A Van, a Train, and the Winter That Came Back

Weekend in Chicago with Friends Who Pour Into Your Heart

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The Airbnb Retreat

Six of us packed into a van and headed toward Indiana Dunes with overnight bags, snacks, and the optimistic belief that one bathroom would somehow be enough.

(It was. Miraculously.)

We thought we were going on a simple weekend away.

I didn’t realize how much I needed to feel poured into — to be loved, seen, and reminded I have a community, even far from family. 

Being invited, thought of, included made my heart fill with gratitude for these women who create a small, sacred community in the middle of ordinary life.

The Airbnb felt like part sleepover, part retreat — six beds in one big room, a dart board, ping-pong, foosball, and just enough competition to keep us laughing. 

That first night we assembled a charcuterie board that looked far more curated than we intended. 

And because I had never seen Ferris Bueller’s Day Off — and had never been to Chicago — we decided it was only right to watch it before stepping into the city ourselves.

It felt important, even if only to justify our movie night.

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Chicago in February

The next morning, we caught the train.

Winter had returned.

Just days earlier it had been warm and sunny. Some of us packed with that optimism in mind. 

But the wind off the lake cut through our coats and reminded us February still had something to say. The cold was sharp and bracing — the kind that wakes you up instantly.

Chicago surprised me- in a good way.

The skyline rose against gray skies, bold and unbothered. We stood at the Bean watching the city bend around us in silver reflections. 

We also ate pizza at Giordano's that required two hands and absolutely no self-consciousness.

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Art, Jazz, and the Library

We wandered into Chicago Public Library- Hall Branch expecting quiet rows of books.

Instead, we found jazz — and a space that took our breath away. 

The floors were mosaic tiles, a Tiffany glass dome spilled light across the room, and jewel-like designs adorned the walls. 

Then The Art Institute of Chicago.

We lingered over Monet, stepping close enough to see individual brushstrokes, then stepping back to watch color blur into light and water. 

We even took a picture in front of the iconic beach scene featured in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, connecting the movie to the art we had just seen.

There’s something grounding about standing in front of art that has outlived generations. 

It slows you down. It reminds you that beauty takes time.

French Café & Pastries

Afterward, we found Lea French Cafe,  warm and charming. Some of our group warmed up with espresso and lattes, savoring the rich, comforting aromas. 

One of my friends, who grew up in France, ordered all the most delicious pastries, which we saved for our movie night back at the Airbnb.

Movie Night & Simple Joys

By the time we boarded the train back, our cheeks were wind-kissed and our feet tired in the best way.

That night we grabbed Chipotle, watched Anaconda (because sometimes a ridiculous movie is exactly what you need), made charm bracelets and tiny book charms like we were twelve again, and laughed ourselves nearly to sleep.

It was simple and perfect.

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Reflections on Friendship & Community

Sometimes it’s good to leave.

Not because home isn’t good.
Not because family isn’t enough.
Not because we’re running from anything.

But because being with community reminds you of the fullness of God’s love.

Being away from parents, siblings, and extended family can feel lonely sometimes. But this weekend, surrounded by women who love God, who laugh easily, and who create space for joy without competition, I felt poured into. Included. Seen. Loved.

Travel used to define our life. Now it punctuates it. 

It’s no longer the identity, it’s the reminder. Even a weekend away can leave you feeling lighter, refreshed, and more aware of the love that surrounds you.

Chicago was colder than expected. 

But my heart came home warmer.

Winter may come back. 

But so does joy.

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