Friday was another packed day.
We made our way through heavy traffic to a program called
Chicago Lights which is sponsored by Fourth Presbyterian Church in the Pilsen
neighborhood. The church is home to a great variety of programs, including many
geared toward the homeless and hungry who struggle to survive in one of the
wealthiest areas of Chicago. 
We were immediately put to work unloading and organizing food
for their emergency pantry. Deven
and Ronnie sorted through three huge bags of red potatoes, tossing out the ones
that were too squishy or gross to save. Hours later, they still smelled like
potatoes. Others organized cans on the shelves, pulling the older stock to the
front and adding the new cans to the back. Paul cleaned out and organized the
refrigerator and freezer. We left the small space clean, organized and
inviting. 
After stocking and cleaning the pantry, we moved to the
kitchen where we made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. They are given away
to adults who seek emergency assistance and are also given out to homeless
folks on the streets as an introduction to the many services offered at the
church.
We stopped for cupcakes at the Sprinkles bake shop which was
just a short walk and then traveled to an area of town that is home to many
Mexican Americans. We ate lunch at a taqueria then visited the Museum of Mexican
Art. The kids were struck by the bright colors used in much of the art work and
the powerful political themes portrayed.
We finally made it to the beach not far from the youth
center. It was a hot, beautiful day – the beach area was filled with every kind
of family.
We ate leftovers for supper and processed what we saw and heard
and thought about today. This led to a great conversation about racism and
faith and justice and friendship and hope.
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