Bust out the lights, red lipstick, and jazz hands, I’m going to Chicago!
Having only traveled to Chicago once before, I feel like I am going to be able to redeem my first experience by actually being able to see the city… even if only for a day. I’ll be speaking at the Evangelical Covenant Youth Workers Connection this weekend and I’m excited to encourage, equip, and empower the leaders of the next generation.
Being that it’s my first time speaking in Chicago, I’m wildly nervous. And when I’m nervous I talk a lot. And when I talk a lot I’m annoying. And when I’m annoying no one wants to talk to me. It’s a vicious cycle I hope to break in the windy city of Chi-town.*
I’m also posting this here because I would love to [shamelessly] solicit prayer. I’m teaching a workshop on telling your story, and right now—in this moment—my story is the very thing I want to run away from. I want to be perfect and polished and pretty, but right now I feel like a juggling clown with really bad makeup. I will also be speaking on the closing Sunday night session and would be ever-grateful if you prayed I kept my marbles together. The last thing we need is for me to get emotional and turn into a weeping willow! Can I get an amen?!
Please add to your to-do list: Pray for Bianca.
If you’re in the Chicago area and have some MUST-TRY things to do or places to explore culinary cuisine, let me know. 😉
*Note to self: Discover why native Chicagoans refer to Chicago as Chi-town.
Oh Bianca! You MUST go to Giordano’s. Best pizza you’ll ever have – it’s the original, duh. Just… you know. Don’t eat it right before you have to speak, because you’ll need a small nap when you’re finished. 🙂
Praying for you!
Thank you SO much, Maria! I will have to use self-control while I’m gone because I heard the pizza is DANGEROUS! 😉 Can’t wait!
My to-do-list:
*Pray for Bianca.
CHECK!
Consider it done. 🙂
Thanks so much, Alexis! I appreciate it 🙂
I’ll be covering you this weekend in prayer sis!
YOU’RE AWESOME! Thanks so much for the recommendations 🙂
I’ll definitely be praying for you!! Love you B!
Done and in the middle of all the craziness, dont forget to just have fun doing what you love to do!
I just prayed for you Bianca, and I would say try any Chicago Pizza. A def. must do and while at it, also take a huge nap after. 🙂
The art museum there is really cool and walking along the lake shore is frigid, but cool to be able to say you did it. I think there’s an observatory there that would be a great break from the chill. Enjoy Chi-Town 😉
will totally pray for you:)
I’m sure Matt suggested Cariboo Coffee. Will pray for you !
Love you, Lynda! You’re the best 🙂
You’re here!!! Well it’s great weather for us for January so I hope you get a chance to walk around and get some fabulous food! Giordano’s is good, but so is Lou Malnati’s! Check out Millienium Park if you can-have to take a pic of youself in the Bean!!
I’m sure you are and will wow everyone!!
Soooo……? HOW’D IT GO?!
Alright, this is going to sound like word-vomit, but I have to say it:
I first found Jasmine from a friend who was much into photography and followed J’s blog as well. From there, I found you. This past summer, I attended the Make Things Happen intensive, which J* has also attended before (not relevant, lol). There is a 15 year old girl who found me through following Lara Casey and MTH. She’s the most adorable, wonderful Christian girl. Said girl followed me on FB and Twitter for a while, read my blog, but only recently reached out for a more personal relationship. She out of the blue asked me, “Hey, are you interested in attending the Fix?” I was like, “Well, I wasn’t thinking about it, really…” (because I can’t afford it). Maybe a week later, I received her newsletter talking more about it, and felt a desire to go. I kind of think it was from God. That darling 15 year old girl, whom I have never met, bought my ticket.
The thing is, my passions are equally split between photography and ministry. I am definitely called to both. You know, if I had to pick two people to be career mentors/friends, I’m pretty sure I’d pick you and J* in a heartbeat.
Thing is, I’m not a wedding photographer. I’m called to document and tell redemption stories.
So, when I saw that your talk was about “Telling Your Story”… which is my heartbeat and calling…
Well, as unlikely as it may be that I ever get some one on one time with either of you, I can’t help but think that none of this is coincidence.
Welcome to CHI-TOWN! I have no idea why they call it that? Cant help but to feel a little gangsta when saying it though, haha. Girodanos and a picture with the Bean is a must-do in Chicago! Great shopping, fascinating museums, and incredible energy! I hope you get a chance to really enjoy the city. No doubt you will rock the workshop. Prayers headed your way!
I will pray for you but have no doubt you will do awesome! It’s kind of comforting to know that even though you do this a lot, (speaking at events) you still get nervous. I would love to learn to communicate more effectively and efficiently. Do you recommend any books or websites I can read? Btw recently found your website and enjoy reading it. 🙂