Last night I went on a blind date that Jessica set me up on. My date's name is Angie, she is a sophmore here, a very kind young woman. She loves God a lot, you can just tell. So this is the story of our blind date and two thoughts that came from the evening.

We started off by picking her up at her room, Matt pretended like he was her date and then she saw that it was me, it was rather funny. I gave her three roses, I thought it would be a nice, gentleman-like thing to do. Our plans were to go down to the aquarium and then out to eat, but we (I did, since I was driving) got lost and didn't make it there with enough time so we parked at Navy Pier (rip-off). We would've taken the tram but it was full so we walked to the Rainforest Cafe in the ripping wind. Her hair kept blowing all over the place so she couldn't see, it was funny. We got to the Cafe and while we waited we looked at all the expensive crap they were selling (bag of rocks, only $6.95!!) and the aquarium in the walls. Over dinner I found out that this was her first date ever too, so both of us were nervous. When I am nervous I talk a lot, and I think when she is nervous she doesn't talk. So I think I talked way too much, but alas its in the past now, I can't change that. Then we walked down Michigan Ave. and talked and went into a few stores and bought dinner for a homeless lady (more on that later). We talked all the way back to Navy Pier and all the way to the end of it, inside of course. We talked about our testimonies and our families, it was cool. On the way back I got lost and took the LONG way home, whoops. Then we tried to go to a Starbucks but it was closed (at 10!!!) so we proceeded back to TIU. There we talked a little in her suite and then I went back to my room. Yeah, so theres the night. I think the total is now up to 7 people who have asked me about a second date and the answer to that is... its in God's hands. HA! But seriously here folks. I am not a man of great emotion, I don't feel sparks with girls or think about love at first sight. It takes me time to even develop feelings towards girls. Angie is a great girl and I hope to develop a friendship with her, and whatever comes, comes.

Two things that were on my mind as I was listening to Radiohead, The Bends and as I was drifting off to sleep. The secondary thought was regarding my future spouse and how much I can't wait to completely romance her and sweep her off her feet. Trust me, whoever she is, she is going to be treated like a queen. But the primary thing on my mind was another woman (gasp), Bonny, the homeless woman we met. Bonny was on Michigan Ave. begging near a Starbucks. I asked her if she would like to get a sandwich. As she picked up her few belongings I noticed tears running down her cheeks. So we went in and had everyone starring ar us as I bought her a sandwich, a large coffee and a cookie. She told us that she had quit smoking recently (I'm not sure why she told us, but she did) as she poured massive amounts of sugar and cream into her coffee. She sat down at a table with her stuff and I asked her if we could pray for her. She said she needed a place to stay for the night out of the cold. She held out her hands and Ang and I grasped them and I prayed for her. As we continued down the street I didn't say anything for a bit. Often when homeless people ask me for change and I offer to buy them a sandwich they decline and swear at me. It was so beautiful. I learned more things from her in 5 minutes than I learned from church this morning. Especially as we prayed for those who had "unhappy work conditions" and other suburban crap. I love my church here and at home, but I wonder where the ministry to the poor is. Please pray for the homeless during this cold, winter season. And if you get a chance buy a sandwich for them and pray with them. It will touch lives, it touched three lives last night. I love you all. Peace.