Days Off One & Two

Yesterday was our first day off in NYC and we headed to Times Square to have lunch and then enjoy a Broadway show. Half of our group saw the newly re-released Spiderman complete with high flying action scenes, and the other half saw How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying starring Daniel Radcliffe (AKA Harry Potter). It was a very fun and relaxing day to sleep in a little later and enjoy the actors' hard work.  

Today we woke up and headed to Hunter College on the Upper East Side to attend Redeemer Presbyterian Church pastored by Tim Keller. His message about the Trinity was awesome and really challenged us to look at Jesus' sacrifice and our purpose in a new way. After church, we wend to Little Italy to enjoy some authentic Italian food and some shopping in SoHo!

Work Day Five All Souls Friday Lunch

Today I set out with the Neon Green group (Broun & DeDe) to Manhattan to volunteer at All Souls Church that provides a Friday Lunch for the impoverished & homeless communities living in this affluent area. The ministry provides the people with a hot meal to eat there, one to go, and various other sides. But the one thing that is extra special about this soup kitchen is that it is run like a restaurant. The people come in and they are served by the volunteers and attended to as if they are paying customers. It is very unique in this manner because it serves the people and also respects their humanity and their dignity. 

After we served lunch and bused tables, we walked to Central Park to eat lunch and have some small group time before VBS. And along the way, we ran into Mr. Softee's, so we had to stop and get some ice cream.

The green group after lunch in the park!

Then on our trip to Harlem for VBS it started to rain and hail! But thankfully, it stopped soon so we were able to make it on time to be with the kids.

We arrived at the MLK Jr. Project Housing in Harlem where we met up with the Navy group (John T & Gina) to do VBS with the kids in the after-school program there. We sang songs, read a bible story, and did two different crafts. 

Today was another awesome day finished up with a moving talk by Anthony. He spoke about Luke 7:1-8 on the story of Jesus' amazement by the faith of the centurion. The Holy Spirit was present tonight and working in many people's hearts. Thank you so much for your prayers over our working portion of the trip. I know we are all looking forward to relaxing and enjoying the fellowship over the next few days. 

Work Day Four Meals on Heels

Today, I joined the Aqua aka "Fiji" group to participate in the Meals on Heels ministry in Manhattan. We broke up into groups of three to deliver meals to elderly people in the city. We each delivered meals to 9 people, walking from apartment to apartment. 

 

Many of the people were eager to chat as they do not get to travel outside of their homes very frequently. This lead to many interesting chats about the history of New York, trying times during 9/11, colorful life stories, and inspiring conversations. It truly was a wonderful experience for all of us and a great opportunity to meet and learn about these people. 

After we left, we went to a park in Hoboken near to our college where we got to spend time getting to know each other on an even deeper level. 

Thanks for all of your prayers! We can't wait to see what God continues to do on this trip. 

Work Day Three ELMCOR

Today I teamed up with Emily & Ernst's group, Ocean Blue, to go to ELMCOR. The ministry there that we got to experience was in sports recreation and we were able to help out in their basketball gym. 

The girls scrubbed the corners of the building & the boys cleaned the light fixtures.

Then after we finished that, we mopped the bleachers.

After we left ELMCOR, we took a trip to Central Park where we had a bit of a mishap. Kate accidentally chipped her front tooth!

But luckily, she was a great sport and it ended up being a funny experience for all of us.

The blue team being silly in the park

When we left the park, we headed to the Yankees game to meet up with everyone.

We had the opportunity to go to a rooftop patio and eat dinner looking out over a beautiful view of the city.

And we even got mini Yankees ball caps!

The Yankees played the Texas Rangers, so naturally we cheered for our Texas team. And made a lot of Yankee enemies! 

The boys were soaking up the New York sun.

 Then we travelled back to New Jersey after a long but fun day!