The Adventure Begins

Everything that could go wrong did go wrong. I have never encountered more reasons to quit something ~ it was as if all the fury of hell was being hurled at me in giant gobs. Problems cropped up in every conceivable corner. Car insurance paper errors on the part of the insurance company that resulted in my license and registration being called into question; broken teeth needing emergency fixing; car rentals that didn’t get released; monies that didn’t go through when they should and went through when they shouldn’t; sinus infections; medication for the sinus infections that causes tummy troubles; emails that were never received; room reservations that didn’t get reserved; ordered books that didn’t arrive – its enough to make a grown person weep!

After awhile it just got funny. With every new problem that arose, I had to laugh. All it did was confirm that I should go to Wisconsin and work on the projects scheduled – not just the coursework for my Master of Church Music degree, but also (and maybe especially) the singing at the cancer clinics both in Milwaukee and in Champaign Urbana. Why else would there be such resistance except that it is important?

So Sunday afternoon I found myself in Baby, my Malibu that I am now very grateful I had fixed, headed for Milwaukee. The late start due to trouble shooting as well as conducting one final service at church, meant that I would arrive in the wee hours of Monday, not something I was sure I could accomplish. I know full well that when the energy runs out, that’s it for me. My fall back plan was to get a hotel room and arrive late (gulp). Hopefully not too late to catch class since I will already be missing Tuesday’s class in order to return to Rochester and catch a seminary session.



Driving went relatively smoothly until I hit Chicago. In fact, I was surprised at how little traffic was on the road. Sometimes I didn't even see another vehicle for a good half hour. Chicago, though, that's another story. Not only was the traffic heavy, and the construction everywhere, but it started pouring down rain. In the dark of night, confined to one skinny lane surrounded by bright orange cones, tired and achy, it felt as if I was in some twisted unending nightmare.



I stopped to go to the bathroom and stretch my legs, grateful that my little umbrella was within easy reach and not packed in the trunk. One more hour. Already it is well after midnight. Fortunately the construction had ended once I entered Wisconsin - at least until I reached Milwaukee. Signs posted everywhere warned of roads closed and detours needed - could I get through? Would I be able to find my way if the normal route was blocked?



Later one of the other students told me they couldn't get on the expressway in Indiana due to flooding. Everytime they thought they had found a way, there was a police car barricading their way. It added several hours to their already long drive. Tonight I am blessed. My roads are all clear. The familiarity of the place encourages me. Only a few more miles and I pull into the front gates with the new security gate. I am here. I made it. Now all I have to do is get the poor RA out of bed to let me in. 3am. I can still get a bit of shut eye.