Uptown Guy

Yesterday my practicum group took the morning off from our jobs and explored the Chicago neighborhood Uptown for our end of the semester project. Uptown is a diverse neighborhood and home to some awesome community organizations. There you’ll find Jesus People USA, a Christian Commune in which all its members live in the same apartment complex and share their finances, the American Indian Center a place where natives can go to reconnect to their roots and enjoy pow-wows and meals together and Café Too a restaurant that trains and employs people who have battled homelessness, poverty and addictions (http://www.cafetoo.org/). I especially recommend the café – amazing food, great atmosphere and a wonderful program. “Change the world, one meal at a time” … Delicious!
Our group dined at Demera yesterday, an Ethiopian restaurant just 200 feet west of the Lawrence stop. They have a buffet from noon to four, Monday thru Friday. I loved it! For those who have never tried Ethiopian cuisine its mostly different stew-type dishes of lentils and veggies served on top of injera, a fermented sourdough bread that you scoop up the “mush” with (only use your right hand!) It was one of my favorite meals in Chicago so far, but not everyone shared the same enthusiasm. Rachel liked the flavor but not the texture, and Allison, according to her facebook status, “does not like ethopian food.” haha! Either way, we had a good time. (http://www.demeraethiopianrestaurant.com/)

Like the red line going north, Spring is moving very slowly in Chicago. A month ago it was warm enough to run along the lakeshore. Yesterday we had snow.

I can’t believe it’s almost April. I have a feeling its going to be a very good month: Tristan Prettyman concert on the 4th, Jason Mraz on the 9th, Tigers against the Sox at Cellular Field on the 19th and few Cubbies games in there. AND I just got word from work that I might be flying out to Cali for a few days to help shoot a commercial with Ryan and Sara Hall! So that would be incredible.

one more thing… HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY LAUREN!

Green Rivers and Grand Rapids

Saturday my roommates had some high school buddies in town – we joined up with our Chicago Semester friends Phil, Lauren, Jennie, Rachel, and Jessica, and headed down to watch the famous Chicago-river-turning-green spectacle. My roommates and many of my friends down here are from Illinois. They assured me this was something worth seeing.

Me: “I’ve never seen the Chicago River dyed green on Saint Pattie's day!”
Illinois People: “Oh – it’s awesome! You have to!”

We heard that the dying was supposed to happen at 10:30. I was in charge of breakfast for our group of ten before the dramatic greening of the river. I cooked eggs, pancakes, and veggie–soy-sausage… people ate the eggs and pancakes. :)

We made it to the river at 10:35, five minutes behind schedule, worried that we had missed the whole things. Thousands of people were gathered to witness this epic annual event – on top of bridges, in the road and along the sides of the river. There were bagpipers, men in skirts and green everywhere. It was a chilly day – I instantly regretted going without a hat and gloves. But we made it in time! And that’s what’s important.

So here’s what I’m expecting. After five minutes of waiting, horns and cheering and fanfare erupt as the river suddenly lurches forward in true tidal wave fashion. Green water splashes through the canal like a summer water slide and instantly the Chicago rivers glows bright green! It would be sudden, shocking and glorious!

Here’s what happened. After 20 minutes of craning my neck to see the river, clearly nothing had changed. After what felt like an hour of waiting, I began to wonder if the dark greenish tint in the river was the dye, and we had missed the whole un-impressive thing. Finally we spotted a bright green patch way up the river. It was not moving. We left our prized position on the State and Randolph bridge and walked towards the green. It was not moving. We got to the beginning of the bright green ink stain in the water, and it was still wasn’t moving. I stared at the water and realized it was moving… about 5 inches an hour.

Perhaps a college-educated person such as myself should have easily reasoned that dying a slow moving river like Chicago would be a long and less-than-dramatic process. Clearly, I did not. But by the mid-afternoon the river was an impressive sight to see! The process was less dramatic than I expected, but unquestionably “worth seeing.” I recommend arriving late. :)

On Monday my co-worker Michael and I took a quick road trip up to Grand Rapids for some work stuff. I had a few minutes to stop at Calvin, my college and soon to be alma matter. It was a blast to see everyone and catch up, but did remind me that I’m done with my formal classroom education at Calvin. Three and a half years went fast, and I miss being around friends in Grand Rapids…

… but I don’t miss mid-terms. Haha, enjoy studying guys!

26.2

Long time, no update. Here’s what’s new.

First, I promised an update on work. I’m interning at the World Vision Central Region Headquarters building in Chicago, working with media, communication planning and Team World Vision. TWV is a national program that raises funding, awareness and hope for the world’s most vulnerable children. Last year, TWV raised more than a half million dollars from 500 runners. This year, we’re looking to raise close to a million dollars.

There’s a lot of excitement in the office this week - Olympic gold hopeful Ryan Hall and his wife Sara joined the team! Ryan is the only American to ever run a half marathon in under an hour. Ryan and his wife are absolutely amazing people who have used their fame to glorify God and bring attention to the plight of children and communities in need.

With all the positive energy flowing around our project I coundn't resist getting more involved. Partner with olympians, get in shape AND help children in africa? Who could resist?

so… I’m running the Chicago Marathon! haha. 26.2 MILES!!

You may be thinking “Kyle, have you ever run more than 8 miles at a time?”

No, I have never run more than 8 miles at a time.
No, I have never run a marathon.
No, I don’t have a clue what I’m getting in to… but I think its going to be a good time.

If you’re into running and want to help to children in Africa, or (in my case) you just want to help and you’re up for an adventure, join our team. It will make your the top ten list of the most-awesomest-things you’ve ever done.

Team World Vision provides free training, guided weekly runs, and a steady stream of communication to keep runners informed and excited. For more information check out the expertly designed media (wink, wink) at www.worldvision.org/teamhall or email me at kvermeul@worldvision.org.

A motivating and touching entry from fellow blogger Sara Hall about Team World Vision
http://www.thefinalsprint.com/2008/02/sara-hall-legacy-team-world-vision-elite-athlete-blog-entry-2/.