Chicago, IL

After I got the internship with LeaderTreks, one of the main thoughts in my head was "Where is God going to place me this summer?"  I thought he was going to put me in a place that's far away and foreign.  I thought he was going to ship me off into the wilderness and serve him there.  I was wrong.  He put me virtually in my backyard, Chicago, IL.  There is no doubt in my mind that this is the right place for me to be this summer.  The reason for my certainty is that this is what I'm dealing with here in Milwaukee.  I'm starting to see all of the poverty right here in front of my face and how much I haven't done to battle it.

Many times I've gone to Chicago and seen many homeless people begging for money.  The impression that I have of the neighborhood that I'll be staying in this summer, Lawndale, is that I'll be seeing people similar to the homeless of Chicago all around.  They won't be sitting in the streets with a cup of change begging but they will be in a similar situation as these people.  Here are some quick facts about Lawndale:

North Lawndale

• 45.2% of population lived under the poverty level in 2000
• Median household income = $18,342 
• 93.8% African American and 4.54% Hispanic
• 20-24 year old jobless rate = 59.4%

South Lawndale (Little Village)

• 40% population under age of 20
• 83% Hispanic, 12.9% African American, 3.52% White
• Median household income = $32,320
• 17.8% of population attended college

As you can see, both of these neighborhoods need help.  Whether it be with education problems or with joblessness.  We do not know as of right now what our project will be in the area.  Whatever it is, I'm sure that God will be with us.  

I ask that you keep on praying for this trip that I will be going on this summer both logistically and financially as I continue raising money to go on this trip.  Please keep in your prayers my schooling and time management as well as I am getting to be very busy this time of the year.  

God Bless, 

Donnie Bogle