate, a counselor and a mediator.   

I have a passion to help people discover, develop and employ their gifts, skills and resources in ways that will help eradicate every form of poverty throughout the world.   I love seeing people connected with one another in healthy ways; serving and learning from each another.  Up until now the focus of my passion for people and community development has been on the international front, but this new opportunity will help me to live out my passion each and every day.  Of course I will continue to serve international community through the work of INVISION GLOBAL NETWORK, but some of my time will be divided between the people we are serving throughout the world and those of Woodfield Crossing.