I got a brand new....

My friend, Whitley, came up for the weekend from NC. We met in Chicago with 2 of my friends, Joel and Sharon, and saw some sights (Lincoln Park Zoo, Wrigley Field, Magnificent Mile) and ate some great food (Gino's East). Unfortunately, Whitley's luggage didn't make it to the baggage claim, so she ended up going without for almost 2 days (fortunately, Sharon had a few things). And even then, only one piece showed up. The other is still missing--so we're still praying. Not once did I see Whitley get upset or bent out of shape--it was educating to observe her kindness toward others while they were trying to find her luggage.
We then went to Grand Haven to see Lake Michigan because Whitley had never seen. She and I headed out Saturday night and, after walking the pier, wading in the lake, and grabbing a dinner, we finally had "the talk" and she consented to begin dating!! Yea!! Neither of us is over-excited to do a long-distance relationship, but we are excited about the plans that God has for us--both individually and together--and where He will take our relationship.
On Sunday/Monday, we made it to Gull Lake where we met up with my family and had a great time catching up, eating, attending a service, and being at the beach. The saddest part was driving Whitley to the airport and seeing her go back home.
I'll have some pictures up sometime this week when my girlfriend :) sends me some. She is an unbelievably wonderful godly woman (the kindest girl you'll ever meet) and I feel privileged to even know her--let alone begin dating.

Whitley just sent me a picture, so here it is. She's so great!