Hello Chicago
I can’t believe we are finally sharing this exciting news! It has been quite the journey to figure out where we will be the next few years and we are thrilled to announce that we are moving to CHICAGO! Chas got accepted into The University of Chicago’s Law School. He is disciplined, hard working, and pretty brilliant. I can’t wait to watch him thrive in law school. We serve a God of justice and I know wherever Chas ends up he will be working to serve those who have suffered from injustice.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous about this move (I’ve only had one meltdown so far… which is really good for me). I am very close with my family (we both are) and know that will be the hardest part about leaving, but my sweet husband has been so encouraging and continues to remind me that the Lord is just as much in Chicago as He is in Dallas and that He has already gone before us. This brings me great comfort.
Psalm 34:4 says, “I sought the Lord and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Not just some, but ALL fears. Even this one of moving away from family for this season.
It will also just be a sweet time for the two of us to get to start somewhere new together.
Last spring we were gone almost every weekend visiting numerous law schools (he applied to 15 so hello road trips and long weekends!). In the end, we narrowed it down to Pepperdine in Malibu, California and the University of Chicago. Making this decision was not easy, but one we were so very prayerful about. As much as I know I would rather be living by a beach in Malibu in the month of January, we both felt so much peace about Chicago. So, if you’ve ever lived there or visited and have any favorite spots let us know! We can’t wait to continue adding to our bucket list. Also, this will be my first time to experience actual seasons (hello, winter) so if you have a favorite brand of coats, boots, hats, gloves, scarves, all the things that can survive a real winter help a girl out because I am going to freeze. But boy am I excited to see the leaves change in the fall, stroll the streets of Michigan avenue during Christmas, attend a Cubs game in the spring and enjoy a sunset on the beach in the summer.
Although I will miss my old friends dearly, I am excited to make some new ones here in Chicago! We met Lindsey a few weeks ago when we made a weekend trip to the Windy City and she was so sweet to take us around downtown and capture our excitement about our new city. If you live in the Chicago area she is such a talented photographer and sweet soul. We’re already planning a double date!
We are packing up all of our stuff in a U-Haul and making the drive to Chicago this weekend, so pray for us!
Chas and I are giddy with excitement about this sweet adventure and are thrilled to finally share it with you. I’ve been playing Frank Sinatra’s, “Chicago” all week and it just feels right.
bloom & grow forever,
Madeline & Chas
P H O T O G R A P H Y : L I N D S E Y T A Y L O R
So excited for you in this new adventure! You’re right – Chicago is an amazing city and God is doing amazing things there. I’m praying for you and wish you the best of luck!
Xoxo, Allison | allisonmessimer.com
Thank you so much for the kind words and prayers, Allison! We can’t wait! Hugs! Xx
You guys are precious! I know your families are so proud of you. I’m praying for every detail to fall into place!
You are so sweet, Mrs. Paulette! Thank you! We are grateful for your prayers! Hugs!
Yay you are going to be up my way!! Maybe I can see you sometime! And anything you want to know about winter and surviving it, let me know. 😘
Ms. G! Yes!! Come visit us anytime! We would love it! Hope you are well!
Both of you have expressed beautifully the feelings of your heart as you leave home to create a “new normal”!! The two of you can face any challenge that comes your way—with the Lord binding you together and holding you close to Him! This period of time in your life will bring some of your most precious memories!! You will make more “lifetime” friends and learn to survive in weather you are not accustomed to! We will miss the idea that you are “just” 6 hours away, but we realize too that there is “cell phone service” in Chicago!! Always remember how much we love you and that you are constantly in our prayers!! You will be leaving on your journey on our 56th Wedding Anniversary–a great day for your love and trust to grow by leaps and bounds!! Nana and Grandad
Thank you again for the sweet words, Nana! Hope we are blessed with 56 years like you and Grandad! Love y’all!
What a great adventure in your future. Congratulations to Chas for being accepted into such a prestigious school, what an honor. Your Nana kept the secret well, she didn’t mention it at all but how we can all celebrate with her and Ronnie. They have so much to be proud for with their outstanding children and grandchildren. Wonderful family. Wonderful Christian family! (I still think of you out in my little duck house when you were a pretty little tiny girl.) Love You, Mossy
Thank you so much, Mossy!! We are loving it so far in Chicago! Hugs to you!
Sounds absolutely wonderful! Wishing you two the best in this new chapter. Cheers!
Xo,
Emily | http://www.emilygodoy.com
Thank you so much, Emily! Xx, Madeline