January 20, 2001: Thoughts

I was reading the book about Hunter Tylo’s life and focused on her walk with God.  Anyway, something she wrote really hit me.

I couldn’t sleep all night as I was thinking about all of the people I have met over the years in Chicago. Then, I thought about what to do about Dawn or whether to write her a letter. Something told me I needed to go to Park Community Church. Even though I didn't care for the church, I went anyway.

Saw Linda Davis there and she said she printed out my email about sticking up for myself with regard to Liz and said God was working in me that day. Ran into Ashley Hall. She was getting married in 6 weeks to a guy who went to Park. She would be living on Surf St.
 
At the service, there were 2 girls talking about friendships. One girl said that she had been burned by so many friends. When she met her best friend from Park, it was wonderful. She was talking about how important your spiritual friends are.

The pastor, Ray, talked about the fact that it’s hard to find good Christian

friends in the city, as people move so much.  He said it’s important to have those spiritual friends.  The prayer he led was to pray for those friends who have wronged you and to heal the bad friendships either through calling them or writing a letter.  Ray also commented on how people often complain about the cliches at Park and wanted the church to be more diverse.  Wow, these are all the things I have said all along.  He also said people complained because he didn't talk with everyone, but said he was often shy.  A few weeks later, I talked with Molly Piersma who had written a letter to someone, but never sent it. It’s kind of a therapy for healing your heart.

January 19, 2001: Liz Daraskavich

My bible study, along with getting closer with God, had been helping me to grow. I had always had a hard time being assertive.



Liz Daraskevich (at work) really drove me crazy today at work. I was training Barb on Q-scan and Liz came up to me with this attitude about Mark going to yell at me for something. I went to Mark’s office to give him his status. He wasn’t mad at me at all. He asked who the next person he could yell at today. I gave him the dirtiest look. I told Jeanette that Mark needed a status. I said it nicely as I wasn’t going to stoop to Liz and Mark’s level.

Then, I went back to Liz and told her I didn’t appreciate her yelling at me as I was helping Barb. Liz went on saying that Mark yelled at her and I said that doesn’t mean you yell at someone else. She came to my cubicle later and apologized and told me what Mark said. She told me later that Joe gave Dawn a small ‘chip’ as an engagement ring. That was funny.

January 1, 2001: Train Ride Back to Chicago

Marianne and George dropped me off at the train station. It was still very cold outside. It was sad to have to go home, but in only a few months, I would be back in Michigan.

Chicago has been a great experience and I would never trade it for anything in the world.  But, I think it is nice to be near your family and friends.    As I have said before, Chicago is a fun place, but the people there seemed so lonely.   To me, that isn’t the kind of life I would want forever.  I need to be around people that love me.